Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival – September 24 – October 1, 2015

Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival returns to Toronto this September 24 – October 1 for the sixth annual celebration of Canadian arts featuring free performances at Yonge-Dundas Square, the return of the annual Massey Hall concert series, and introducing a new rising star music showcase at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern.

“Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival is a unique fall performing arts event in Toronto,” said Melanie Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s Walk of Fame. “This year, we are expanding the Festival to include a music showcase at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern along with our free lineup at Yonge-Dundas Square and our iconic Massey Hall series. It’s a celebration of the arts and there will be something for everyone.”

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS:

Massey Hall Concert Series

Headlining the Festival’s Massey Hall concert series are beloved musicians Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and The Tea Party. Tickets begin at $29.50 and are available for purchase at www.masseyhall.com, and www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling the theatre box office at 416-872-4255. Tickets for Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy go on sale Thursday, August 20 at 10 a.m. The Tea Party tickets are on sale now.

Friday, September 25: From coastal Cape Breton to rural Ontario, two traditions meet, two fiddlers marry and a new sound is born. Be transported by this fierce fiddling duo as Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy command the stage with an explosive celebration of raw energy and passion that infuses their traditional heritage with their taste for the contemporary. Special VIP tickets are available for $125 and include premium seats, access to a private post-show “Kitchen Party” hosted by the duo featuring live entertainment and an autographed copy of their critically acclaimed debut album One.

Saturday, September 26: To commemorate the 20th anniversary of The Edges of Twilight, The Tea Party will take the audience through a two-part performance, which starts with the legendary album in its entirety, followed by a mix of fan favourites.  A very limited number of VIP packages are also available through MapleMusic, online at www.ticketbreak.com/theteaparty.

Future Legends at the Horseshoe

The all-new music showcase at The Horseshoe Tavern on September 28 features rising stars of the Canadian music scene, including the talented musical styling of Ontario rockers Ascot Royals, the all-female rock quartet The Beaches, pop singer Ria Mae and Toronto-based duo Bellwoods. Tickets are $10and go on sale on Thursday, August 20. To purchase, visit www.ticketfly.com.

Yonge-Dundas Square Free Festival

Taking place from noon -11 p.m. daily from September 29 – October 1 at Yonge-Dundas Square, the jam-packed Free Festival lineup has an exciting mix of programming from live music to book readings, dance lessons and performances and lunchtime workouts with Goodlife Fitness. There will also be food trucks, giveaways and nightly films.

September 29:

12:00pm         Eh440 (music)

1:00pm           Tomi Swick (music)

1:30pm           Ashley Condon (music)

5:00pm           Dance lesson (country)

6:00pm           Autumn Hill (music)

7:00pm           Kira Isabella (music)

September 30:

12:00pm         Goodlife Fitness lunchtime workout

12:30pm         Emerging Artist Mentorship Program Winners showcase, (to be announced in September) (music)

1:30pm           Julian Taylor (music)

5:00pm           DEUCEnDIP (dance)

6:00pm           Attica Riots (music)

8:00pm           54-40  (music)

October 1:

12:00pm         Goodlife Fitness lunchtime workout

12:30pm         Liam Titcomb (music)

1:30pm           Jill Hennessy (music)

5:00pm           Ill At Will (dance)

6:00pm           Francesco Yates (music)

7:00pm           Trevor Guthrie (music)

The Free Festival is hosted by comedian Johnny Gardhouse and musical performances include Grammy-nominated singer Trevor Guthrie, veteran-alternative rockers 54-40, country darling Kira Isabella, actress and singer-songwriter Jill Hennessy (Law & Order and Crossing Jordan), JUNO Award-winning rock musician Tomi Swick, and 20-year-old pop artist Francesco Yates who Pharrell has touted as the next big thing. Plus the seven winners of this year’s Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program, supported by RBC (to be announced in September), will take the stage.

“Now in its sixth year, Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival has become a must see celebration of the arts and the achievements of our artists,” said Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Festivals like this support local jobs, grow our economy, and attract culture lovers from around the world to Ontario. This unique performing arts event will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our homegrown artists and showcase their talents to audiences new and old.”

For a current schedule of programming visit canadaswalkoffame.com. Additional programming will be announced in the coming weeks.

Funding for the festival is provided in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, which has the objective to give Canadians access to a variety of professional artistic experiences in their communities.

In addition, financial support is also provided by the Government of Ontario through Celebrate Ontario and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation. The Festival media partner is the Toronto Star.

The Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival is part of a series of national programs and signature events that include the Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Program supported by RBC, the Peter Soumalias Unsung Hero Honour, the Canada’s Walk of Fame Red Carpet, Inductee Charity Ball presented by Scotia Wealth Management and the Canada’s Walk of Fame televised show, which is broadcast nationally on Global (date and time tbc).

Canada’s Walk of Fame gratefully acknowledges the support of our 2015 National Sponsors: Cineplex Entertainment, NBCUniversal, Slaight Communications and Air Canada.