NOTE: All times are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted, and street addresses for venues are Toronto locations unless otherwise specified.
Listings are based on information sent to WholeNote in advance by event presenters. Contact presenters for concert updates. The deadline for the next update (covering Aug 21-31) is Mon Aug 18 at 6pm.
This update includes detailed daily listings for the period Thur Aug 14 - Thu Aug 21 and, as a bonus, brief advance listings for Fri Aug 22 - Sun Aug 24. For detailed advance listings on all events in our database, use our searchable online JustAsk feature.
Presenters of previously submitted listings are also asked to advise us by that date of any changes or cancellations. Send all submissions to John Sharpe at listings@thewholenote.com.
You can subscribe to this weekly update at www.thewholenote.com/newsletter.
DETAILED DAILY LISTINGS, Thur Aug 14 - Thur Aug 21
Aug 14 7:00: Harbourfront Centre. Memories Through Song: Belinda Corpuz and Friends. Featuring original music, classic Filipino pop songs in the style of OPM (Original Pilipino Music), and reimagined arrangements of some personal favourites. Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W. www.harbourfrontcentre.com. Free.
Aug 15 12:00_noon: Princess Margaret Hospital. Music in the Atrium: The Ilana Waldston Band. Ilana Waldston, vocals; Bob Brough, saxophone; Ewen Farncombe, piano; Jordan O'Conner, bass; Glenn Anderson, drums. 610 University Avenue. Free.
Aug 15 7:00: Caliban Arts Theatre. Bossa Nights - Bossa Tres. Victor Monsivais, guitars; Brendan Davis, bass; John Fletcher, guitar. CONTXT by Trane, 254 Lansdowne Ave. Please reserve ahead at info@contxtbytrane.com. $20(door); $15(adv). Also Aug 8, 22 & 29.
Aug 15 7:00: Middle Grey Events. Melodies for a Summer Evening. Celebrating the 101st year of our Casavant Frères Ltée. Opus 1021-B organ. Works by Whitlock, Finzi, Sowerby, Bach, Schütz, Copland, and Mendelssohn. Aaron Dimoff, bass-baritone; Dr. Gregg Redner, organ. Annesley United Church, 82 Toronto St. S., Markdale. 519-997-2727. $35.
Aug 16 12:00_noon: Markham Jazz Festival. Saturday Performances. Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz(12pm), Rachel Therrien(2pm), Lester McLean - Grooveyard(4pm), Shuffle Demons(6pm), Caity Gyorgy(8pm). North (Main) Stage, Main St., Unionville. Visit www.markhamjazzfestival.com for information.
Aug 16 12:00_noon: Markham Jazz Festival. Saturday Performances. Dizzy & Fay(12pm), David Occhipinti Camera Ensemble(2pm), Elisa Thorn(4pm). Varley Stage - Inside, Main St., Unionville. Visit www.markhamjazzfestival.com for information.
Aug 16 12:30: Labyrinth Ontario/Toronto Yunus Emre Institute. Modal Music in the Parks. Music from the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia, and more. R. V. Burgess Park, 46 Thorncliffe Park Dr. info@labyrinthontario.com. Free. Email for further information. Also Aug 16(2:30pm), 23(12:30 & 2:30pm).
Aug 16 12:30: Markham Jazz Festival. Saturday Performances. Ana Lia(12:30pm), Andrea Superstein(2pm), Maya Kiltron(3:30pm), Nastasia Y(5pm), Irene Torres(6:30pm). McKay Stage, Main St., Unionville. Visit www.markhamjazzfestival.com for information.
Aug 16 1:00: Markham Jazz Festival. Saturday Performances. Marc Decho(1pm), Duncan Hopkins Quartet(3pm), Karl Silveira(5pm), Michael DeQuevedo(7pm). Varley Stage - Outside, Main St., Unionville. Visit www.markhamjazzfestival.com for information.
Aug 16 2:00: Aurora Cultural Centre. Bright Lights in the Afternoon. Take a midday break and join us at Aurora Town Square for a relaxed, outdoor concert series presented by the Aurora Cultural Centre’s Brevik Collaboratory. Each Saturday, emerging performers from our new professional development residency share short sets of original and in-progress work. Featuring a wide range of performers from Jazz to Hip Hop to Folk to Rock, Persian tradition to K-pop influences on Mirkopoulos Plateia outdoor stage. 22 Church St., Aurora. 905-713-1818 or www.auroraculturalcentre.ca/event/bright-lights-in-the-afternoon-august-16. Free. Also Aug 23.
