Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival

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.”

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS:

Massey Hall Concert Series
Headlining the Festival’s Massey Hall concert series are beloved musicians Natalie MacMaster andDonnell Leahy and The Tea Party. Tickets begin at $29.50 and are available for purchase atwww.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 andDonnell 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 $10 and 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.

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 full Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival programming details including times, visit: www.canadaswalkoffame.com/events