Meet the Artists.
Sarah Jordan and Matt Von — Day 1
Sarah Jordan and Matt Von are a brother-and-sister duo known for their natural chemistry and engaging performances. Blending soulful pop vocals with acoustic storytelling, they create emotionally driven music that connects with audiences. Since forming in 2019, they’ve released original songs like “Great Escape,” “L.O.V.E,” and “Watch Me,” showcasing their harmonies and songwriting. With experience across festivals, venues, and private events in Ontario, they’ve built a strong reputation for stage presence. Their sound balances modern pop and organic instrumentation, delivering both intimate moments and high-energy performances rooted in their authentic sibling bond.
AWA presents J Nichole
J. Nichole Noel is an award-winning Ontario-based spoken word artist, singer-songwriter, storyteller, and author with over 25 years of multidisciplinary experience. Inspired by her Trinidadian heritage, her work explores identity, resilience, and human connection through poetry, music, and storytelling. She has performed internationally and authored children’s books and poetry collections reaching diverse audiences. African Women Acting (AWA) is a pan-African nonprofit empowering women, artists, and youth through cultural programming, mentorship, and festivals, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, community engagement, and the celebration of African and diasporic arts globally across generations and communities.
Kouraba Presents African Drumming Ensemble
Proudly supported by LiUNA Local 506. Feel the pulse of West Africa with the powerful rhythms of the Kouraba Foli Drumming Ensemble led by master percussionist Amara Kante and featuring Salif Sanou DIT Lasso. Specializing in authentic Malinke drumming—a tradition passed down for generations in Guinea—the ensemble brings to life the ceremonial, communal, and healing rhythms of the Mande people. The Malinke drum language is an ancient form of communication and celebration, and this electrifying performance invites audiences into its living heartbeat, offering a deep connection to African heritage and unity through rhythm.
Courtyard Concerts presents J3M
Blending pop, soul, and disco, J3M (Katja Debourbon) creates infectious melodies that linger. Recognized by CBC Q and Queerty Magazine, the award-winning singer-songwriter and producer has shared stages with artists like Deborah Cox and Cyndi Lauper, performing locally and internationally. His latest single, “LOVE ADDICT,” is out now.
Courtyard Concerts is a free live music series showcasing Ontario-based artists in community spaces, with a focus on diversity and accessibility. Curated by Canada’s Music Incubator, the series supports emerging talent through performances, mentorship, and initiatives that strengthen Canada’s music ecosystem and foster sustainable creative careers.
FabCollab Presents Women In Song — Day 1
A global music and dance festival in a single concert! FabCollab’s Women in Song brings together women and gender-diverse singers, dancers, and musicians from around the world in a vibrant, collaborative performance bursting with rhythm, passion, and cultural connection. Featuring Aline Morales (Brazil), Ana Lía (Dominican Republic), Lauren Barnett (Jamaica), Tara Moneka (Iraq), Heather Crawford (Jessie Reyez), Cotee Harper (Indigenous Dance), flamenco, and hip hop, this unforgettable evening celebrates the traditions and energy of a rainbow of World Cup nations.
Tag @fabcollablive and check out FabCollab.ca.
FabCollab Presents Women In Song — Day 2
A global music and dance festival in a single concert! FabCollab’s Women in Song brings together women and gender-diverse singers, dancers, and musicians from around the world in a vibrant, collaborative performance bursting with rhythm, passion, and cultural connection. Featuring Aline Morales (Brazil), Ana Lía (Dominican Republic), Lauren Barnett (Jamaica), Tara Moneka (Iraq), Heather Crawford (Jessie Reyez), Cotee Harper (Indigenous Dance), flamenco, and hip hop, this unforgettable evening celebrates the traditions and energy of a rainbow of World Cup nations.
Tag @fabcollablive and check out FabCollab.ca.
