While established talent frequently find themselves in one of the most diverse cities in the world, Toronto is also home to underground and emerging artists who are paving a new way forward in society.
From emo-inspired hip hop to feel good neo-soul vibes, we’ve got a special roundup of courageous artists that will leave you inspired the moment you hear their sounds in June.
Here are six concerts that are happening across unique venues in Toronto this month.
June 8 – Morgan St. Jean, Adelaide Hall
Adelaide Hall will be welcoming Morgan St. Jean for her North American tour this summer. The artist blew up during the pandemic for her song “Aftertaste”, amassing over 100 million streams and reaching Billboard’s Top 40 in Canada.
St. Jean deems herself as a “feminist pop” artist. She’s been able to grow a loyal and engaged following on social media to empower women through her music.
She is set to perform at 8 p.m. on June 8 at Adelaide Hall.
Fun Fact: Although the Adelaide Hall of today opened in 2013, the venue used to be home to the world’s first 24-hour rock radio station.
For more information, click here.
June 12- Kevin Morris: Bad Gay, Vol. 2, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
As part of its Pride lineup, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is welcoming back Cabaret superstar Kevin Morris to the stage with a brand new edition of his hit performance “Bad Gay” on June 12 at 8 p.m.
Morris will impress the audience with his fabulous vocals and hilarious storytelling, while award-winning composer David Atkinson leads a live band playing hits from Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan and many more.
The show is a Pride tradition that you won’t want to miss, with a few surprises expected along the way!
Fun Fact: Although Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a beloved queer theatre company in Toronto, it was not created with that intent. When Buddies was founded in 1979, its original focus was on staged adaptations of poetry.
For more information, click here.
June 13 – Robert Ball, Toronto Reference Library
Robert Ball is performing at Toronto Reference Library to celebrate Pride Month. Ball hosts a talk show focused on the Black queer experience in collaboration with the Black Gay Men’s Network Ontario.
The soul and jazz artist will bring an experience that combines sounds like Jill Scott Heron and D’Angelo. The free concert starts at 2 p.m. and takes place on the ground level of the library in the Beeton Hall.
Toronto Reference Library hosts tons of free and ticketed arts and culture events year-round for tourists and residents alike.
Fun Fact: Toronto Reference Library will be hosting music events for Pride, including a jazz concert by Ori Dagan. For more information, click here.
June 14-16 – Aportia Chryptych, Canadian Opera Company
Toronto is one of the best cities to go to the opera no matter where you’re from because the Canadian Opera Company is one of the largest producers of opera in North America.
Portia White was Canada’s first Black Opera singer and a talented group of artists that make up Aportia Chryptch are honouring her with an opera tribute fused with spoken word, rap, and R&B.
Chryptych will be performing at the Canadian Opera Company venue on June 14 at 7:30 p.m, June 15 at 2 p.m. and June 16 at 2 p.m.
Fun Fact: Surtitles, or subtitles to translate opera performances, were invented at the Canadian Opera Company. For more information, click here.
June 22 – Danielle Ponder, Velvet Underground
Former lawyer turned R&B musician Danielle Ponder is coming to Toronto with her powerful voice and social justice messaging at Velvet Underground on June 22 at 7 p.m.
Ponder is known for her determination to be a music artist after the age of 40 and leaving an entire career of being a public defender behind.
Velvet Underground has attracted courageous live musicians and upcoming bands since its remodelling eight years ago.
Fun Fact: Velvet Underground is one of the best iconic nightclubs to visit on Queen St. West during the weekend as it’s open Wednesdays through Saturdays. For more information, click here.
June 23 – The Kid LAROI, HISTORY
For his first tour, The Kid LAROI is coming to one of Toronto’s rising hotspots. HISTORY is a gigantic auditorium that can house up to 2,500 people, but guests from all over the world can still feel up close to the experience in the open space.
Premium ticket holders at HISTORY can bypass lines and don’t have to pay for coat check, which might come in handy since Eric Andre and Schoolboy Q will be visiting this summer.
Kid Laroi will be bringing his emo and alternative rock mixed with hip hop vibes on a Toronto stage for the first time at 6:30 p.m. on June 23.
Fun Fact: HISTORY is an entirely cashless venue, keeping it on par with other major art venues on Queen Street East.
For more information, click here.
For a list of more events, check out our events calendar, powered by Now Playing Toronto at nowtoronto.com.
