Cultura is a Free family friendly outdoor festival presenting Music, Art, Food and Film every Friday evening in July. Cultura celebrates Toronto’s rich diversity featuring world renowned Musicians, tasty international street food, explosive buskers and dance, interactive art activities, and evening film screenings under the stars. Presented by Councillor John Fillion in partnership with North York Arts Cultura also serves to benefit the local community, with proceeds of busker performances donated to support local charities.

We are so excited to be a Music Programming partner for this year and the final night of celebration on Friday July 29th. We are proud to present incredible music acts from around the world in the Square and on the Main Stage.

Performances in the Square - 6:30pm

Baque Semente
Coletivo Semente led by Brazilian percussionist Mari Palhares brings the rhythms and movement from the Afro Brazilian drumming tradition of Maracatu de Baque virado.

This century old cultural manifestation from the northeast of Brazil, mixes powerful drumming and song. Maracatu has its roots in the sugar fazendas and slave estates of Pernambuco state, where black African slaves formed religious brotherhoods to preserve African culture and heritage.

Big Smoke Brass 
Big Smoke Brass has firmly established itself as a leading voice in the Canadian brass band landscape since its inception in the summer of 2017. The band got its start playing on the streets of Toronto, and quickly garnered a strong following thanks to its ear-catching sound and strong group dynamic.

The band released their new EP, “Bass Camp” at the end of 2021, having recorded and produced the album entirely by themselves in the year prior. The band released their latest music video (“Underthink”) with the Drom Artists Collective of Drom Taberna, a regular performance home of the band since 2018.

Main Stage Act - 8pm

Yani Borrell
Solo artist Yani Borrell has emerged as a powerful entertainer with a unique voice and passion, embodying true Salsa expression. Born in Camaguey, Cuba, he began his professional career at the age of 17 when he became the lead singer of “Grupo Musical Constitución,” formerly “Orquesta Ideal” a well-known orchestra from his native town. Later, his experience travelling with different show bands in Cuba and performing in key venues in the country helped him to develop his distinctive vocal style and dynamic stage presence. 

Since moving to Toronto in 2004, Yani Borrell has dominated the Latin music scene in Canada. He has been the co-founder of one of the most important Latin bands in Canada, and he has shared the stage with Salsa legends such as Andy Montañez, Cándido Fabré , Pupy y los que Son Son, and Los Van Van among others. Yani’s performances are high energy crowd pleasers,  where the audience is always up and dancing. He has entertained at many events and festivals held across Canada.