Sarah Jordan and Matt Von — Day 2
Sarah Jordan and Matt Von are a brother-and-sister duo known for their natural chemistry and engaging performances. Blending soulful pop vocals with acoustic storytelling, they create emotionally driven music that connects with audiences. Since forming in 2019, they’ve released original songs like “Great Escape,” “L.O.V.E,” and “Watch Me,” showcasing their harmonies and songwriting. With experience across festivals, venues, and private events in Ontario, they’ve built a strong reputation for stage presence. Their sound balances modern pop and organic instrumentation, delivering both intimate moments and high-energy performances rooted in their authentic sibling bond.
Toronto Yunus Emre Institute presents Burak Ekmekçi Quartet
Specially brought together for Turkish Night at ICFF, the Burak Ekmekçi Quartet delivers a dynamic program inspired by Turkish musical traditions. Led by bağlama artist and composer Burak Ekmekçi, the ensemble features drummer and producer Marito Marques, bassist Julian Anderson-Bowes, and pianist Chris Pruden. Through original compositions and innovative interpretations, the quartet offers a culturally rich performance rooted in collaboration and dialogue. The Quartet will play a curated selection of iconic Turkish film and television soundtracks from 1950 to today, offering a modern yet tradition-grounded musical experience.
PCMFF presents Dong Marban
Eduardo “Dong” Marban is a Filipino-Canadian vocalist, worship leader, and live entertainer whose musical journey spans the Philippines and Canada. A former member of the DLSU Chorale and DLSU POPS Orchestra, he also performed with The Mulatto Band, Soul Brothers, and Surreli Jazz Band. Dong has served in worship ministries including The Feast PICC and Feast SM Aura. Now based in Ontario, he performs at cultural events and community celebrations while continuing to inspire through music, faith, and heartfelt performances.
PCMFF presents Liza Silagan
Liza Silagan is a Filipina-Canadian vocalist known for heartfelt performances, powerful vocals, and her journey from the Philippines to Canada. Originally from Panabo, Davao City, she began singing competitively at an early age before becoming a professional vocalist in the Philippines. After immigrating to Canada, she continued her music career while rebuilding her life abroad. Known as “Niagara’s Diva,” she has performed at multicultural events, community concerts, and Filipino showcases across the Niagara Region and GTA. Her release “Dream,” filmed in Niagara Falls, reflects themes of hope, perseverance, and purpose.
PCMFF presents Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s and Don’ts is a Filipino-Canadian band based in Hamilton, Ontario, known for blending Filipino cultural identity with modern live music performance. Public descriptions and event promotions identify the group as a family-oriented Filipino-Canadian band active in community and multicultural events across Canada.
PCMFF presents Rhett Dela Cruz
Rhett Dela Cruz is a Filipino-Canadian singer-songwriter whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with modern pop, R&B, and alternative influences. Originally immigrating to Canada as a teenager, he balanced life as a registered nurse while pursuing his passion for music, emerging as a rising artist in Toronto’s Filipino-Canadian music scene. Known for his emotionally driven songwriting and engaging stage presence, Rhett gained attention after launching his debut solo concert Hits & Heartbeats at the People’s Theatre for the Performing Arts in Markham, Ontario — a showcase attended by over 800 people.
PCMFF presents Jeric Medina and Jinky Vidal
Jeric Medina is a Filipino pop and R&B singer-songwriter who rose to prominence after The X Factor Philippines in 2012. He co-wrote the award-winning “Triangulo,” Grand Champion at the 2015 Philippine Popular Music Festival. Now based in Canada, he released his debut album Chapters in 2025, exploring love, growth, and storytelling.
Jinky Vidal is one of the Philippines’ most sought-after singers. She began in the late 1990s as lead vocalist of the iconic band Freestyle before launching a successful solo career in 2012. Known for her powerful, passionate voice, she moved to Canada in 2023 and is now based in Toronto.
