Home Blog Page 685

Tom Wilson’s New Exhibition ‘Blood Memory’ to Open at Hamilton’s Beckett Fine Art in June 2025

Eric Alper
-
0
Tom Wilson’s New Exhibition ‘Blood Memory’ to Open at Hamilton’s Beckett Fine Art in June 2025

Tom Wilson has never been one to stay in a single lane. He is a JUNO Award-winning musician, a bestselling author, a playwright, a Member of the Order of Canada, and an advocate for Indigenous visibility. He is also, without question, one of Canada’s most powerful visual artists. His latest solo exhibition, Blood Memory, opens at Beckett Fine Art in Hamilton, Ontario, from June 5 to 28, 2025, with a public reception on June 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. This is not just an art show. It is a reckoning, a reflection, and a revelation.

Following the sold-out success of his 2024 solo exhibition at Beckett Fine Art—a rare achievement for any Canadian artist—Wilson returns with a new body of work that confronts history and memory with the same intensity he brings to his music and writing. Blood Memory draws on Wilson’s journey of identity, heritage, and rediscovery, themes that have underscored much of his creative output since the release of his memoir Beautiful Scars.

The title of the exhibition, Blood Memory, speaks to the ancestral knowledge that lives in the body and spirit. Through vivid oil paintings, Wilson explores the lasting echoes of his Mohawk heritage, and the complicated beauty of reclaiming one’s story. The exhibition will feature new works, as well as select rare early paintings.

The timing of the exhibition is especially meaningful. June marks National Indigenous People’s Day in Canada, and Wilson’s work offers a deeply personal perspective on what it means to carry Indigenous identity forward through art, language, and storytelling. Visitors are encouraged to speak with Wilson at the opening reception about his artistic process, his thoughts on cultural memory, and what lies ahead.

This exhibition comes during a time of continued national recognition for Wilson. In 2024, he was shortlisted for the Playwrights Guild of Canada’s Tom Hendry Award for Beautiful Scars: The Musical. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from McMaster University and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Music at the International Peace Festival, both in the Fall of 2024. Coinciding with these accolades, Wilson has released a new version of his song “Death Row Love Affair”, an alternative take that serves as a preview of a forthcoming album. The song, which was a powerful closer in the stage musical Beautiful Scars, has been reimagined as a haunting, introspective track produced by Gary Furniss, with contributions from Thompson Wilson, Jesse O’Brien, and Aaron Goldstein.

More than a musician or a writer or a painter, Tom Wilson is a storyteller across mediums. With Blood Memory, he invites audiences to stand still, look closely, and feel the weight and wonder of stories that have waited too long to be told.

Blood Memory runs from June 5 to 28, 2025, at Beckett Fine Art, located at 196 Locke Street South in Hamilton, Ontario. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. A sample of the artwork will be available online at www.beckettfineart.com starting April 10.

Séan McCann Announces “The Great Big Canadian Road Trip” : One Man. One Guitar, One Country

Eric Alper
-
0
Séan McCann Announces “The Great Big Canadian Road Trip” : One Man. One Guitar, One Country

Séan McCann, the beloved Canadian troubadour and Order of Canada recipient best known as a founding member of Great Big Sea, is hitting the road for a different kind of tour in 2025—a tour not about charts, fame, or the “American dream,” but about connection, community, and commitment to country. Literally.

In the wake of tightening U.S. visa restrictions, rising touring costs, and the recent cultural backlash from artists choosing to avoid the U.S., McCann is embracing a path less travelled—right here at home. While others are cancelling American dates due to aggressive tariffs and threats to our sovereignty, McCann is leaning hard into Canada, launching his Great Big Canadian Road Trip, a coast-to-coast journey through many towns and cities he’s never played before. “I LOVE Americans!” says McCann. “I love them so much that I even married one, but I won’t return to the states until the current president is gone and our neighbours change their angry tone. In the meantime, I believe that Canada needs a little more singing, and a little less shouting.”

