Don’t miss this free outdoor concert series that showcases diverse, contemporary talent set within the natural beauty of the garden. Enjoy eight FREE outdoor concerts in the Garden on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in July and August. General seating is available on a first-come basis. Guests can also bring their own chairs. Concerts are held rain or shine.
The Edwards Summer Music Series is generously supported by the Edwards Charitable Foundation
2025 Concert Line Up
Men of Soul
Thursday, July 3
Soul, R&B
Experience an unforgettable night of timeless soul and smooth R&B with Men of Soul, featuring the legendary Michael Dunston, Aion Clarke & Billy Newton-Davis. Known for his rich, velvety voice and commanding stage presence, Dunston channels the spirit of Motown, the groove of Stax, and the elegance of modern R&B. Backed by an elite band, he’ll guide you through soul classics by Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Donny Hathaway, while also spotlighting today’s vibrant soul scene. This electrifying show is a heartfelt tribute to the music that moves us. Don’t miss this celebration of soul’s past, present, and future.
Kelly Bado
Thursday, July 10
Afro-Pop, R&B, Bilingual
Kelly Bado blends African heritage, French ballads, and American gospel to create uplifting music that transcends cultures. Born in the Ivory Coast and now based in Winnipeg, her songs reflect a rich journey across languages and rhythms. She’s earned honors including Francophone and Global Artist of the Year (2021 WCMA) and the 2024 Black and Proud Gala’s Art and Culture Award. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producers, Kelly’s latest work fuses tradition with modern sound. She’s performed with Alessia Cara and Angelique Kidjo, and her French album arrives Spring 2025, followed by an English release later that year.
The Ault Sisters
Thursday, July 17
Jazz Vocal Trio
Stars of VisionTV’s Your All Time Classic Hit Parade, The Ault Sisters—Amanda, Alicia, and Alanna—are a dynamic vocal trio known for their rich, intricate harmonies. Blending backgrounds in jazz, classical, pop, and musical theatre, they’ve performed across Canada at top venues and festivals, and internationally as World Vision Canada Ambassadors. Their U.S. appearances include NYC’s APAP and the Rochester Fringe Festival. With three albums produced by Greg Kavanagh, Sisters In Song hit #1 on iTunes Jazz. Now entering Season 7 of their hit show, The Ault Sisters continue captivating audiences on stage and screen.
Adis Rodriguez
Thursday, July 24
Latin Ensemble, Salsa
Adis Rodriguez is one of Toronto’s most versatile vocalists, known for her powerful presence in the Latin music scene. A Cuban Canadian talent, she leads La Borinqueña Orquesta, El Charangón del Norte, Conjunto LaCalu, and her own band, Havana 1950s—the largest Latin band in Canada led by a woman. She’s collaborated with artists like Jerry Rivera, Chucho Valdés, and Jane Bunnett. A 2019 Canada Latin Award winner and 2023 Juno nominee, Adis made history as the first Cuban Canadian to perform at the Rogers Centre for a Blue Jays–Yankees game. Her music bridges cultures with passion and precision.
Jennarie
Thursday, July 31
Alternative Pop, LGBTQ+
Toronto-based independent artist Jennarie fuses R&B and jazz into a soulful, personal sound inspired by artists like Yebba and India Arie. Known for her dynamic vocals and raw songwriting, she’s performed at major events like Pride Toronto and Kensington Jazz Festival, and the TD Toronto Jazz Festival.
Jennarie’s viral Instagram video song about body liberation earned global attention—including a share from SZA—and over 3.7 million views.
Raoul and The Big Time
Thursday, August 7
Blues
For over 27 years, Raoul and The Big Time have delivered their signature “Big Time Blues” to audiences across Canada. They are a staple of the Canadian blues scene with five albums and performances at major festivals in Montreal, Vancouver, Fredericton, and more. The band has collaborated with members of The Mavis Staples Band, Canned Heat, and legends like Billy Boy Arnold, Bettye LaVette, and Big Dave McLean. Maple Blues Award winners, they bring their high-energy shows to both intimate clubs and large festival stages throughout the GTA and beyond.
Music and Dance from Mary’s Garden
August 14
Classical, Ballet
Artistic catalyst, Joy of Music, has curated an array of gorgeous works for piano, harp, and violin brought vividly to life by dancers from the world of classical ballet and contemporary dance. Timeless pas de deux from Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet are offered alongside new works by esteemed Toronto choreographers Jera Wolfe and Peggy Baker, and a solo by the magnificent principal dancer, Harrison James. A concert as lush and bounteous as the garden of Joy of Music’s founder, Mary Gore.
musicians: Chris Au (piano), Clara Wang (harp), Leslie Ashworth (violin), Isabella Perron (violin/voice)
dancers: Nio Hirano & Josh Hall, Emerson Dayton & David Preciado (National Ballet of Canada); Harrison James (NBoC and San Francisco Ballet); Sonja Boretski, Miyeko Ferguson & Jera Wolfe
lighting design: Gabriel Cropley
The North Sound
August 21
Indie Folk, Roots Rock, Indigenous
Formed in 2014 by Forrest Eaglespeaker and partner Nevada Freistadt, The North Sound blends modern Americana with Forrest’s Blackfoot heritage. Their music features raw, honest storytelling inspired by artists like Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris. Signed to Crystal Shawanda’s Indigenous label New Sun Music, they’ve had four #1 singles on the Indigenous Music Countdown and won Sask Music’s Indigenous Artist of the Year (2020). With SCMA nominations and performances alongside artists like Blue Rodeo and Celeigh Cardinal, The North Sound offers a fresh take on country music. Based in Saskatoon, they aim to uplift and impact diverse communities.
Meet our Music Series Host
Anwar Knight is an award-winning Canadian broadcaster and environmentalist with an illustrious career spanning over two decades, during which he held pivotal roles at some of Canada’s largest newsrooms. Anwar is a dedicated eco-ambassador and fervent environmentalist. Through his lens, he unveils the breathtaking beauty of our world, inspiring everyone to play a part in its preservation. This commitment recently earned him the prestigious “Environmental Awareness” award from the Credit Valley Conservation Authority. Today, you can find Anwar Knight on The Weather Network and CBC News Network, continuing to share stories that resonate and inspire.
Arrive early for greater enjoyment
This is a very popular summer concert series, so to avoid disappointment and enjoy a relaxing experience, please arrive early, as parking and seating capacity is limited. Here are some suggested pre-concert activities.
Learn more by joining a pre-concert tour of the Garden from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Reserve your Spot.
Grab light bites, sweet treats, and hot food from the BBQ from The Dandelion Café, which has a patio overlooking the concert venue.
Sustainability shares the stage during the concert. Visit our eco-station where our friendly volunteers will help you support our waste diversion and recycling program.
Drop into the Visitor Center to browse our Garden Shop for a curated selection of plants, garden goodies, and nature-inspired home decor.
Concerts are held rain or shine. If concerts are moved indoors due to extreme weather, the capacity is limited to around 300 guests. Access to the hall will be controlled for the safety of all guests. Guests with accessibility needs are advised to arrive early and will be provided with early access to the hall. No external chairs will be permitted in the hall.
Thank You to Our Partners
Event Management by Francine Socket and Associates
AV by Pandor Productions
Photo Albums
Are you interested in performing at the Garden?
We’re always looking for local talent to perform at the garden, especially those with a deep connection with nature and the environment. To express your interest fill out our online application form.