Courtyard Concerts presents Samantha Mora
Samantha Mora is a Mexican singer, visual artist, and activist based in Canada. Blending jazz, Mexican folk, and R&B, her music explores emotional depth and transformation. After a long creative pause, she returned with powerful, introspective songs that reflect her personal evolution and commitment to compassion and artistic expression.
Courtyard Concerts is a free live music series showcasing Ontario-based artists in community spaces, with a focus on diversity and accessibility. Curated by Canada’s Music Incubator, the series supports emerging talent through performances, mentorship, and initiatives that strengthen Canada’s music ecosystem and foster sustainable creative careers.
Courtyard Concerts presents Aphrose
Aphrose is a rising Canadian talent and most recently, a 2025 JUNO nominee. With global airplay, features on BET and CBC Music, and standout performances across Europe and the UK, her powerful presence continues to captivate audiences and earn acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic.
Courtyard Concerts is a free live music series showcasing Ontario-based artists in community spaces, with a focus on diversity and accessibility. Curated by Canada’s Music Incubator, the series supports emerging talent through performances, mentorship, and initiatives that strengthen Canada’s music ecosystem and foster sustainable creative careers.
B. Knox
You can hear the East Coast rooted in Canadian singer-songwriter B. Knox, his words shaped like ocean stones. Receiving critical acclaim from AmericanaUK, Folk RadioUK (now KLOF Mag), RnR Magazine, AltCountry.NL, a short-listing by the CCMA’s and the International Songwriting Competition, plus international radio play via SiriusXM and playlisting from Starbucks, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music, Knox is an emerging Americana voice worth listening to, blending cosmic Americana, honky tonk, country-rock, and roots. His third album, From The Deep, continues his signature depth of songwriting while exploring darker, more rock-driven territory.
AWA presents Jesse Ryan Trio
Jesse Ryan is a JUNO-nominated saxophonist and composer whose work explores the connections between jazz and Afro-Caribbean traditions, expressing deeply transcendent ideas through music. Raised in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, he is the grandson of Calypso legend Clifton Ryan, “The Mighty Bomber.” A recipient of the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Emerging Jazz Artist Award, he is also the founder of Kaiso Street Society, dedicated to preserving Calypso heritage. African Women Acting (AWA) is a pan-African nonprofit empowering women, artists, and youth through cultural programming, mentorship, and festivals, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and celebrating African and diasporic arts globally.
JESVS
Jesvs (Jesús Daniel Bustamante Holguín) is an Ecuadorian-Canadian multi-instrumentalist and songwriter blending Spanish pop with bolero, cumbia, and reggaeton influences. After leaving a corporate banking career to pursue music, busking across Europe in 2023, he has become a voice in Canada’s Latin scene and a host for Univision Canada. Inspired by his journey, he has performed at HCHC Festival and Salsa Blue Mountain alongside acts like Sonido GTA and Orquestra Fantasía. Currently collaborating with HAZYFACE and Altamar Sonido, he continues to release culturally grounded, modern music.
AWA presents Amadou Kienou
Master drummer Amadou Kienou hails from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, once part of the vast ancient Mandingo Empire. A descendant of the Dafin people, Amadou was initiated as a djeli or griot—an oral historian preserving and transmitting history, culture and values. Bringing the traditional to the contemporary, he delights international audiences with unique polyrhythmic expression. The djembe is his principal instrument: “the djembe is more than a musical instrument; it is an extension of the musician through which he expresses his life, his emotions.” He also plays dunduns, n’goni, tama, guitar and drum set.
Courtyard Concerts presents Nishat Khair
Nishat Khair is a versatile artist who navigates a range of genres, from western blues, pop and rock to Indian semi classical music. A guitarist and singer/songwriter, Nishat brings together elements of both Eastern and Western influences, creating a sound that reflects her diverse background and her artistic journey.
Courtyard Concerts is a free live music series showcasing Ontario-based artists in community spaces, with a focus on diversity and accessibility. Curated by Canada’s Music Incubator, the series supports emerging talent through performances, mentorship, and initiatives that strengthen Canada’s music ecosystem and foster sustainable creative careers.