Aug 16 2:30: Labyrinth Ontario/Toronto Yunus Emre Institute. Modal Music in the Parks. Music from the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia, and more. R. V. Burgess Park, 46 Thorncliffe Park Dr. info@labyrinthontario.com. Free. Email for further information. Also Aug 16(12:30pm), 23(12:30 & 2:30pm).
Aug 16 5:00: Canadian Opera Company. Showcase Performance: COC's Summer Opera Intensive. Come and hear some of Canada’s rising opera artists featuring ten advanced singers and two collaborative pianists who have participated in a free one-week program designed to provide a framework for young artists interested in exploring a career in opera. In addition to daily group classes and professional development sessions, each participant received private coaching in voice or collaborative piano techniques, acting, lyric diction, and performance kinetics. Canadian Opera Company Theatre, 227 Front St. E. www.coc.ca/SummerIntensiveShowcase. Free. Register now as seating is limited.
Aug 16 7:00: Side Door Access. Tia Alandra at The Greenwood. Greenwood Cafe, 1374 Queen St. E. www.sidedooraccess.com/shows/. Tiered pricing available. Seating and standing room available. All tickets are general admission. Arrive early for best pick!
Aug 16 8:00: TD Music Hall. Sam Astaroth. 178 Victoria St. www.tickets.mhrth.com. General admission: $25.
Aug 17 12:00_noon: Markham Jazz Festival. Sunday Performances. George Crotty Trio(12pm), Whitney Ross-Barris(2pm), Kaye Wyatt Trio(4pm). Varley Stage - Inside, Main St., Unionville. Visit www.markhamjazzfestival.com for information.
Aug 17 12:00_noon: Markham Jazz Festival. Sunday Performances. Rob Tardik(12pm), William Carn's CHOICES(2pm), Little Magic Sam(4pm), Jay Douglas & His All-Stars(6pm). North (Main) Stage, Main St., Unionville. Visit www.markhamjazzfestival.com for information.
Aug 17 12:30: Markham Jazz Festival. Sunday Performances. Isabella Hallia(12:30pm), Turbo Street Funk(2pm), Lauren Bush(3:30pm), The Vaudevillian(5pm). McKay Stage, Main St., Unionville. Visit www.markhamjazzfestival.com for information.
Aug 17 1:00: Markham Jazz Festival. Sunday Performances. Oddgeir Berg Trio(1pm), Josh Coburn Quintet(3pm), Kae Murphy Quintet(5pm). Varley Stage - Outside, Main St., Unionville. Visit www.markhamjazzfestival.com for information.
Aug 17 3:00: Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute. Artists in Performance. An afternoon of Ukrainian art songs by nine international participants of the Ukrainian Art Song Summer Institute held at Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music. This year's concert features works by resident composer, Myroslav Volynsky, including the world premiere of two of his art songs and works by Ukrainian composers Lysenko, Nyzhankivsky, Stepovy, Stetsenko, and Turkewich. Sofia Bolonna, mezzo; Catharin Carew, mezzo; Samantha Fullerton, soprano; Juliana Hentosz, soprano; Polina Kornyushenko, soprano; Lana Pastuszak, soprano); Olivia Digby-Pryce, soprano); and Anna Tanczak, soprano; Violetta Kurkurina, piano;Steven Philcox and Dr. Leanne Regeher, piano. Royal Conservatory of Music - TELUS Centre - Temerty Theatre, 273 Bloor St. W. Visit www.ukrainianartsong.ca for information.
Aug 17 4:00: Harbourfront Centre. What Is Time For?: Tara Kannangara and Chris Pruden. Original material using vocals, synthesizers, drum machine and processed trumpet. Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W. www.harbourfrontcentre.com. Free.
Aug 19 3:15: Waterside Summer Series. Poulenc Trio. Works by Piazzolla and Poulenc. Irina Kaplan Lande, piano; Aleh Remezau, oboe; Bryan Young, bassoon. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church on Amherst Island, 955 Stella 40 Foot Rd., Stella. www.watersidemusic.ca. $45; $22.50(child). NOTE: Amherst Island requires a ferry.
