Hong Sunghyun, Pierre Kwenders, Soley Ensemble & Small World in the Park

Last night’s Festival launch party and Polyphonic Ground kickoff was a blast! Great music and community spirit, setting the tone for the remainder of the weekend.

This evening at the Small World Centre, we’re hosting an exciting group of young Korean musicians on their first foray into North America. Already having hit several events, and on their way to the Chicago World Music Festival, Hong Sunghyun and his Cheobeolbi band take ancient traditions into the modern age with real verve and stunning chops. Sunghyun is a virtuosic percussionist surrounded by a superb group of musicians.

After them, close out your night with music from the “intergalactic and spiritual new record” (Michael Rancic, NOW Magazine) of  Pierre Kwenders at the Rivoli. They have been getting great media attention, so be sure to check out the show for yourself.

We’ve done some great of concerts in the beautiful setting of St. Andrew’s Church and Saturday’s night of Sufi music featuring Soley Vaseghi and his group certainly promises to continue that legacy. Inner Journey 1 incorporates some of Canada’s finest Persian classical players, two Sufi whirlers and Soley‘s inimitable voice giving life to poetry by Rumi, Hafez and others. Deeply spiritual and musically powerful, here’s a 45 second preview of their sound.

With the weather gods continuing to cooperate (fingers firmly crossed) we’re really looking forward to the full-day of outdoor programming on Sunday. The lovely lakeside setting of Trillium Park will resonate with music rooted in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Malta, Hip Hop, street performance and New Orleans funk, among others. Join us for the day, BYOBlanket and marshmallows for the fire!