Events
Luminato Festival Toronto: Music Weekend
Celebrate the incredible community of musicians from across the world and around the block who make Toronto sing and dance! Luminato’s closing weekend features a FREE music festival in David Pecaut Square. See schedule below for the full lineup and times.
Come groove with us on Saturday afternoon to the sounds of Moneka Arabic Jazz, then stick around for the resplendent Yaya Bey’s soul, jazz and R&B with a cheeky edge. Polaris Music Prize winner, Congolese-born Pierre Kwenders launches the evening with Afrobeats, followed by a double bill of Indigenous hip-hop from Snotty Nose Rez Kids, and Latiné New Yorker Princess Nokia. Be sure to arrive early on Saturday afternoon to catch a film screening of Sultans of Strings’ visual album: Refuge Project at 3:30 PM.
Come back down on Sunday to witness the local premiere of Lakota multi-disciplinary artist Mato Wayuhi, travel the Black Atlantic with Lusophone ensemble Ayom, rejoice to the funk, soul, hip-hop and everything-in-between NOLA vibes of Tank and the Bangas, and dance the night away with the crown prince of Samba, Zeca Pagodinho.
Date & Time: June 17, 1:00pm-11pm / June 18, 1:00pm-10pm
Location: David Pecaut Square / 215 King St W / Toronto, ON M5V 3G2 Canada
Saturday, June 17th Schedule
Selectress Sunshine 1:00 PM
Selectress Sunshine loves Early Reggae, Rocksteady, and Soul, and she would go dance to it as often as possible. A few years ago, she began to DJ with a stack of albums and seven forty fives, when invited to do so by a friend running one of her favourite Reggae nights. That night she fell in love with playing for others, and also fell in love with 45’s. Her collection has grown significantly since then, and it now includes Rocksteady, Ska, Early Reggae, Roots, Dub, Soul, Motown, Funk, Blues, and a variety of other 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s music.
Diar 2:45 PM
Diar is a Syrian band dedicated to reviving and preserving traditional Syrian and Arabic songs by infusing them with a flamenco touch. Our aim is to cultivate and celebrate the rich Arabic heritage through our music, using easy rhythms so everyone can appreciate and enjoy it. The term “Diar” refers to the open space of a courtyard in Damascus’ traditional houses (also known as “Ard Diar).
Sultans of String – film screening 3:30 PM
This ambitious and passionately political film puts world music supergroup, Sultans of String, face-to-face with a VIP roster of global ‘ambassadors,’ some of whom are recent immigrants and refugees to Canada and the U.S., as well as essential Indigenous voices.
YouTube Video: Moneka Arabic Jazz: Aman
Moneka Arabic Jazz 5:00 PM
Moneka Arabic Jazz reflects the life and journey in art from Baghdad to Toronto of founder Ahmed Moneka, showcasing melodies from his homeland Iraq mixed with African groove and rhythm. Jazz and blues bridge these Afro-Arabic traditions with the fascinating musical diversity of Torontonian performers.
Yaya Bey 6:35 PM
Described by Pitchfork as “resplendent,” Yaya Bey blends R&B, soul, and jazz with the powerful specificity of her lyrics. Exploring a range of sounds and emotions, Yaya Bey brings high energy, down tempo beats to your Saturday afternoon.
Pierre Kwenders 7:35 PM
Congolese-Canadian Polaris Prize winner Pierre Kwenders combines the sounds of Congo and Montreal to create electro-pop with a unique sonic landscape. “His every song summons an international midnight” – The New Yorker.
YouTube Video – Pierre Kwenders: Heartbeat
Snotty Nose Rez Kids 8:35 PM
First Nations hip hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids, rappers Darren “Young D” Metz and Quinton “Yung Trybez” Nyce – originally from Kitamaat Village, British Columbia – deliver bold, unapologetic political messages enhanced and elevated by fast-paced rhymes and soaring synths.
Princess Nokia 9:45 PM
New York rapper/singer/songwriter Princess Nokia brings Saturday night to a rousing finish with their signature blend of rap & hip hop, infused with pop culture references and high energy performance.
YouTube Video – Princess Nokia: No Effort
Sunday, June 18th Schedule
Selectress Sunshine 1:00 PM
Selectress Sunshine loves Early Reggae, Rocksteady, and Soul, and she would go dance to it as often as possible. A few years ago, she began to DJ with a stack of albums and seven forty fives, when invited to do so by a friend running one of her favourite Reggae nights. That night she fell in love with playing for others, and also fell in love with 45’s. Her collection has grown significantly since then, and it now includes Rocksteady, Ska, Early Reggae, Roots, Dub, Soul, Motown, Funk, Blues, and a variety of other 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s music.
Sister Ray 3:15 PM
Sister Ray, the project of Edmonton-born songwriter Ella Coyes, was conceived out of necessity; a self-designed vehicle built to examine trauma with unflinching honesty. Raised on the prairies of Sturgeon County, Sister Ray’s music is heavily influenced by a diverse range of cultural styles, including gospel bluegrass, 90s country, and traditional Métis music.
