New concert series shows City of Toronto’s commitment to music scene
January 8th, 2016
Live From City Hall is a new music showcase series that features local artists performing in the first-floor rotunda of one of Toronto’s most iconic and recognizable buildings. On Thursday night, Mayor John Tory provided opening remarks at the official launch event, which featured performances by folk/roots duo The Young Novelists and the eclectic neo-soul group The Muso Project.
“Music is the universal language that binds people together,” said Mayor Tory, while reiterating the City’s commitment to supporting the industry, supporting culture and the arts, and using music to help grow the economy.
“Our residents deserve a vibrant music scene, which can help make Toronto attractive to visitors and drive economic growth, job creation and investment in our city. I encourage everyone to attend Live from City Hall and see what our artists have to offer.”
Mayor @JohnTory & Toronto roots duo @young_novelists after their #LiveFromCityHall performance tonight. #TOMusicCity pic.twitter.com/JUhOScYWGO
— 4479 (@4479Toronto) January 7, 2016
TD Canada’s Kevin Barnes, Senior Vice President and Region Head, Greater Toronto Region, also provided opening remarks stating, “We are thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of this unique series that not only brings live music to City Hall, but also provides performance opportunities for local artists and bands.”
Toronto Music Advisory Council members Mike Tanner (Music Sector Development Officer), Zaib Shaik (Film Commissioner and Director of Entertainment Industries), and Councillor Michael Thompson (TMAC Co-Chair) also provided remarks throughout the evening, all stressing the importance music has in our city’s history and future.
"The City is listening!" Councillor @Thompson_37, TO Music Advisory Council co-chair. #LiveFromCityHall #TOMusicCity pic.twitter.com/ifFX7b7seh
— 4479 (@4479Toronto) January 7, 2016
Tory won’t take full credit for the series idea however, and cites his trip to SXSW and the Toronto’s Music City Alliance with Austin, TX as a major influence. In Austin, weekly council meetings are often accompanied by a musical performance from local artists, an initiative that was highlighted in Music Canada’s Toronto-Austin report.
Amazing to be part of such a great initiative supporting Toronto artists 🙂 #LivefromCityHall #supportTorontoArts https://t.co/083mFZcWYb
— The Muso Project (@themusoproject) January 8, 2016
The Austin trip also helped Mayor Tory understand how music can better utilize public spaces, as he hopes to do with Nathan Phillips Square this summer by moving the Live From City Hall performances outside. As the Toronto Star’s coverage points out, Tory feels 2015’s successful Panamania concert series “proved that there’s an audience out there for these things.”
Live From City Hall is scheduled to occur bi-weekly on Wednesdays throughout 2016. Details on how artists can apply to play the series, as well as be featured on the new Music 311 program, are available on the City of Toronto’s website.
