The Edwards Summer Music Series includes eight FREE outdoor concerts showcasing diverse, contemporary talent, within the beauty of the Toronto Botanical Garden, hosted by award-winning Canadian broadcaster and environmentalist Anwar Knight. Enjoy FREE concerts on Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in July and August within the courtyard adjacent to the historic barn in Edwards Gardens. Admission to the concerts is FREE. General seating is available on a first-come basis. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
Arrive early for greater enjoyment. Shop or dine at our Summer Market (3 to 7 p.m.). The TBG Bloom Cafe, which has a patio overlooking the concert venue, will be open for light bites, sweet treats, and hot food from the BBQ. Drop into the Visitor Center to browse our Garden Shop for a curated selection of plants, garden goodies, and nature-inspired home decor.
The Edwards Summer Music Series is generously supported by the Edwards Charitable Foundation
2024 Concert Line-up
Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m.
Amanda Rheaume is a citizen of the Métis Nation and an active and proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Rheaume’s music is indeed from the heart, and the land. Rheaume’s rootsy, guitar-driven ballads introduce crucial dimensions to the world of Heartland Rock. In a genre characterized by anthems of underdogs, assumptions and unfair advantages, Rheaume’s sound and story crucially and radically expand the boundaries, geographic and cultural, to make space for new perspectives on resistance and resilience. From the International Indigenous Music Summit, to the newly-founded Ishkode Records, and the National Indigenous Music Office, the goal of raising Indigenous sovereignty in the music industry drives all of Rheaume’s work.
Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m.
Step back in time and indulge in the nostalgia of classic R&B soul with ‘The Ladies of Soul’ as we pay homage to the timeless hits that have stood the test of time. You will be transported to the golden era when smooth grooves, heartfelt lyrics, and soulful melodies reign supreme. From the sultry sounds of Motown to the funky beats of the ’70s and ’80s, this powerhouse lineup of female vocalists including Quisha Wint, Selena Evangeline, and Jeliz will take you on a musical journey. Get ready to groove to the iconic tunes of legends like Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Chaka Khan.
Thursday, July 25, 7 p.m.
The Fugitives are an acoustic folk-roots group headed by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod. They’re joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters). Over their first five albums, they’ve amassed a JUNO nomination, numerous CFMA and WCMA nominations, and toured extensively through Canada, Europe, and the UK. Performance highlights include most major Canadian folk festivals, a slot at Glastonbury, and a tour opening for Buffy Sainte-Marie.
Thursday, August 1, 7 p.m.
Trash Panda Brass is a new, and exciting voice in the Toronto brass band scene. With all arrangements done by members of the band, Trash Panda is known for their upbeat and fun-loving tunes, paying homage to quintessential queer hits and icons. Their home, however, will always be on the streets where they are “retooling the art of busking into a kind of amazing outdoor ambush”. Trash Panda Brass is proud to be here and queer!
Thursday, August 8, 7 p.m.
Hailing from Montreal by way of Budapest, Sophie Lukacs is a kora player, singer-songwriter, and one of the only women in the world to play the 21-string Mandingue instrument. She has forged a distinct style, drawing inspiration from her training in classical violin, seven years of study in Mali with kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté, and her roots in Hungarian folk music. Sophie’s music is rooted
in love, empathy, and vulnerability, creating an intimate connection with listeners. Her debut album – Bamako – was released in spring 2023, and features the legendary Habib Koité.
Thursday, August 15, 7 p.m.
Bowed Arts is a collective of like-minded female musicians who have joined forces to contribute to the evolution of string performance and education. Through working with major brands including Sephora, McDonalds, TIFF, and SOHO House, and productions including The Junos, Canada’s Got Talent & Canada’s Walk of Fame, international artists like Kygo, Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy, The Arkells, and The Strumbellas; Bowed Arts has quickly become the go-to collective for headlining and supporting live events, recording sessions, product launches, and tours. They just recorded their first album of original music which will be released in Autumn 2024.
Thursday, August 22, 7 p.m.
Lily Frost is among Canada’s critically acclaimed songwriters, known for her score and theme song for Gemini nominated hit t.v. series Being Erica. Lily’s fuel sources are cinema, photography, travel, life experience, nature, the supernatural, drama, philosophy and poetry. The characters in her songs are fictional and autobiographical. She collaborates with writers and producers as a visionary using her “tremendous gift for language” (Dan Hill). Lily is a strong melodist and muse with buckets of ideas and expression.
Thursday, August 29, 7 p.m.
Alexis Baro was born into a musical family in Havana, Cuba. Classically trained, he took up the trumpet at age 8. While in school he became a member of the Buena Vista Social Club superstar Omara Portuondo’s band, and later at the age of 19 played lead trumpet for the National Radio and Television Orchestra. After moving to Toronto, Canada in 2001, he flourished as a writer and performer for eight years as a member of the Canadian award-winning ‘hard-bop” band Kollage. Baro has participated in more than 80 albums and has performed with numerous artists including Nikky Yanofsky, David Foster, Michael Bublé, and Paul Anka.
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. His warm, genuine, and vibrant persona makes him not just a beloved host but a trusted guide. 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.
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
Audio Visual Production by Quest Audio Visual
Summer Market Management by Appletree Markets and Events
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 connect with nature and the environment. To express your interest fill out our online application form.