YouTube Video – Sister Ray: Good News
Mato Wayuhi 4:15 PM
Mato Wayuhi “Standing Soldier” is a young Lakota artist originally from South Dakota, and is the music composer for the hit show Reservation Dogs. The music is described as unapologetic, not needing permission to exist and made with an urgency — an urgency to move Indigenous artists into a new era. He was recently featured on CBC Radio’s Reclaimed and now brings his RnB/ pop sound to Toronto for the first time.
AYOM 5:20 PM
Ayom are musical seafarers who traverse the Black Atlantic from Brazil to Angola and Cape Verde, bringing with them a distinctly Mediterranean identity. They are an intercultural group from Lisbon and Barcelona and their sound is a mix of Brazilian, Afrolatin and Afrolusitan sounds.
YouTube Video – AYOM: Me Deixe Ser
Tank and the Bangas 6:50 PM
From NPR’s Tiny Desk to Tiktok, Tank and the Bangas have been bringing their New Orleans, Afro-centric soul to people everywhere since 2011. Creating joy is their business in music and performance, and indeed their performance is second to none. They won the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest and were nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Check them out early Sunday evening.
YouTube Video – Tank and The Bangas: No ID
Zeca Pagodinho 8:30 PM
Luminato 2023 comes to a spectacular close with the crown prince of Samba Carioca, Zeca Pagodinho, performing with 20-piece band. A rare visit by one of the global greats, Zeca’s inimitable sound is steeped in decades of experience performing around the world, representing the incredible musical legacy of samba and pagode. Zeca holds the heart of Rio de Janeiro, the sound of community where everyday life revolves around the joy and lament that is samba. The dreams, fears, aspirations and love for life of all Brazilian people is wrapped in the poetry of samba songs.
YouTube Video – Zeca Pagodinho
Buika Returns to Canada: A Latin Grammy-Winning Voice Like No Other
Toronto, ON & Montreal, QC — AB Collective International proudly presents the return of internationally acclaimed Spanish vocalist Buika to Canada for two powerful concerts this October.
Named by NPR as one of the “50 greatest voices of all time,” Buika is a genre-defying artist whose music fuses flamenco, soul, jazz and Afro-Latin sounds with poetic intensity. She is a Latin Grammy winner, has been nominated for Grammy Awards in multiple categories, and has shared stages with legends such as Chucho Valdés, Anoushka Shankar, and Carlos Santana.
This fall, her unmistakable voice will resound once more in two of Canada’s most iconic venues:
October 18, 2025 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Toronto
October 19, 2025 – L’Olympia, Montreal
Buika’s performances are emotional journeys — raw, elegant, and deeply human. Her art transcends genres and borders, delivering truth through music.
Presented by AB Collective International, these concerts are more than shows: they are moments of soulful connection and cultural resonance, featuring one of the most expressive vocalists of our time.
(TORONTO – May 14, 2025) – One month today, Saturday, June 14, 2025, Massey Hall presents Oscar Peterson at 100: A Canadian Celebration featuring an all-star roster of musicians coming together to celebrate international Jazz legend, Oscar Peterson’s 100 birthday. New additions to line-up include two Canadian Jazz legends, Dave Younge and Oliver Jones.
Dave Young and Oliver Jones will join the previously announced acclaimed Canadian musicians on the legendary Allan Slaight Stage at Massey Hall: Amanda Tosoff, Andrew McAnsh, Caity Gyorgy, Chet Doxas, Chris Butcher, Colleen Allen, Jim Doxas, Jocelyn Gould, Jodi Proznick, Joe Sealy, Kevin Turcotte, Laila Biali, Lex French, Mark McLean, Matt Woroshyl, Mike Downes, Reg Schwager, Robi Botos, Sean Nimmons, Taurey Butler, and Thompson Egbo-Egbo.
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:
WWW.MASSEYHALL.COM
OR 416-872-4255
Oscar Peterson at 100: A Canadian Celebration will feature music from throughout Peterson’s near seven-decade career, with a mix of both his original compositions and jazz standards, performed with love by an eclectic mix of artists, all of whom have drawn inspiration from Peterson’s immeasurable legacy.
The evening, co-produced by Céline Peterson and JUNO Award-winning drummer, composer, educator, and the evening’s Musical Director, Jim Doxas, was born from the pair’s desire to curate an evening that embodied the excellence that Peterson led throughout his life.
Tickets to Oscar Peterson at 100, A Canadian Celebration are available now by visiting www.masseyhall.com or calling the box office at 416-872-4255.
Dave Young Bio: Order of Canada recipient, Dr. Dave Young C.M., is one of Canada’s most celebrated and valued bassists, composers, arrangers, and educators. Originally from Winnipeg, Dave has made his name known on both the Canadian and international stages in both jazz and classical music for the last 5 decades, and along the way has worked with some of the world’s top artists in various fields. Known for his elegant tone, impeccable time, and immense knowledge of musical history, Dave has been a first-call bassist for the likes of Oscar Peterson, Lenny Breau, Oliver Jones, Cedar Walton, and countless others.
