Yonge-Dundas Square 2017

The Command Sisters
Photo: The Command Sisters
presented by Chevrolet
Celebrates Live Music with Lunchtime Live!
Plus Free Movies and Music All Summer Long
May 15 – October 2, 2017

With the rollercoaster of winter weather finally in the rearview mirror, Toronto is looking ahead to spending time on Toronto’s favourite patio, YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE (YDS). The Heart of the City will play host to the return of its popular programming, including Lunchtime Live!, City Cinema presented by NOW Magazine, and Chevrolet presents Indie Fridays, running from May 15 – October 2, 2017.
 
The free lunchtime concert series, Lunchtime Live!, features a variety of Canadian and international artists including The Command Sisters, Birds of Bellwoods, Kelly Prescott, Johnson Crook, Nhapitapi, Classic Roots, Vanessa Lu, Charmie, and Dynesti Williams, every Monday from May 15 – June 12 from 12:30-1:30pm.
 
Lunchtime Live! launches on Monday, May 15 with The Command Sisters. The multi-genre singer/songwriter sisters from Alberta combine their affinity for performing with their killer chops and mega-confidence, even at their young ages of 21 (Charlotte) and 18 (Sarah).
 
On Monday, May 22, Toronto can take in the lush harmonies and haunting lyricism of the Birds of Bellwoods, four men making handsome music! Their interpretation of folk and rock have mesmerized audiences across Ontario, including sold out showcases at CMW and NXNE.
 
On Monday, May 29, country music lovers new and old will rejoice as Kelly Prescott’s dazzling voice blends seamlessly with smooth steel guitars and feisty fiddles. She’s country through-n’-through, making new sounds and big waves with her new-gen take on classic country. Opening Act, Johnson Crook, is a local four-piece roots, rock/country band grown from the musical heritage of such artists as The Eagles and The Band.
 
On Monday, June 5 Nhapitapi, a Toronto based Zimbabwean music band will fill the Square with the rich musical and dance traditions of Southern Africa featuring the mbira, an instrument consisting of a wooden board with staggered metal tines played in Zimbabwe for hundreds of years. Opening act Classic Roots, Thunder Bay native and award-winning DJ will bring the heartbeat of the boreal north to life with a unique brand of Electronica and pow wow techno.
 
On Monday, June 12, the spring session of Lunchtime Live closes with an explosion of beats from three emerging female artists passionate about making and sharing timeless music. Congolese-Canadian, Vanessa Lu, best known for co-writing “Dangerous” on Jennifer Hudson’s latest album, will take over YDS with her sultry yet powerful vocals. Haitian-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Charmie has performed her style of Pop Soul at Pride, UNITY Festival, MFSTO and Tedx. Dynesti Williams is inspiring people everywhere to reconnect with their authentic selves through her bold and unapologetic live performance that embraces hip hop and soul music, with a dash of reggae.

Lunchtime Live! will return in the fall from September 4 – October 2 with a new line-up of artists for Toronto’s lunchtime soundtrack including Bruno Capinan (September 4), DATU (September 11), The Santerias (September 18), Ori Dagan (September 25), Mimi O’Bonsawin, and Missy Knott (October 2).
 
YDS provides even more great live music with Chevrolet presents Indie Fridays, one of Toronto’s favourite ways to launch into the weekend with free concerts every Friday night from July 7 – September 8.
 
In addition to live music, YDS is the best place to catch movie madness at City Cinema presented by NOW Magazine, free outdoor screening every Tuesday from June 27 – August 29 at sunset.
 
More details on both programmes will be announced soon.
 
And, for those on the search for some respite from the hectic pace of life, YDS transforms into a quiet oasis on scheduled fountain days. See event calendar for specific dates.
Admission is FREE to all these events at YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE!
For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit YDSquare.ca
All programming is subject to change

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