Armed with nothing but his acoustic guitar, his powerful voice, and a lifetime of songs that heal as much as they entertain, McCann will criss-cross the country from Sudbury to Victoria and everywhere in between on the first leg of his national journey. This is not about sold-out stadiums or velvet rope green rooms—It’s about parking lots, prayer halls, libraries, and legion halls; places where local people still show up and sing along.

Best known for his stadium-shaking anthems with Great Big Sea, Séan has since carved out a deeply personal solo path, speaking and singing about mental health, recovery, and resilience. His shows are raw, real, and—above all—relational. “Music is medicine,” he says, “and we all need a dose right now”

This tour is also a celebration of McCann’s independence—not just from the U.S. industry machine, but from the relentless noise of the mainstream. He’s hitting the road to bring music to the people who need it most, in places that don’t always make the tour poster.

The Great Big Canadian Road Trip is about more than the 10,000 kilometres it will take to make the drive —it’s about finding harmony in a world that feels off-key. It’s about reminding Canadians, from Kamloops to Kenora, that their stories matter and their voices count and that together we are strong enough to overcome every challenge we may face as a country moving forward.

TOUR DATES – 2025
MAY
21 – Sudbury, ON – Trinity United Lively
22 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Willow Grove United
23 – Thunder Bay, ON – St. Andrews Presbyterian
24 – Fort Frances, ON – Knox United
25 – Kenora, ON – Knox United
28 – Winnipeg, MB – Bord-Aire Community Centre
29 – Regina, SK – Harmony United (Fundraiser for Carmichael Outreach)
30 – Swift Current, SK – Lyric Theatre (Fundraiser)
31 – Medicine Hat, AB – Public Library
JUNE
1 – Calgary, AB – Parkdale United
4 – Salmon Arm, BC – Song Sparrow Hall
5 – Penticton, BC – The Dream Cafe
6 – Chilliwack, BC – Ryder Lake Hall
7 – Parksville, BC – Knox United
8 – Victoria, BC – Hermann’s Jazz
12 – Kamloops, BC – St. Andrews Presbyterian
13 – Jasper, AB – Historic Jasper Baptist Church (Fundraiser for fire victims)
14 – Edmonton, AB – Grace United
15 – North Battleford, SK – Third Ave United
16 – Rosthern, SK – Trinity Lutheran
17 – Yorkton, SK – St. Andrews United
18 – Neepawa, MB – Arts Forward
20 – Hearst, ON – Hearst University Amphitheatre
21 – Timmins ,ON – MacIntyre Community Centre
22 – North Bay, ON – St. Andrews United

Raina Krangle Reimagines Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” with Fresh Folk Soul and ’60s Reverence

Eric Alper
-
0
Raina Krangle Reimagines Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” with Fresh Folk Soul and ’60s Reverence

“You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” More than 50 years since Joni Mitchell first sang those words, singer-songwriter Raina Krangle breathes new life into them with her vibrant, acoustic-driven cover of Big Yellow Taxi, out now. Blending her signature Fresh Folk style with a stripped-down authenticity true to Joni’s spirit, Krangle’s version is both a nostalgic nod and a timely refresh—one that captures the urgency of now with the warmth of a shared past.

Backed by longtime music collaborator Brian Siegal and Chris Seldon (guitar/backing vocals), the track was originally recorded decades ago in Toronto—preserved on tape and brought forward into the present with subtle clean-up and deep respect for its original rawness. The simplicity of the arrangement lets Krangle’s voice shine through, drawing comparisons to icons like Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow, but always sounding like herself: earthy, luminous, and unmistakably honest.

“There was no folk club at university,” Raina recalls, “so Chris, Brian and I started the Western Guitar Society. We jammed every Friday night and played around campus. I practiced singing daily to Joni’s Clouds album—especially ‘Chelsea Morning.’ That’s how I trained myself to hold notes, shift to falsetto, and find my voice.”