Aug 19 7:00: The Emmet Ray. kb + vox. Kevin Barrett with Rebecca Campbell. Emmett Ray, The, 924 College St. Reservations: reso@erbar.ca. Cover: $12.
Aug 19 7:30: Massey Hall. Alison Kraus & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas. 178 Victoria St. www.ticketmaster.ca. From $240.
Aug 19 8:00: Toronto Concert Orchestra. Masquerade Night: TCO’s Throwback to the Hottest Parties of Centuries Past. Samuel Colridge-Taylor: Ballade for Orchestra; Lyn Murray: To Catch a Thief Suite; Robert Farnon: Farnon Fantasy; Alice Ho: Quest; Joseph Bologne: Anonymous Lover Overture; and other works. Sharon Lee, conductor; Marcus Scholtes, conductor. Palais Royale Ballroom, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. W. www.tcomusic.ca/05-masquerade-night-2025. From $30.
Aug 21 7:00: Harbourfront Centre. Ensemble Jeng Yi by the Willow Tree. A program featuring both traditional pieces and original compositions for Korean percussion. In the spirit of itinerant bands of old Korea, Ensemble Jeng Yi will begin the performance not on the stage, but at a distance, from where they will approach, drumming and marching. Guest: Joo Hyung Kim, kayagum (Korean zither). Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W. www.harbourfrontcentre.com. Free.
ADVANCE LISTINGS, Fri Aug 22 - Sun Aug 24
Aug 22 7:00: Caliban Arts Theatre. Bossa Nights - Bossa Tres. Victor Monsivais, guitars; Brendan Davis, bass; John Farrell, guitar. CONTXT by Trane, 254 Lansdowne Ave. Please reserve ahead at info@contxtbytrane.com. $20(door); $15(adv). Also Aug 29.
Aug 22 7:00: Jazz at Durbar. The Matt Pines Trio. Featuring Maddie Leroy on vocals. Durbar Indian Restaurant, 2469 Bloor St. W. 416-762-4441. No cover. Reserve a table for dinner or come by for a drink at the bar.
Aug 23 12:30: Labyrinth Ontario/Toronto Yunus Emre Institute. Modal Music in the Parks. Music from the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia, and more. R. V. Burgess Park, 46 Thorncliffe Park Dr. info@labyrinthontario.com. Free. Email for further information. Also Aug 16(12:30 & 2:30pm), 23(2:30pm).
Aug 23 2:00: Aurora Cultural Centre. Bright Lights in the Afternoon. See Aug 16.
Aug 23 2:30: Labyrinth Ontario/Toronto Yunus Emre Institute. Modal Music in the Parks. Music from the Middle East, Mediterranean, South Asia, and more. R. V. Burgess Park, 46 Thorncliffe Park Dr. info@labyrinthontario.com. Free. Email for further information.
Aug 23 7:00: TO Live/Small World Music Series. Padma Siri Kailash Kher & Kailasa Band. Meridian Hall, 1 Front St. E. www.tolive.com/shows/kailash-kher. From $59.
Aug 23 8:00: Small World Music. Incubator Concert Series: Afraaz Mulji. Small World Music Centre, Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St. Visit www.smallworld.com for tickets and information.
Aug 24 4:00: Harbourfront Centre. A Little Afternoon Music: Charlotte Siegel and Nate Ben-Horin. Favourite arias and songs ranging from Puccini to Barber. Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W. www.harbourfrontcentre.com. Free.
MUSICAL THEATRE
Drayton Entertainment. Million Dollar Quartet. Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux. Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. Hildebrand School House Theatre, 11 Albert St. W., St. Jacobs. Visit Million Dollar Quartet. From $36.50. Until Aug 31.
Mississauga Multilingual Fringe Festival. Aug 11-24 Venue TBA.
Other Musical Theatre Events. Please visit websites given below.
Mirvish Productions. Disney's The Lion King. Directed by Julie Taymor. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St. W. 1.800.461.3333. From $59. Runs until Aug 30. Visit www.mirvish.com for tickets.
Mirvish Productions. Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. Royal Alexandra Theatre. Opening night Jul 22 playing to Aug 15. Visit www.mirvish.com for tickets.
Shaw Festival. Anything Goes. Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter. Shaw Festival Theatre, 10 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake. 905-468-2172. From $28. Various dates and prices. Visit www.shawfest.com for information. Runs to Oct 4.