Oliver Jones Bio: With 25 albums under his belt, Dr. Jones has toured the world playing for audiences across the United States, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, China and Africa. Having performed at major jazz festivals and concerts alongside acclaimed orchestras, Dr. Jones has been recognized for his work across the globe. He is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Québec and has received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, the Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the Oscar Peterson Award, the SOCAN Special Lifetime Award, multiple Félix Awards and two JUNO Awards. He has six doctorates.
Dr. OSCAR EMMANUEL PETERSON, is one of the most prolific jazz pianists of all time, lending his name and talents to more than 500 recordings and earning 8 GRAMMY Awards (including Lifetime Achievement). Born in Montréal’s Little Burgundy, his immense talent, fierce determination and profound love for the artform caught the attention of jazz music’s greatest impresario and founder of Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP), Norman Granz. After accepting an invitation to perform as a surprise guest at a JATP show at Carnegie Hall at just twenty-four years old, Peterson would continue to tour with the group, performing with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Roy Eldridge, Herb Ellis, Clark Terry, Lester Young, and Lionel Hampton.
To learn more about Oscar Peterson and #OscarPeterson100, visit OscarPeterson.com.
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, the rhythms of Latin America take over Luminato at Harbourfront in this day-long celebration curated by Toronto’s beloved Lula Music & Arts Centre. From powerful salsa to groundbreaking fusions of traditional and contemporary sounds, this free event brings together revolutionary artists who are reshaping Latin music.
Get ready to dance with La Pambelé, as members of this cutting-edge Colombian orchestra are joined by top Canadian players to deliver this specially curated presentation of international salsa brava, bursting with the spirit of resistance and revolution. Move to the innovative sounds of Kombilesa Mi, who blend ancestral instruments with contemporary beats, rapping in both Spanish and Palenquero—the unique language of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free Black community in the Americas.
Between sets, Toronto’s own Sonic Sancocho keeps the energy high with vinyl-only DJ sets that span the spectrum of Latin music. Join dance workshops led by international instructors, explore market vendors, and discover why Latin music continues to move the world.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just love to move, this family-friendly celebration invites everyone to be part of the rhythm. More artists, workshops, and activities to be announced.
DIOGO RAMOS | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | CONCERT STAGE | FREE
Meet Diogo Ramos, singer-songwriter hailing from São Paulo, Brazil. Rooted in the rich tradition of Brazilian popular musicians, Diogo has honed his craft since the age of 13, specializing in guitar. With 25 years of professional experience, he has contributed to 20 albums as both composer and producer. In 2023, Diogo launched his latest album ‘Cabaça,’ a vibrant blend of electro-samba-funk designed to get you dancing! ‘Cabaça’ fuses samba funk and electronic hip-hop, featuring lyrics in Portuguese, French, and Haitian Creole, capturing the essence of beach vibes and modern urbanity. His EP ‘Raro Efeito’ serves as a musical statement and a tribute to Montreal’s multicultural artistic scene.
Crafted in collaboration with director Boogát, ‘Cabaça’ features brass arrangements recorded in Brazil by João Lenhari, Cuca Ferreira, and Douglas Antunes of Bixiga 70. Vocal arrangements by Bianca Rocha and Flavia Nascimento, mixed by Jean Massicotte in Canada and Andrés Oddone in Mexico. Special guests include Bïa and Imposs in ‘Samba do Boncy,’ and Boogát in ‘Sua Mão Direita.’ This music was composed and produced during the 2020/2021 pandemic, with the hope for a civilization filled with music and peace.
KOMBILESA MI | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | CONCERT STAGE | FREE
Nestled in the northern coastal region of Colombia, San Basilio de Palenque as it is colloquially known, was founded in the 17th century, by the first free slaves (Cimarrones) of the Americas. It has pioneered a distinct mix of Afro-Colombian culture. Locals speak their own Creole language called “Palenquero”, a blend of African Bantu, Portuguese dialects, French and English. Kombilesa Mi experiments with the instruments created by their ancestors (and introduced to them when they were young), layering them between new sounds. Over traditional percussion, handmade steel drums of his own design and marímbula, Kombilesa Mi rhymes and raps in Spanish and the traditional Palenquero. Kombilesa has performed at the Kennedy Center, NPR’s Tiny Desk, the Festival Petronio Alvarez and SXSW.
LA PAMBELÉ | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | CONCERT STAGE | FREE
La Pambelé is a Colombian orchestra that embodies the essence of heavy guaguanco, salsa brava that resonates with revolution and resistance of migrants to the big cities. Their influences include names such as Markolino Dimond, Eddie Palmieri, Edy Martínez, El Pantera, Ismael Miranda, Quintana, Rivera, and the Afro- Antillean rhythms that flow from the Colombian coasts to the capital, Bogotá, the epicenter of inspiration and conspiracy for this orchestra.
Source: Luminato at Harbourfront
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