Free Summer Friday Lunchtime Concerts at the Toronto Reference Library: July 5 – August 30, 2019
Let's make beautiful music together … or at least share lunch and listen to some.
Come join us on Fridays for the Summer Music at the Library series, free weekly concerts from 12 – 1 pm in the Toronto Reference Library Atrium on the 1st Floor. These are done in association with Music Can Heal. You can see the full flyer for the Toronto Reference Library Summer Concert series here.
If you're interested in music, did you know that there are two drop in public piano practice rooms up on the 5th Floor as well as 30,000 music scores (most of which you can borrow) for all kinds of instruments and styles of music? The 5th Floor also has a great 10,000 DVD documentary collection including many musical performances and practical type DVDs. Also, listening to music has many therapeutic benefits.
Summer Music at the Library dates and performers:
- Andrea Gerhardt and Michael Franklin on Friday, July 5 at noon present a live performance of medieval music. Inspired by the work of Hildegard of Bingen, Andrea Gerhardt and Michael Franklin will present a program of meditative dance and trance-dance medieval modal music with voices, harp, wooden flutes, recorders, hurdy-gurdy, pipe and taper and percussion.
- Ori Dagan and Jordan O'Connor on Friday, July 12 at noon present a live jazz performance. "Bass and Voice" duos in jazz originated with vocalist Sheila Jordan's recorded collaborations with bassists such as Arild Andersen, Harvie S. and Cameron Brown. Performing together for nearly 15 years, Toronto musicians Ori Dagan and Jordan O'Connor share a love for moving and inspiring songs, delivered with swing, heart and the element of surprise. Expect to hear new takes on classic tunes and hidden gems from the bebop songbook and beyond!
- Debbie Danbrook on Friday, July 19 at noon presents a live performance of Shakuhachi flute. Debbie Danbrook is a Master Shakuhachi flute player. The Shakuhachi is a Japanese Zen flute, and Debbie is the first woman to have mastered this unique instrument. She will also be playing a Native American flute, fairy chimes and singing. Debbie Danbrook's music is peaceful, ethereal and meditative.
- Brian Katz on Friday, July 26 at noon presents a live performance of relaxing guitar and piano music. An outstanding guitarist, pianist, and composer who bridges modern jazz, classical, and various world music, Brian Katz is internationally acclaimed for his orchestral approach to solo guitar playing, and his evocative compositions and improvisations. Of his solo guitar recording, Leaves Will Speak, noted European music critic Alexander Schmitz wrote in Jazz Podium (Germany), "If you want music that speaks – here it is." Brian is also deeply involved in the Music and Health field, as an educator (at U of T and York U.), and as a performer with Music Can Heal.
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Just the Two of Us on Friday, August 2 at noon presents a live performance of vintage pop music. Just the Two of Us is a guitar/vocal duo consisting of Mercedes Rodrigo and Gene Evans. Their performance will take listeners on a musical journey through time and genres, featuring songs made popular by the Marvin Gaye, Grover Washington Jr., Robert Palmer, Eva Cassidy and many more. Gene and Mercedes will be performing their favourite songs about life and love!
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Singing Through Life Choir on Friday, August 9 at noon presents a live performance of choral music. Singing Through Life is a hospice choir dedicated to offering music to people in palliative care or those otherwise confined to bed. These performers believe that "Music can open hearts, quiet fears and touch all who are present, including family members and friends, caregivers and singers."
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Kristin Lindell Trio on Friday, August 16 at noon presents a live performance of folk music. Songstress Kristin Lindell infuses folk and blues into her vivid songs, telling stories of connection. Her shimmering vocals and uplifting sound is matched by her talented band. Their latest project contains nine songs about water, inviting listeners to explore vulnerability and creativity through the metaphors of rivers, ravens and shifting sands. Kristin has performed at festivals and venues across Canada. She is also a choral director and voice teacher.
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Nicole Lisa Craig on Friday, August 23 at noon presents a live performance of vocal new age music. Singer-songwriter Nicole Lisa Craig plays a wide variety of genre-shifting songs, inspired by music from around the world; songs that will soothe your soul and take your spirit on a journey.
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Steve Koven Duo on Friday, August 30 at noon presents a live performance of jazz music. Steve Koven is a composer, performer, producer, and educator. He has performed countless concerts around the world, both solo and as leader of the Steve Koven Trio. He is also a professor at York University and Centennial College, teaching contemporary Improvisation and jazz piano. The Steve Koven Duo will be performing original compositions, as well as a few jazz standards.
And there is also one evening concert!
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Afro-Jamaican Music and Narrative on Friday, August 2 at 6:30-8 pm presents a live music performance by Maurice Gordon and his band, Mojamm! This event will also include a discussion of the music, food, language, stories, culture, and icons of Jamaica. Maurice Gordon is a Jamaican/Canadian guitarist, composer, musician, teacher and Afro-Jamaican music historian. He has performed, toured, and recorded with famous artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, John Holt, Mutabaruka, Lillian Allen, Clifton Joseph, Monty Alexander, Jay Douglas and Joe Sealy.
So, we hope to see you this summer, bring a friend and your lunch and have as great a time as the folks below.
3 thoughts on “Free Summer Friday Lunchtime Concerts at the Toronto Reference Library: July 5 – August 30, 2019”
What a great line-up! Can’t wait to see some of these performances!
What a great line-up! Can’t wait to see some of these performances!
What a great line-up! Can’t wait to see some of these performances!