Their acoustic version of Big Yellow Taxi was captured one weekend in Toronto. “If I hadn’t digitized the tape, it might’ve been lost forever,” she adds. “Years later, I listened to it in my old car on the way to perform at the Aurora Music Festival—singing along, grinning—and realized it still had something real and special.” That recording, she says, was “pure, unpolished, and real—just three young musicians capturing the essence of a timeless song.” And though the cassette is long gone and the car it played in has since been replaced, the feeling remains. “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. Records, tapes, even CDs—formats change, but the emotion of music is eternal.”

From those early days to today, Krangle has kept Mitchell’s music close. Her classroom even made the Top 10 in CBC Music’s 2019 Big Yellow Taxi challenge, an experience she calls “so thrilling.” But it was the rediscovery of the old university recording—rescued from tape, transferred to CD, and gently restored—that made her realize this version needed to be heard.

And the timing couldn’t be more right. “Now, with Canada-U.S. tariff wars and growing global tensions, two Canadian singer-songwriters—Joni, now in the U.S., and me in Canada—watch history unfold,” Raina reflects. What began as an environmental anthem has become something far broader. “That lyric—‘you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone’—it echoes now in broken alliances, disinformation, and a deep yearning for truth.”

This new release is a continuation of protest music’s legacy and a heartfelt reminder that art and activism can collide in meaningful, beautiful ways. “This project is a statement about unity, kindness and the need to stand against hate,” she says. “This song asks what went wrong.”

As Joni Mitchell’s legacy continues to rise in public consciousness—through tribute albums, documentaries, and sold-out concerts—Krangle’s version taps into something deep and timely. “The message feels even more urgent today,” she says. “And this version of the song, rooted in memory and reimagined for 2025, is my way of honouring that message.”

And now the song has been passed from one generation of Canadian artists to another. It’s memory, melody, and a message that still rings true.

Raina Krangle’s music has earned her finalist status in the Blues and Roots Radio International Song Contest and a nomination for the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award. Her sound—often described as a meeting of Tom Petty and The Eagles with modern folk sensibilities—has graced venues across Canada, including legendary spots like Toronto’s Free Times Café and the El Mocambo and The Rainbow Bistro in Ottawa.

Joe Cool Releases “Company Man” As Toronto Folk Rocker Previews New EP ‘Blood Sweat and Beers’

Eric Alper
-
0
Joe Cool Releases “Company Man” As Toronto Folk Rocker Previews New EP ‘Blood Sweat and Beers’

Toronto folk-rocker Joe Cool is back, calloused hands and all, with the lead single from his third EP Blood, Sweat & Beers. The track, “Company Man,” is a blue-collar anthem for anyone who’s ever punched a clock, buried their dreams for a steady paycheque, and tried to keep their head above water in a world that doesn’t always make room for poets and pick-up trucks. Written by Joe Cool (aka Joseph D Coulas) and produced by longtime collaborator Jack Wiktor, “Company Man” is out now – offering the first sip of a record that goes down like a cold beer after a long shift.

Built on ringing acoustic chords and the kind of worn-in vocals that only come from life experience, “Company Man” captures the quiet resignation of working-class life, laced with just enough hope to keep going. Think Jason Isbell if he clocked in at a factory. Think Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska if it were written with a Canadian postal code. It’s a song that doesn’t flinch—it tells the truth, straight-up, no chaser.

Blood, Sweat & Beers was recorded in late summer 2024 at Toronto’s beloved Cadence House—a studio that’s been the beating heart of the city’s Bloorcourt scene for over a decade. With the studio closing its doors shortly after the sessions wrapped, the EP took on added emotional weight. “It felt like one last shift before clocking out,” says Joe. “We weren’t just making a record—we were closing a chapter.” Wiktor, who also engineered and produced, steered the sessions with the ease of someone who knew both the artist and the space like the back of his hand.Alongside Joe and Jack, the EP features a trusted crew: Dan Wiktor on drums,, Jason Wolowicz on electric guitar, and Jack on bass. It’s a lineup that brings just the right mix of sweat and sweetness—tight where it needs to be, and ragged in all the right spots.