Stratford Festival. Annie. Book by Thomas Meehan. Music by Charles Strouse. Lyrics by Martin Charnin. Stratford Festival Theatre, 55 Queen St., Stratford. 1-800-567-1600. Visit www.stratfordfestival.ca for tickets and info. Runs until Oct 25.
Stratford Festival. As You Like It. New songs by Ron Sexsmith. Directed by Chris Abraham. Avon Theatre, 99 Downie St., Stratford. 1-800-567-1600. Runs until Oct 24. Visit www.stratfordfestival.ca for tickets and info.
Stratford Festival. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Book by Jeffrey Lane. Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek. Avon Theatre, 99 Downie St., Stratford. 1-800-567-1600. Runs until Oct 25. Visit www.stratfordfestival.ca for tickets and info.
Thousand Islands Playhouse. Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical. Original Music & Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman & Robert B. Sherman. Book by Julian Fellowes. New Songs & Additional Music & Lyrics by George Stiles & Anthony Drewe. Thousand Island Playhouse, 185 South St., Gananonque. boxoffice@1000islandsplayhouse.com. Email for tickets and info. Jul 8-Aug 16. Tue(2pm), Wed(2pm & 7:30pm), Thu(7:30pm), Fri(7:30pm), Sat(2pm & 7:30pm), Sun(2pm).
Tweed and Company Theatre. Jersey Boys. Music by Bob Gaudio. Lyrics by Bob Crewe. Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice. Directed & choreographed by Julie Tomaino. Marble Arts Centre, 13 Bridgewater Rd., Tweed. www.tweedandcompany.com or 613-478-6060. $39.50; $35.50(sr); $25.50(st/youth/arts workers). Aug 13-24 (Village Playhouse, Bancroft). Start times vary.
YES Theatre Sudbury. Jesus Christ Superstar. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics by Tim Rice. Sudbury Theatre Centre, 170 Shaughnessy St., Greater Sudbury. Visit www.showpass.com/jcsgrandparent for ticket information. Runs Jul 8-Aug 16. Various times.
ONGOING EVENTS
Encore Symphonic Concert Band. Monthly Concert Band Concert. The first Thursday of every month at 11am. 35-piece concert band performing band concert music, pop tunes, jazz standards (2 singers) and the occasional march. Trinity Presbyterian Church York Mills, 2737 Bayview Ave. www.encoreband.ca. $10.
Trinity College, University of Toronto. Evensong. Traditional Anglican choral music. Trinity College Chapel Choir; Thomas Bell, director of music; Peter Bayer, organ scholar. Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Ave. 416-978-2522 or Trinity College. Free. Evensong is sung every Wednesday at 5:15pm in the beautiful Trinity College chapel during term time.
ONLINE EVENTS
Arts@Home. A vibrant hub connecting Torontonians to arts and culture. Designed to strengthen personal and societal resilience through the arts. www.artsathome.ca.
North Toronto Community Band. Openings for clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba and auxiliary percussion. Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Contact ntcband@gmail.com.
Recollectiv. For anyone living with cognitive challenges from Alzheimer’s, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke or PTSD. The group meets weekly to rediscover the joy of making music. Community members and music students are welcome to this fun, rewarding and inter-generational experience. Sessions take place from 2 to 3pm (with sound checks and socializing at 1:30pm). Please contact recollectiv@gmail.com for more information.
REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
A new community Baroque orchestra is being launched in Toronto! All instruments (particularly violins and violas) and all levels of playing accommodated. Interested? Please contact me, Jane Ubertino, at lucindabell56@hotmail.com.
The Choralairs is a non-audition, adult choir that welcomes new members in September and January. Rehearsals are on Tuesday 6:45-8-45pm at Edithvale C.C. 131 Finch Ave. W, Toronto. Please contact Elaine at choralairs.delighted.720@silomails.com to RSVP. Check out our new website at www.Choralairs.com.
Columbus Concert Band. Rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm at Villa Colombo, 40 Playfair Ave., Toronto. Openings for flute, clarinet, tenor sax, and trumpet; however, all who are in search of being a part of a great band are welcome. Our members are warm and welcoming. Contact ccbtoronto@gmail.com for more information or visit our website at www.columbusconcertband.com.
