It has no theme, no mandate, no point except to demonstrate that there’s great art out there in the world. But the Luminato Festival (June 14 to 23) continues to grow nonetheless.
Though the program remains uneven – k-os and Serena Ryder aren’t exactly cutting-edge, and Laurie Anderson is way past her artistic prime – it does boast some great international creators, including choreographer Mark Morris, performance artist Marina Abramovic and author Claire Messud.
The literary picnic presents over 30 writers on Saturday (June 22) from noon to 4 pm at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Many set up blankets so they can give one-on-one face time to book lovers. Writers include Shyam Selvadurai, Katrina Onstad, Michael Helm and Tamara Faith Berger.
And unlike Neil Young, who was noticeably absent at Luminato 2012’s tribute to him, Joni Mitchell not only shows up for her tribute (June 18 and 19 at Massey Hall) but is helping coordinate it. Glen Hansard, Chaka Khan and Rufus Wainwright are set to sing her tunes.
Speaking of Mitchell, the musician and painter celebrates her 70th birthday by participating in a TimesTalks event June 16 at the Isabel Bader, when she and her long-time collaborator, drummer/bandleader Brian Blade, talk to New York Times pop music critic Jon Pareles. luminatofestival.com.