Joe Cool’s songwriting has always leaned into the everyday—the busted pickups, the backyard beers, the silent goodbyes—but “Company Man” takes that ethos and distills it to its purest form. It’s not just a song for the working man. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, unseen, or underappreciated. Fans of John Prine, The War on Drugs, Steve Earle, and even The Hold Steady will find themselves in good company here.

The lyrics to “Company Man” read like pages torn from a hard-luck diary:

Too much, too late
I’m gonna stick to the plan
Out of touch and out of date
But i’m just a company man

It’s honest, unvarnished, and aching in that way only truth can be.

Catch Joe Cool on the road this spring and summer as he brings Blood, Sweat & Beers to audiences across Ontario and beyond:

May 17, 2025, Palmerfest, Palmer Rapids, ON
June 28, 2025, Cottagefest, Combermere, ON
August 30, 2025, Freakfest, Bells Rapids, ON

Briston Maroney Battles His Inner Demons in “Better Than You” Video

Eric Alper
-
0
Briston Maroney Battles His Inner Demons in “Better Than You” Video

Indie-rock singer-songwriter Briston Maroney unveils the video for his latest single, “Better Than You.” Co-written with Dan Nigro (Caroline Polachek, Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Lorde), the song is a bounding tune about menace and ambition and self-judgement that spreads like a virus. The video, directed by Amalia Irons, depicts just that — your inner self as your biggest enemy.

About the video, Maroney said, “FOLKS, wow. It’s time. To take a little journey into the smoggy, squatch fearing mind of our dear Jimmy as he confronts his greatest fear: himself! In all seriousness, I’m stoked to share this music video with y’all, I feel like the song really comes into itself with this visual world behind it.

“We filmed this sucker in Malibu, CA and you can feel all of the strange spirit of that place when you watch it , or at least I hope you can hahah. I’ve still got little yucca plant spines in my legs from this shoot and look forward to removing them one by one as you all tune in.”

Spotify’s DJ Just Got Smarter And Now Taking Your Music Requests

Eric Alper
-
0
Spotify’s DJ Just Got Smarter And Now Taking Your Music Requests

People all over the world are already obsessed with Spotify’s DJ. Whether it’s at the gym, chilling at home, or zoning in at work, DJ delivers a deeper, more personal connection to music. It’s like having that one friend who actually gets your taste—except they don’t steal your phone or skip your favorite track. Over the past year, listener engagement with DJ has nearly doubled, and now, Spotify is giving that friendship a major upgrade: DJ is taking music requests. In real time.

That’s right—Premium users in more than 60 global markets can now talk directly to DJ and shape the vibe however they want. Think of it as a late-night request line, but powered by AI and curated by Spotify’s best editorial minds. Whether you’re rediscovering a forgotten classic or looking for the next new obsession, DJ has you covered.

The best part? It’s all voice-controlled. Want something moody for date night? Done. Need to get hyped for a run? DJ’s got the playlist for that too. You can literally say, “Surprise me with some indie tracks I’ve never heard before,” or “Give me some electronic beats for a midday run.” You can even channel your inner drama queen and ask, “Play me some cry-in-the-car songs.” DJ won’t judge.

And yes, this is that DJ—the voice modeled after Spotify’s own Xavier “X” Jernigan. If you’ve heard him before, you know he brings the energy. Now, you can actually talk back. This isn’t just personalized streaming; this is conversation-level connection with your tunes.

Here’s how to get in on it:

  1. Head to the search tab on Spotify and type in “DJ.”

  2. Press play. DJ will start spinning a mix just for you, complete with commentary.

  3. Want to switch it up? Press and hold the DJ button in the corner. You’ll hear a beep when DJ is ready.

  4. Say what you want—anything from genres and artists to moods and activities.

  5. DJ will instantly update your session based on your voice, listening history, and personal music taste.

Still want to mix things up without a specific request? Tap the DJ button to jump to the next section. It’s that easy.