Etobicoke Community Concert Band. Full rehearsals every Wednesday night at 7:30pm. 309 Horner Ave. Open to all who are looking for a great band to join. Text Rob Hunter at 416-878-1730.
Harmony Singers of Etobicoke. The women of The Harmony Singers survived COVID and are regrouping for 2024! If you'd like to sing an exciting repertoire of pop, jazz, folk and light classics, the group will give you a warm welcome! Rehearsals start in January on Wednesday nights from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. at Richview United Church in Etobicoke. Contact Conductor Harvey Patterson at: theharmonysingers@ca.com or call 416-239-5821.
Music for Life Adult Choir meets every Tuesday afternoon from 12:30pm-2pm at Avenue Road Music and Performance Academy, 460 Avenue Road, just south of St. Clair. It's a great way to meet other adult singers in the community, and learn some new music, all under the direction of Dr. John Holland. We focus on growing our voice and our abilities, and we are open to anyone with a desire to sing, regardless of experience. Join us for snacks afterwards. Register here, or call 416-922-0855. We'd love to have you sing with us. All are welcome!
New Horizons Band of Toronto. All levels from beginners to advanced for brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Weekly classes led by professional music teachers. Loaner instrument provided to each new registrant in the beginners’ program. Visit www.newhorizonsbandtoronto.ca.
North Toronto Community Band. Openings for drums, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, French horns. Rehearsals held at Willowdale Presbyterian Church 38 Ellerslie Ave. (just north of Mel Lastman Square). Monday evenings 7:30-9:30 pm. Contact ntcband@gmail.com.
North York Concert Band: Rehearsals every Thursday from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. At 864 Sheppard Ave. W., just east of Wilson Heights Blvd. Openings in most sections - especially drum kit, percussion, woodwinds and trumpet. If you're looking for a challenging and exciting band, text or call Janis at 416-953-5283.
Quinte Regional Youth Chorus. This is a new group based in Belleville, Ontario, for singers aged 6-16. St. Thomas Anglican Church, Parish Centre, 201 Church St., Belleville. Call 613-962-3636 for information.
Sacred Harp Singing. Warm-up/Q&A at 7:15pm, singing at 7:30pm. Come and sing shape note music from the Sacred Harp every third Wednesday of the month. Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave. Please enter through the entrance at the northwest corner of the building. Accessible entrance from the parking lot. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. The singing is participatory, not a performance or rehearsal. There are songbooks to borrow. Visit www.torontoshapenote.org for information. Dates: Aug 20, Sep 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17, 2025.
Serenata Singers. Senior singers, are you free Wednesday mornings? Do you love the joy of singing and the camaraderie it brings? Active since 1976, this 55-voice adult SATB community choir ranges in age from 55 to 97, under the direction of accomplished choral director Michael Morgan. Consider joining this caring, friendly group of retirees at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd, every Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Two free trial rehearsals are allowed before deciding to join! Check us out at our website at www.serenatasingers.ca or call Charlotte at 416-449-4053!
Strings Attached Orchestra, North York. All string players (especially viola, cello, bass) are welcome. Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. from Sep to Jun. Email us first at info.stringsattached@gmail.com to receive music and other details or visit www.stringsattachedorchestra.com for more information.
String Orchestra TO is a non-audition orchestra for intermediate and advanced players, beginning its second season on Sep 10, 2025. We explore the string orchestra repertoire developing technical and musicality skills. We meet Wednesdays from 7:15-9:15 pm at St. Barnabas Church, 361 Danforth Ave. (Chester Subway Station). Go to our website at www./sites.google.com/view/stringorchestrato/home/ or contact us at stringorchestrato@gmail.com for more information.
VOCA Chorus of Toronto. Openings for experienced tenors and basses. VOCA is an auditioned ensemble. Rehearsals are held at Eastminster, 310 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway) on Monday evenings. Contact Jenny Crober at crober.best@gmail.com for more info.
Yorkminstrels Show Choir is an SATB choir. We sing mostly Broadway, plus oldies, popular and seasonal music, many with simple choreo/stage. If you are a past or current musical theatre performer or have choral experience, we welcome you to check us out. Rehearsals start back in September in the Willowdale-Cummer area of North York on Wednesday eve. TTC accessible. Website: www.yorkminstrels.com Email to mail@yorkminstrels.com.
