FREEMAN DRE
6.00
Freeman Dre hails from the once gritty but quickly-gentrifying neighborhood of Parkdale. It’s a place where junkies, winos and new immigrants exist in the shadow spaces between condo towers and artists’ lofts. Even as gentrification pushes them out, these wayward characters find a home in Freeman Dre’s songs. The tunes are direct, memorable, wildly romantic, and informed by the North American folk-rock tradition as much as his Irish and Polish roots. They invoke hug-your-neighbour singalongs, foot stomping dance parties, and more than a few tears. Like a late night shot of whiskey, Freemans Dre’s music hits you straight in the gut and then fills your head with the foolish idea that, with enough love, anything is possible.
NASTASIA Y
8.30
Born in Ukraine, Nastasia Y [nas-TA-s’yah] is a multi-lingual singer & keyboardist who seamlessly blends folk tradition with a futuristic vision. Her music is inspired by the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, which she now calls home: fusing funk, R&B, electro, and jazz with Slavic folk music. Her music is rooted in the ancestral grief and wisdom of her past while embracing a modern inter-connected future.
Raised on her late father’s Ukrainian resistance songs, her journey took her to Canada, where she earned a jazz piano degree, originally releasing English-language music (as Stacey Y), evolving into championing her native culture through projects like DoVira and BLISK. Today, as Nastasia Y, her music reflects these diverse influences, and features top Canadian musicians in her band. She also actively advocates for her country, using her music as the vehicle for her activism.
15$ cover after 10pm, with all proceeds going directly to the musicians performing.
JUNIOR DIAS
11.30
Born on March 4, 1989, in Espírito Santo, Brazil, Junior Dias started playing the accordion at 10, influenced by his father and friends. His early interest blossomedinto a lifelong career, earning him Best Accordionist at the National Festival of Forró in Itaúnas (2007) and Montanha (2018), and Best Song in 2010. He has collaborated with renowned artists like Dominguinhos and opened for Alceu Valença in Toronto. On July 1, 2021, Junior released "Pingo de Gente," a single for his daughter. A celebrated solo artist, he tours globally, including in England, and Flavio José, a famed forró singer, showcased his song “Na Boca do Povo” online.
DUB CHRONICLES
2.30
Experience the unique sound of The Dub Chronicles, a trio of brothers from the GTA reviving the golden era of 70s and 80s reggae. Their music masterfully blends modern and vintage roots reggae, deeply rooted in dub with a distinctive touch of bebop jazz. Captivating audiences with soulful rhythms and invigorating performances, they're not just playing music; they're redefining reggae for a new era. Don't miss the chance to witness their electrifying fusion of past and present in an unforgettable live experience.