A quick heads-up: DJ requests are still in beta, so it won’t pull up podcasts or audiobooks just yet. But for music? It’s like having a 24/7 audio concierge that listens, learns, and delivers.

As Spotify puts it, this is only the beginning. DJ is evolving—and with your voice in the mix, the soundtrack to your life is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

Ready to make a request? Just search “DJ” on Spotify and start talking.

Ozomatli Announces ’30 Revolutions’ Tour Celebrating Three Decades of Music and Unity

Eric Alper
-
0
Ozomatli Announces ’30 Revolutions’ Tour Celebrating Three Decades of Music and Unity

“Celebrating 30 years of music, madness, and familia? That’s not just a milestone — that’s badass,” says saxophonist/vocalist Ulises Bella of triple GRAMMY winning multi-genre band OZOMATLI about their landmark anniversary. “Through all the chaos in the world, one thing hasn’t changed: Ozomatli brings the vibes that bring people together.”

To celebrate the triple decade, the band is announcing the 30 Revolutions Nationwide Tour that kicks off on May 30 in Boulder, CO, hitting cities across the country including Los Angeles (June 14 at Grand Performances), Atlanta (Aug. 8 at Center Stage), New York City (Aug. 12 at SONY Hall), Chicago (Aug. 23 at Park West), before concluding at Austin’s Antone’s on Aug. 30. (full dates below).

Committed not only to providing the celebratory atmosphere that their live shows foster, but true to their mission of contributing back to the community, Ozo will be donating $1.00 from every ticket sold to support mental health services for music industry professionals, in partnership with Sweet Relief and Backline. “Ozomatli believes in lifting each other up, so we’ve teamed up with Backline and Sweet Relief to support mental health services for music industry professionals,” explains bassist Wil-Dog Abers.  “You see, the journey means even more now. Ozomatli’s got more to say and do! The story’s still being written.”

Adds vocalist/percussionist Justin Poree, “This tour is not just a celebration of the past—it’s about reconnecting with communities and cultures that shaped us. The miles we travel remind us of the years we’ve put in, and the fans who still show up remind us why we do it. I’m excited! Every stop on this tour will feel like a reunion—with fans, with each other, and with the road itself.”

“I love playing music,” says vocalist/guitarist Raul Pacheco. “I’ve been able to fulfill that desire for thirty years of my adult life in Ozomatli. I did not know where it would lead, I just kept showing up because each person seemed like they liked playing music just like me. Reflecting now, it’s funny and heartwarming. I grew up and life unfolded with a group of people I knew as musical acquaintances. They became my family. I’m looking forward to the 30th, the gigs and new songs to come!”

Emerging from the politically charged streets of Los Angeles, Ozomatli’s origins are steeped in activism and a desire to unite communities through music. This ethos has carried the band across three decades, earning them a dedicated global following and accolades that include three GRAMMY® Awards, iconic performances at the Hollywood Bowl, a TED Talk, and countless shows worldwide. From high-profile TV appearances on The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Austin City Limits to groundbreaking tours in places like Burma and Mongolia, Ozomatli’s music and message transcend borders, languages, and cultures.

The ensemble’s six founding members—Asdru Sierra (vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (vocals, guitars), Ulises Bella (saxophone, vocals), Wil-Dog Abers (bass), Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion), and Justin Poree (vocals, percussion)—have remained true to their mantra: “We take you around the world through the heartbeat of Los Angeles.” Their music is a vibrant collision of styles, drawing from salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, merengue, New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga, and Indian raga. This eclecticism is at the heart of their sound, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Ozomatli’s legacy extends far beyond their music. Known for their focused enthusiastic community involvement, the band has used their platform to amplify causes that matter, from immigrant rights to education and beyond. Their ability to combine socially conscious lyrics with infectious grooves has made them a beacon of unity and resilience, a band that celebrates life while addressing the struggles that connect us all.

