TORONTO SUMMER ELECTRONIC MUSIC EVENTS – PT 1
With the close of Victoria Day weekend and Detroit’s Movement Festival, the long-awaited summer season in electronic music has officially begun. Toronto’s amazing array of events is incredible with every weekend jam-packed with choice options. Here is my pick of intimate underground electronic music events to check out over the next two months. Be prepared to get dizzy trying to figure out how to fit all of them in!
Listed in alphabetical order:
Box of Secrets feat. Sid Le Rock is on June 2, rain or shine, at the fabulous Palais Royale. Hosted by Toronto’s Box of Kittens (Sunday Social & Box of Kittens Boat Cruise) and Secret Society (Secret Society Sessions), prepare to have your socks rocked off. Box of Kittens returns to Palais Royale on June 28 with Germany’s Robert Babicz. And, if being on a boat is your thing, the Box of Kittens on the Lake boat cruise is on July 21. Secret Society Sessions continue every Wednesday, 8-11 pm at Gatsby’s Speakeasy.
Captive Audience has been bringing the beats to Sunnyside for over two decades. Their 21st season opener on May 19, 2019 with Move D is the beginning of an unbelievable summer line up! June 1st brings Sunnyside 21: Episode 02 with Waajeed (Dirt Tech Reck), Detroit’s hybrid DJ known for his blend of Detroit hip-hop, house and techno. Local support from Toronto favourites ALi Black, Stacey Sexton and Devv. After party with All Blak Soundsystem, Karla Houser, Richard Brooks and Special Guests at Lune on Dundas. Steve Lawler follows on June 7 with Derrick Carter and Dennis Ferrer over Canada Day weekend. Be sure buy tickets as capacity for these events is quickly reached – rain or shine!
I Love Promise’s weekly Promise Cherry Beach party opens their impressive 19th season at the water’s edge with the legendary Kevin Saunderson Sunday June 2nd. Local support by Ali Black, Loxxe, Automaticamore, and Borella. Kid-friendly until dark, this weekly Sunday afternoon jam on Cherry Beach features delicious food, a full bar and fun fashion pop-ups in an unforgettable setting. The event runs 3-11 pm inside or at the beach – weather permitting – so stay locked to their social media channels for updates and bring a blanket to enjoy the view. Also, the Cyclelogic ladies will be supporting Magda June 23! Full summer line-up available here: www.facebook.com/ilovepromise
The Secret Garden weekly Sunday party officially awakens at Toronto’s Harbourfront on June 2nd 3-11 pm. For house music lovers, this intimate waterfront location brings memories of old skool Sunday afternoon house parties with music by Marrs Barrs, Jason Palma, live percussion by Chico Pacheco + Bongo Anth. Each week, a special surprise guest is announced the day of event! Hosted by Pia Kay + Pradeep + Kat + Brigette + Jeanette + Travis.
Summerdaze 2019 summer season, Polychromatic Dream, kicks off June 1, 3-11 pm with the Sol Selectas Showcase featuring Sabo, métrika, Gabriel Belmudes and Alberto Jossue / Cha’an. Buy a season pass by June 1 for $100 and receive access to 5 of their local events (including some perks along the way). I’m not sure if this includes anything with the All Day I Dream party with Lee Burridge at Fort York on July 13 – but definitely worth the gamble! Funds from Summerdaze events will be donated to Tribe of Lambs initiatives to raise funds for children living with HIV + AIDS in India. If you’re quick, a few spots for the third Camp Summerdaze are still up for grabs mid-June in Muskoka!
United Soul / Solid Garage summer season continues June 8 with Danny Krivit (NYC) and their Break for Love Canada Day Edition party at Revival on June 30 with Jojo Flores, Dave Campbell (Hot Stepper Sundays) and Yogi (Solid Garage).
Other electronic music happenings
Parlour continues to host their weekly Friday night series. This Friday May 31, 2019 catch Jenner and Itaf (Istanbul).
Round in Kensington Market offer eclectic dance parties every weekend including the fabulous Planet Fabulon, Make It Funky and heart-opening EveryBody jam.
Tennessee Tavern’s du’brunch & For The Record parties (June 2 featuring Archiexture Light residents, LeeLee Mishi, Michael Lambert and Hans Ohm) are available in Parkdale throughout the summer.
Festival Links
https://www.ilovepromise.com
https://boxofkittens.ca
https://secretsocietyto.com
https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada–toronto/summerdaze
https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/captive-audience-17567746389
https://www.unitedsoul.ca
http://www.parlour270.com
http://roundvenue.com/events
https://tennesseetavern.ca
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