SECOND SUMMER FESTIVAL – DAY 3
@ VARIOUS TORONTO VENUES (THE MOD CLUB, LEE’S PALACE)
SEPTEMBER 26, 2026
The city was going hard for the final day of Second Summer Festival and Multi-faceted Winnipeg musician JayWood had the Mod Club bumping. He played “Is It True,” “Kitchen Floor,” and “Just Saying,” blending Neo-Soul, Boom Bap, and a touch of House. It’s a sound that had the audience dancing and feeling good. Songs such as “Pistachios” and “Big Tings” have those crispy 90s drums that beg for introspective word play which the artist provides, along with some soulful crooning for the chorus. He ended his set with the song “Leo Negro” off his album of the same name.
Lo-Fi hip-hop artist MIKE headlined the Mod Club, playing songs such as “What Do I Do,” “Burning Desire” and “THEY DON’T STOP IN THE RAIN.” The Brooklyn-based musician who produces his own beats, utilizes niche ear-worm samples, and writes deeply personal lyrics reminiscent of a therapy session. Songs such as “Stop Worry!” And “Showbiz! (Intro)” would complement a late-night walk through the city perfectly, channeling the same nocturnal energy that A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders does. After his set, MIKE paid tribute to Toronto by cracking a beer and kicking back to Drake’s “Don’t Worry.”
Zambian rock band WITCH closed things out at Lee’s Palace, bringing years of Zamrock history to Toronto. Their music is an eclectic mix of psychedelic rock, funk, blues, and Zambian rhythms. The vibes were exciting and euphoric but never rushed, leaving lots of breathing room in between songs for lead singer Emmanuel Chanda to explain the meaning and stories behind each one. “Kamusale” was a major highlight, as Chanda’s warm soothing vocals popped over the hypnotically groovy bass line, bringing the audience into a trance one last time.
Second Summer Festival was a blast. The music curation is top notch, and all the various venues are close enough that you can walk, bike, or take a six-dollar Uber. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Summer in Toronto.
(Photography by Cory Barter)
JayWood Photos
MIKE Photos
WITCH Photos
Festival Links
JayWood Links
MIKE Links
WITCH Links
