Come to the 2008 Luminato Festival to experience a celebration of cultural vibrancy that will spark your creative spirit. Experience 143 events, including world premieres and free and family celebrations from Canada and around the world.
Featured Family Events
DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS
It’s Woodstock for kids!
The family music of award-winning Dan Zanes and Friends appeals to anyone who enjoys a rollicking good tune, regardless of age. Sea shanties, North American and West Indian folk music, fiddle tunes, the spirit of rock-and-roll, soulful originals: they're all part of the unique musical mix that sets this modern day pied piper and his band apart from all other family musicians.
Dan Zanes and Friends are performing two concerts at The Music Hall - but that's not all! As part of his weeklong Luminato Artist Residency, he'll also be engaging with families through such special events as sing-alongs and workshops. So get ready to sing and dance with wild abandon, because it's gonna be one big music party - and everyone's invited!
Families are invited to stay after the performance to meet Dan Zanes and his band.
When and Where:
The Music Hall
147 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON
Sunday, June 15 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 15 4:00 p.m.
To purchase tickets, click here.
SANCTUARY SONG
“No more circuses. No more zoos.... You will be free!”
A dynamic collaboration between two award-winning Toronto companies, Tapestry and Theatre Direct, Sanctuary Song weaves opera, dance and theatre together to tell a story from the point of view of a most unusual protagonist.
Composed by Abigail Richardson and written by Marjorie Chan, Sanctuary Song takes place on a journey to sanctuary in the hills of Tennessee, as an aging elephant recounts her life in captivity to her friend and keeper of 22 years. From her abduction by poachers in the jungle, to her time in the circus, and finally through her solitary years in a zoo, Sydney relives her memories of roaming freely with family and friends. Upon their arrival, her keeper's promise of freedom is fulfilled, and a bittersweet goodbye turns to joyous reunion.
When and Where:
The Berkeley Street Theatre
26 Berkeley St.
Toronto, ON
Friday, June 6 7:00 p.m. (Preview)
Saturday, June 7 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 8 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 11 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 12 7:00 p.m.
Friday, June 13 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 14 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
School Performances ($12)
June 10, 11 and 12 at 12:30 p.m.
*Post performance question & answer sessions available after each performance.
Tickets:
$25.00 adults
$15.00 children (14 and under) & students
$70.00 family pack (four people/must include one young person under age 14)
To purchase tickets, click here.
ROCKET AND THE QUEEN OF DREAMS
Roseneath Theatre Company
“To sleep, perchance to dream . . .” And what a dream!
Rocket is a little boy with a problem: he's afraid of monsters. His father assures him that there are no monsters in his room, his house or his neighbourhood - but Rocket already knows all that. The monsters he's afraid of are in his dreams.
Through a brilliant fusion of shadow theatre, puppetry and live performance, this world premiere takes us on a magical journey into the ethereal world we normally know only in our sleep. Produced by Toronto's award-winning Roseneath Theatre, Rocket and the Queen of Dreams is written by internationally acclaimed playwright David S. Craig (Danny, King of the Basement), with puppet design by David Powell and a full original score by Richard M. Sacks. Inspired by actual children's dreams, this magical and empowering experience will delight, encourage and inspire young audiences, while resonating in the imaginations of grown-ups as well.
Shadow Puppetry from Behind the Scenes!
*Watch the show from behind the screen and see how puppeteers make shadow puppets come alive! A limited number of seats will be available on stage, providing families with a unique perspective into the art of shadow puppetry. A special introduction to the creative process with selected members of the creative team with enhance your behind-the-scenes experience.
Education and Outreach Programs
When and Where:
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
165 Front St. E
Toronto, ON
Tickets:
$20 adults, $15 children (14 and under)
$25 stage seats*
To purchase tickets, click here.
LUMINAT'EAU: CARNIVAL H20
In a magnificent finale to the 2008 Luminato Festival, this weekend-long water carnival transforms the heart of Toronto’s waterfront into a joyous riot of creativity and celebration to enrapture all of your senses.
Here are just a few of the many exciting activities in store: Friday check out FishNet: The Great Lakes Craft and Release Project, an exhibition involving more than 3,600 local school children, educators and artists. Hear the incredible Rizwin-Muazzam Qawwali, whose centuries-old musical style has been embraced as one of the glories of modern world music and catch the late Friday night Luminat'OH! Cabaret with David Gale.
A feast of sights and sounds awaits you on this special weekend.
World music, water dances, and a giant firewalk parade!
Jamaican reggae with Junior Reid on Saturday is a "don't miss" concert. Share encounters with Voyageur canoeists, water dances with the Thai Dance Troupe of Ottawa and DanzArte, and enjoy wakeboarding demos. The weekend highlight will be Saturday evening's giant fire-walk parade, where you can join with thousands of other revelers, giant fish, birds, sea creatures and deities, and an accompanying torch-lit flotilla of canoes and kayaks on the water.
When and Where:
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay W
Toronto, ON
Friday, June 13 6:00 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday, June 14 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sunday, June 15 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FREE EVENT!
LUMINATO AT THE DISTILLERY
Take a voyage of discovery – cultural and culinary!
Over the final three days of Luminato, the entire Distillery Historic District will be transformed by the creativity, aspirations and talent of Toronto's emerging artists - all under the age of 30! Embark on a weekend-long odyssey of exploration curated especially for Luminato by the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, where some of the city's most fascinating spaces will play host to a feast for the senses that all generations will enjoy.
As you roam through the entire pedestrian-friendly site, you'll find something new around every corner, including dancers, string quartets, spoken-word performances and visual art. Your journey will take you from the Luminato Link slip through the Distillery's cobblestone streets, culminating in The Young Centre experience, where 6 indoor spaces will feature a variety of artistic creations.
All this, and a festival of street food too, enabling you to sample an amazing array of affordable gourmet creations from some of Toronto's top chefs. So much to see, hear and feel - and so much to taste as well!
When and Where:
The Distillery Historic District
55 Mill Street
Toronto, ON
Friday, June 13 6:00- 11:00p.m.
Saturday, June 14 11:00a.m.- 11:00p.m.
Sunday, June 15 11:00- 6:00p.m.
FREE EVENT!
