As we head toward August (and the next long weekend of the summer), we invite you to join us on our numerous patios, stop by our unique shops, and of course, take in live music at Summer Music in the Park! Grab a seat on the rock or at one of our park bistro tables and enjoy a casual afternoon in the neighbourhood.
This is one of our annual events which puts the spotlight on local musicians as they set up and play free of charge live from the Village of Yorkville Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons and stat holidays. Below, you’ll find our August long weekend schedule and learn more about each of the musicians. You can learn more about Summer Music in the Park and browse the full summer schedule online here.
August Long Weekend Performance Schedule
Friday, August 4th – Faith Amour
11:30 am – 2:30 am
Award-winning recording artist and songwriter Faith Amour is a Toronto vocalist steadily emerging onto the North American jazz scene. In her latest project, IMANOVA, she creates an alluring modern jazz-world sound, melding story and heart songs with the vibrant rhythms of her South American heritage, and reflecting the influences of her multicultural city, extensive music study, and world travels.
Faith has opened for and shared the stage with jazz luminaries on three continents, writing in the innovative styles of such renowned vocal jazz fusion visionaries as Kurt Elling, Somi and Gretchen Parlato. Faith will sing originals from her last album “Bright Eyes”, and unreleased tracks from her upcoming EP entitled IMANOVA #mood.
Listen to Faith Amour online.
Learn more about Faith Amour here.
Saturday, August 5th – David Celia & Zuffalo
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
David Celia is an innovative lyricist/ singer-songwriter and astonishing guitar player, known for his spontaneously driven live performances. He tours frequently across North America and Europe including several performances in Switzerland (Blue Balls Festival 2x, Lucerne), Germany (Desertfest 2x, Berlin + supporting Kiefer Sutherland 2x), France (Festival le Rock dans touts ses États, Évreux), England (Glastonbury Festival 4x) and many more.
He is quoted as “One of Toronto’s best guitar players” by CBC Radio. David’s music has consistently appeared on the CBC, BBC and WNYC in New York. David has performed live on BBC2’s highly regarded Bob Harris national radio show three times. Currently in 2023, David is preparing for his next 6-week tour of Europe/UK with his new Canadian backing band, Zuffalo. Many of the songs are sung in 3-part harmony with Mikey Vukovich and Kimberly Manning.
Listen to David Celia & Suffalo online.
Sunday, August 6th – West End Riverboat Band
1:20 pm – 4:30 pm
The West End Riverboat Band is musical paradox, combining the musicianship and roots of traditional New Orleans jazz with the vivaciousness and raw energy of a contemporary rock band. Their ambitiously diverse repertoire spans music from the past 200 years, drawing tunes from Brazilian choro to klezmer, country ballads to Chopin; and ultimately, transmuting these songs into the stomping dance soundtrack of a hedonistic New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration.
The West End Riverboat Band has toured Ontario, contributed to Toronto’s vibrant music scene for almost 5 years, and have released two albums: “May 25, 2018” (2018) recorded live at Grossman’s Tavern on Friday afternoon, and “Sidewalk Blues” (2022) recorded live at Legion Hall Branch 344.
Listen to West End Riverboat Band online.
Learn more about the band.
Monday, August 7th (Simcoe Day), Jesse White Quartet
Jesse White is a masterful jazz and session guitarist studying at Humber College. As a guitar player, he has quickly from transitioned amateur to professional musician, playing with the best musicians in the city at some of the best venues Toronto and beyond that include: The Rex, Jazz Bistro and Poetry Jazz Cafe (Residency. Jesse has also had the honour of sharing the stage with acclaimed musicians as Terri Lynne Carrington, Lorne Lofsky and Neil Swainson.
He has received a number of awards for his musicianship, that include the Ottawa Musicfest Honours award, The Steve’s Music Guitar Scholarship, The Ted Quinlan Guitar Scholarship, and the Humber Community Music Improviser Award. Jesse is an incredibly motivated and passionate artist who will surely be on the Toronto music scene for a long time to come.
Listen to the Jesse White Quartet online.
In case you missed it, across from the park, located at 156 Cumberland Street, you’ll find Lab by Kandl’s summer pop-up This is a fun way to learn something new and take home a brand new, original custom candle. A few doors down at 126 Cumberland you’ll find S’Cream Ice Cream, offering up fresh made Turkish ice cream, along with boozy ice cream floats, and other sweet treats. You’ll also find numerous coffee shops and restaurants near the park, so you can make a full day of it.
Bellair Street is also closed to vehicle traffic, allowing for al fresco dining through the summer. Enjoy your long weekend in Bloor-Yorkville and be sure to share your #BYtime adventures along the way!