Their 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity but also a testament to their enduring relevance and innovation. With a career that began with their groundbreaking 1998 self-titled debut, they continue to evolve and inspire. Whether performing new material or beloved classics, Ozomatli’s live shows remain a jubilant experience, igniting dance floors and uniting communities.

As they embark on their fourth decade, Ozomatli stands as a symbol of Los Angeles’ past, present, and future—a band whose music is as multifaceted and vibrant as the city they call home. Here’s to 30 years of Ozomatli, and the next chapter in their global musical journey.

Concludes Ulises, “So get ready — we’re coming with love, rhythm, and just the right amount of noise. The 30 Revolutions Tour is on… and yes, Ozomatli is still very much in the house!”

Jo Koy & Lights With Felix Cartal Bring Comedy and Electro-Pop to Fallsview This September

Eric Alper
-
0
Jo Koy & Lights With Felix Cartal Bring Comedy and Electro-Pop to Fallsview This September

Fallsview Casino Resort continues to bring incredible entertainment to the  OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. Start your weekend off on September 5 with Jo Koy & Friends and enjoy the hilarity that ensues, then on September 20 get ready to enjoy Lights with very special guest Felix Cartal.  Tickets go on sale on Friday, May 16 at 10:00am through ticketmaster.ca.

“Fallsview Casino continues to raise the bar with an outstanding September entertainment lineup. Jo Koy has a sense of comedic timing combined with pure talent that is a delight to watch,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing and Resort Operations at Niagara Casinos. “Lights brings such a range of creativity to the stage that it is sure to be one of those can’t miss concerts.”

As one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, Jo Koy has uniquely relatable comedy pulling inspiration from his colourful family reaching people worldwide translating to sold out arenas.  In June 2020, the comedian released, Jo Koy: In His Elements. It was Koy’s universal appeal and relatability that led to Steven Spielberg discovering his Netflix special Comin’ in Hot followed by so many other comedic accomplishments. Jo recently returned to Netflix in typical style, sharing his unfiltered opinions on social media, aging and moving into a new phase of his life; his zaddy phase. Filmed at the historic King’s Theatre in Brooklyn, NY, Jo Koy: Live From Brooklyn premiered globally on June 4th, 2024. His other Netflix stand-up specials include Live From The Los Angeles Forum, Comin’ In Hot and Live From Seattle.

Lights is many things all at once: Singer. Songwriter. Producer. Multi-instrumentalist. Comic book author. DJ. Artist. She’s also unabashedly honest and unapologetically confident. Weaving in and out of alternative, indie, electronic, and dance, she makes manic pop irreverent of boundaries, yet reverent of truth. She speaks her heart musically and her mind lyrically. It’s why her shadow over alternative music and culture continues to grow with streams in the hundreds of millions and widespread critical acclaim. She has sold out tours on multiple continents, made headlines from Coachella to Comic-Con, and powered collaborations with Travis Barker, deadmau5, Kaskade, Illenium, Steve Aoki, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, and more. Lights returns with her latest album ‘A6” ahead of a sold out North American Tour. Don’t miss her, alongside her multiplatinum “Love Me” collaborator, Felix Cartal, who will be joining her as very special guest on September 20 .  Hit songs include “Drive My Soul”, “Up We Go”, “Giants”, “Love Me ( with Felix Cartal )” and many more.

Show date & performance
Jo Koy & Friends

Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Showtime: 8:00pm
Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Lights with very special guest Felix Cartal

Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Showtime: 8:00pm
Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Tickets for all performances go on sale Friday, May 16 at 10:00am.

Jimmy O. Yang heads to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino with his Big & Tall Tour

Eric Alper
-
0

End your summer with side-splitting laughter with the hysterical Jimmy O. Yang at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino on August 28. Tickets go on sale on Friday, May 16 at 12:00pm through ticketmaster.ca.

