Edwards Summer Music Series: Imbayakunas

The Edwards Summer Music Series includes eight FREE outdoor concerts showcasing contemporary Canadian talent, within the beauty of the Toronto Botanical Garden. Hosted by TV Personality Mike Chalut.

The concerts take place Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in July and August within the courtyard adjacent to the historic barn in Edwards Gardens. Concerts are held rain or shine (they move indoors in the case of extreme weather). Admission to the concerts is FREE. General seating is available on a first-come basis or guests are encouraged to bring their own chair. Generously Supported by the Edwards Charitable Foundation.

The Imbayakunas’ music allows the listener to escape on an exotic voyage with traditional Andean Native music infused with Latin and European sounds. Traditional instruments like the pan flutes, rondador, charango, drum, ronrroco and cajas are mixed with newer instruments like the guitar, violin, bandolin and bass creating their unique sound.

Audiences have commented that their distinctive melodies speak to the heart and soul. Some of the rhythms are pensive and incorporate sounds of the natural world while others are upbeat and very danceable. The songs are sung in Spanish and also Quechua (pronounced “kee – chew – ahh”). Themes of the songs are of respect for “Pacha Mama” (mother earth in Quechua), annual Andean festivals, working overseas, love and new romance.

Their musical expression creates an environment that unites us all. The songs are interpretations of our past and the evolution of our culture into the future.