NOTE: All times are Eastern Time unless otherwise noted, and street addresses for venues are Toronto locations unless otherwise specified. If no city is shown in the listing, the event takes place in Toronto.

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 28-Sep 7)  is Mon Aug 25 at 6pm. 

This update includes detailed daily listings for the period Thur Aug 21 - Thu Aug 28 and, as a bonus,  brief advance listings for Fri Aug 29 - Sun Aug 31. 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 21 - Thur Aug 28

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.

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 8, 15 & 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.. Free. E-mail info@labyrinthontario.com for further information. Also Aug 16(12:30 & 2:30pm), 23(2:30pm).

Aug 23 2:00: The Pilot Tavern. The Bob Brough Quartet. Bob Brough, saxophone; David Occhipinti, guitar; Artie Roth, bass; Terry Clarke, drums. 22 Cumberland Ave. www.thepilot.ca or 416-923-5716.

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. E-mail info@labyrinthontario.com for further information. Also Aug 16(12:30 & 2:30pm), 23(12:30pm).

Aug 23 4:00: Taiwanese Canadian Association of Toronto. One Moon, One Song. Part of TAIWANfest. Rapshark and Jacq Teh give a live performance of Taiwanese pop music, hip-hop, jazz and R&B. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Free.

Aug 23 5:30: Taiwanese Canadian Association of Toronto. Rally for Taiwan. Part of TAIWANfest. TUDI-VOICE, Traego, Lihaw Lihang perform a concert in tribute to how music shaped the Taiwan's journey towards democracy. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Free.

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.

Aug 25 1:30: Sheila McCoy. Mostly Madrigals. Amateur vocalists singing a cappella secular songs, mostly from the Renaissance era. Humber Bay West Park - Gazebo, 2225 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Etobicoke. 416-574-5250 / Lilackayak@gmail.com. Free one-hour concert. Rain date: Aug 27.

Aug 26 6:30: Kirtan Culture Initiative. Kirtan & Yoga Wisdom at The Yoga Lounge. Yoga Lounge, 80 Sherbourne St. 416-616-5136 or www.kirtanculture.com. From $15.

Aug 26 7:00: The Emmet Ray. kb + vox. Kevin Barrett with Fuat Traç. Emmett Ray, The, 924 College St. Reservations: reso@erbar.ca. Cover: $12.

Aug 26 7:00: Toronto Welsh. Côr y Penrhyn Welsh Male Voice Choir in Concert. Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, 230 St. Clair Ave. W. www.torontowelsh.org. $40.

Aug 26 8:00: Hugh's Room. Quisha Wint's Summer Choir Sing-along 2. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. www.showpass.com/quisha-wints-summer-choir-sing-a-long-2. $10.

Aug 27 6:30: Corechestral Music Group. Strings & Spirits: Classical Jam Night. Bach to Rachmaninoff: Selections from the Cello Suites; Concertos and Nocturnes; plus contemporary improvisations. Part professional showcase; part open jam. Performers on Piano, Cello, Violin, Soprano, Bass. Emmett Ray, The, 924 College St. 416-792-4497. Players: sign up through our Google form at www.forms.gle/YS3ND1goLwvEGtge9. Fans: e-mail the Emmet Ray at reso@erbar.ca to secure a seat.  Website: www.theemmetray.com/event/strings-spirits-classical-open-jam-night/. $12.

Aug 27 8:00: Brampton On Stage. The Last Waltz, A Musical Celebration of The Band. Selections from The Band’s final concert, originally captured in Martin Scorcese’s award-winning concert film, The Last Waltz. Lance Anderson, Jerome Levon Avis, Chuck Jackson, Matt Weidinger, and Quisha Wint plus other special guests. The Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln., Brampton. 905-874-2800 / wwww.tickets.brampton.ca. From $20.

Aug 27 8:00: Hugh's Room. Live Video Game Orchestra: The Music of Toby Fox. Featuring a selection of arrangements from Undertale and Deltarune for a ten-piece jazz orchestra. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave. Visit Live Video Game Orchestra. $35.

Aug 28 6:30: Abstract Studios. Opera Recital. Featuring operatic arias, duets, and Eastern European folk music. Soprano Ari Plucinska and guests. 418B Hanlan Rd., Woodbridge. Visit Opera Recital. $35. CANCELLED.

Aug 28 7:00: Harbourfront Centre. In the Garden of the Deep Blue Sea: Bunna Lawrie with Corrina Bonshek & Collaborators. Favourite arias and songs ranging from Puccini to Barber. Bunna Lawrie (Mirning Elder); groove-maker and multi instrumentalist Jason Lee Scott, groove-maker & multi-instrumentalist; Greta Kelly, shah kaman (Persian spike-fiddle); Whaia Sonic Weaver, Māori taonga puroro & vocals; Michael Askill, gong master; Corrina Bonshek, soundscapes & direction. Toronto Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W. www.harbourfrontcentre.com. Free.

Aug 28 8:00: Hugh's Room. The StepCrew. Hugh's Room Live - Green Sanderson Hall, 296 Broadview Ave.. Visit www.showpass.com for information. 

ADVANCE LISTINGS,  Fri Aug 29 - Sun Aug 31

Aug 29 6:00: Emerging Artists Association. T. U. Jazz Fest 2025. Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St., North York. Visit www.instagram.com/tujazzfest for information.

Aug 29 7:00: Caliban Arts Theatre. Bossa Nights - Bossa Tres. Victor Monsivais, guitars; Isaias Herrera, bass; Mario Munoz, guitar. CONTXT by Trane, 254 Lansdowne Ave. Please reserve ahead at info@contxtbytrane.com. $20(door); $15(adv).

Aug 30 6:00: The Emmet Ray. Stonehocker: Hello Mr. Hyde Tour. Emmett Ray, The, 924 College St. Reservations: reso@erbar.ca. Cover: $12.

Aug 30 8:00: Massey Hall. Jessie Murph - Worldwide Hysteria. 178 Victoria St. www.ticketmaster.ca. From $72. Also Aug 31.

Aug 31 5:00: The Emmet Ray. The Laura Marks Trio. Chega De Saudade, Del Sasser, Twisted, Star Eyes, Yardbird Suite. Laura Marks; vocals, Ben Bishop; guitar, Jonathan Meyer; Bassam Bishara, vocals, oud. Emmett Ray, The, 924 College St. Reservations: reso@erbar.ca. Cover: $12.

Aug 31 8:00: Massey Hall. Jessie Murph - Worldwide Hysteria. 178 Victoria St. www.ticketmaster.ca. From $72. Also Aug 30. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.