“We continue to bring the best of the best in comedy to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino,” says Cathy Price, Vice President of Marketing and Resort Operations at Niagara Casinos. “Jimmy O. Yang is no exception; he is hilarious in all aspects of his performance.”

Comedian and actor Jimmy O. Yang is best known for his work in Silicon Valley, Crazy Rich Asians, Love Hard and Space Force, where he also served as a writer. He will be starring in the upcoming limited series Interior Chinatown (Hulu), directed by Academy Award® winner Taika Waititi and written by Charles Yu.

Jimmy’s standup specials Guess How Much and Good Deal have premiered to rave reviews, with clips that continue to go viral to hundreds of millions of views. His BIG & TALL Tour will be his third and biggest tour to date, having already sold out at multiple shows including Carnegie Hall and The Forum.

Show date & performance
Jimmy O. Yang: Big & Tall Tour
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Showtime: 8:00pm
Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

 

Mirvish Productions Toronto Run of ‘The Lion King’ to End August 30 After 345 Performances

Eric Alper
-
0
Mirvish Productions Toronto Run of ‘The Lion King’ to End August 30 After 345 Performances

Producers David and Hannah Mirvish announced today that Toronto’s production of Disney’s The Lion King – now in its 29th week – will conclude its run on August 30 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. By that date, the show will have played 345 performances to an audience of over 250,000. Heralded by the Toronto Star as “a musical juggernaut of theatrical excellence,” the Toronto production of Disney’s The Lion King began performances November 2, 2024, and employed nearly 500 professionals (the vast majority being Canadian).

“We take great pride in the current Toronto production of The Lion King,” said David Mirvish. “The talent both on and off the Princess of Wales stage is exemplary. They represent a new generation of artists and artisans, some of whom were not even born when the original Toronto production was staged in 2000.”

“I was a teenager when the original production began.” said Hannah Mirvish. “It was incredible to see that show as an audience member. But the experience and thrill of working on this production is even bigger. It’s everything I could have hoped for and more.”

“We would like to thank the entire company of The Lion King,” said David and Hannah Mirvish. “You’ve done it! You’ve succeeded in bringing this great work of art to life. That’s no small accomplishment.”

“Many thanks also to Disney Theatrical for allowing us the chance to produce The Lion King a second time,” continued David and Hannah Mirvish. “Disney’s support, encouragement and faith are greatly appreciated.”

Beginning September 4, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will take over the Princess of Wales Theatre for its 50th Anniversary edition, September 4 – 14, 2025.

A new Relaxed Performance of Disney’s The Lion King will occur on Friday, August 1 at 1PM and is designed to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for all audiences. Tickets for this special performance will be available soon.

Eight productions of The Lion King continue around the world in New York City, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Mexico City, and on tour across North America.

Approaching 30 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals of all time. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 30 global productions have been seen by over 124 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher, The Lion King has made theatrical history with two productions worldwide running 20 or more years and three others running 25 or more years.

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), there are currently nine productions of The Lion King around the world: Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Toronto, Mexico City, and on tour across North America. The Lion King has played over 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica; its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

Director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor, the first woman to win a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical, remains actively involved in the show, launching new productions and maintaining the flagship Broadway production.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.

Elton John, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer all collaborated on the 2019 version of the film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone onto extraordinary worldwide success.

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated The Lion King feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), Anthony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael(music supervisor), Lisa Dawn Cave (production supervisor), Thomas Schlenk (general manager) and ARC/Mark Brandon, CSA (casting). Anne Quart serves as executive producer.

The Toronto production also features casting by Stephanie Gorin, CSA, CDC, and music direction by Sean Mayes.

1...684685686...3,024Page 685 of 3,024

Follow us on Instagram @thatericalper

That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

Popular posts

Popular category

© Copyright - That Eric Alper