Courtyard Concerts presents Flo Olavarria
Flo Olavarria is a Toronto-based pop artist and songwriter who blends witty storytelling with infectious melodies. Praised by Rolling Stone (“Avril Lavigne punkish sneer”) and Music Row Magazine (“sharp pop sensibility”), she delivers songs that have sharp lyrics and a cinematic pop energy — evoking the rawness of Olivia Dean and the fiery flair of Olivia Rodrigo.
Courtyard Concerts is a free live music series showcasing Ontario-based artists in community spaces, with a focus on diversity and accessibility. Curated by Canada’s Music Incubator, the series supports emerging talent through performances, mentorship, and initiatives that strengthen Canada’s music ecosystem and foster sustainable creative careers.
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Toronto Blues Society
Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit charity dedicated to the promotion & preservation of the blues. Formed in 1985 they continue to promote all Canadian blues artists past and present.
Sign up for their weekly eblast ‘Where It’s At!’ for updates on shows and promotions. On the 1st of each month read their monthly newsletter ‘Maple Blues News’ that includes Interviews, Album reviews, Stories and blues news in Canada. Check out their annual shows Women’s Blues Revue, Canadian Blues Music Awards Gala and the Talent Search.
Bel Canto to Billboard
From the Opera to the Dance Floor. Italian music never drew a line between Rossini and Ramazzotti — we did. Tonight tears it down. A live performance travels from opera to cantautori to the dance floor, showing how one emotional language evolved without losing its soul. Rossini, Mozart, Puccini, and Offenbach open the journey before Cinema Paradiso carries us into Dalla, Ramazzotti, and Elodie. The finale explodes into “Con te partirò,” remixed Volare, and La Dolce Vita energy, where classical virtuosity and club culture collide. Italian music has always known how to do one thing: move you, whatever the cost.
Tickets: A ticket is required if you’d like a seat on the festival couches.
Canadian Asian Music Society presents Beyond Silence
Beyond Silence is a music project centered on rhythm, energy, and musical interaction. Through melodies, percussion, and improvisation, it creates an engaging, shared experience between musicians and audiences. Inspired by traditional and contemporary influences, the sound is dynamic and expressive, rooted in connection through music and movement.
The Canadian Asian Ensemble (CAE), part of the Canadian Asian Music Society, brings together musicians from diverse Asian and Canadian traditions. Their performances celebrate cultural diversity, honour nature, and promote connection through music, sharing messages of peace, reflection, and cross-cultural understanding.
The Canadian Asian Ensemble
The Canadian Asian Ensemble (CAE), part of the Canadian Asian Music Society, is a multicultural group bringing together musicians from diverse Asian and Canadian traditions. Through original performances, they celebrate cultural diversity, honour nature, and foster cross-cultural connection. Their work draws from traditional musical heritage while promoting reflection on the relationship between art, music, and the natural world. CAE also collaborates across communities, including Indigenous partners, to create new works that bridge cultures. Through music, they share messages of peace, hope, and understanding while inspiring meaningful audience connection.
AWA presents PubDaddy Band
Pubdaddy is a Niagara-based band featuring seasoned musicians with decades of experience across genres. Bassist Joe Colonna, originally from Italy, rose to prominence with The British Modbeats before pursuing an award-winning architecture career and later returning to music with large-scale productions. Keyboardist and vocalist John Krutschke is a University of Toronto–trained performer and educator, while lead singer Kevin Davis brings lifelong passion as a percussionist and harmonica player. Guitarist Mark Murphy and drummer Mark Spagnuolo round out the group with extensive backgrounds in rock, blues, and tribute performances. African Women Acting (AWA) is a pan-African nonprofit empowering women, artists, and youth through cultural programming, mentorship, and festivals, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and celebrating African and diasporic arts globally.
