Hello, spring! As the weather heats up, there are tons of local events to check out in the city. From salsa dancing to new art galleries, you can enjoy plenty of different activities all month long. With the help of Now Playing Toronto, we’ve rounded up some theatre, music, art and cultural events, along with some festivals, happening throughout April.
STAGE
Macbeth
On April 28, The Canadian Opera Company is hosting an adaptation of Shakespeare’s epic tragedy Macbeth at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Directed by the renowned Sir David McVicar, the performance features some of opera’s biggest names such as American baritone Quinn Kelsey, Alexandrina Pendatchanska, and Liudmyla Monastyrska.
For more, click here.
The Gray: A Wilde Musical in Concert
On April 20, the Hart House Theatre presents The Gray: A Wilde Musical, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s classic story. It follows Dorian Gray, a young singer-songwriter determined to be a star in Toronto’s Gay Village. This series includes real-life unsolved homicides, missing queer people and the spirit of disco in the late 70s. The Gray explores self-expression, generational queer trauma, and what it means to find home in LGBTQ+ spaces.
For information, click here.
MUSIC
Cuban Friday with Cafe Cubano + DJ Suave + Shum de Salsa!
The Lula Lounge is inviting you to Cuban Friday on April 21. This event includes a delectable three-course dinner and delicious tropical drinks. You can also indulge in a dance season to the beat of one of Lula’s world-famous live salsa bands. This all begins at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight.
For details, click here.
Arturo Sandoval Sextet
Arturo Sandoval is a talented musical artist who was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 2013 by U.S. President Obama. He is fluent in jazz, classical, and Cuban musical expressions. He is also a protégé of the late, great bebop trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Sandoval is performing at the Meridian Arts Centre on April 29.
For more information, click here.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival
Calling all young audiences and creators, TIFF wants you at this year’s Next Wave Film Festival. The festival is a chance to explore new voices and perspectives through a new set of movies. The TIFF Next Wave Film Festival runs April 14 to 16, with brand new movies free for anyone under 25.
For more, click here.
College Street Jazz Festival
The College Street Jazz Festival is a three-day event that runs from April 21 to 23. It includes an exciting lineup of diverse artists from across the city. This year, the festival is focused on gender representation, cultural diversity and emerging artists.
For details, click here.
ART
Amartey Golding: In the comfort of embers
This art exhibit by Amartey Golding includes work through mediums such as video, garments, and photography. In these pieces, fire is a central theme. The main protagonists of these stories face personal reckonings as they prepare to live in the absurd world that awaits them. Visitors can see the exhibit as of April 13 at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.
For more information, click here.
REFUGEE IN THE SEA BY TAREK GHRIRI
Refugee By the Sea is a seven-track album composed by Tarek Ghriri that is premiering for the very first time on April 22. The album explores themes of heartbreak and love, freedom, and the search for cultural identity. In addition to the live performance, the show will feature a short screening of a film directed by Amer Barzawi that documents the making of the album and includes interviews with contributing artists.
Details can be found here.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Rudy Ray Live at Tapestry
Catch a performance by artist Rudy Ray before he leaves for Ghana. On April 16, Rudy Ray is performing at Tapestry, where he will be joined by Josh Lane on drums, Julien Bradley-Combs on guitar, and Christopher Kettlewell on bass. Two sets of music will be played from 8 to 11:30 p.m.
For more, click here.
Youth Unstoppable
On April 22, Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema is presenting Youth Unstoppable, a film 12 years in the making. This film documents the struggles and events of the largely unseen and misunderstood Global Youth Climate Movement. Beginning at age of 15, Slater Jewell-Kemker tells the story of a generation fighting to be heard within the frustrating and complex process of UN Climate Change negotiations.
For tickets, click here.
For more events happening in the city, visit our events calendar.
