Live rock bands landing all summer at Pearson
Travellers to be treated to daily performances as part of Canada 150 celebrations
Live sounds from Toronto musicians are soaring through the halls of Canada’s biggest airport.
Seventy-five bands and solo acts will serenade Pearson International Airport travellers in a total of 150 shows until Sept. 15.
Each will be paid $600 for two performances — an amplified 7 p.m. set in Terminal 1’s arrivals area and an 8 p.m. acoustic set on the Terminal Link train platform.
The series launched Monday with singer-songwriter Shyann, continued Tuesday with Brampton-raised indie-soul artist AHI (pronounced “Eye”) leading a three-piece, and on Wednesday features blues rocksroots duo Maria Ryan and Chris Bennett. Mayor John Tory and Howard Eng, president of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), announced the performances Tuesday as part of the city’s celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday.
Tory credited council colleague John Filion with first proposing the performances that will be funded primarily by the GTAA, the not-forprofit airport operator that levies fees on airlines and travellers.
“YYZ Live supports and showcases Toronto artists while enhancing Toronto’s image and reputation as a music city to visitors and residents,” Tory told reporters before AHI played a special afternoon show for an audience of curious luggagetoting travellers.
Tory added that there are still free slots for performers and urged any who are interested to apply.
Councillor Josh Colle, an ardent fan of Toronto’s live-music scene, said the shows are part of the city’s effort to help local artists get paid gigs and wider exposure.
Toronto’s live-music scene has seen some high-profile closures as land prices, property taxes and rents skyrocket in the bustling downtown.
Now Magazine reported Tuesday that the Parkdale building housing Cadillac Lounge is up for sale, though only because owner Sam Grosso wants to slow his life down.
Asked about the apparent evaporation of gig spots, Tory said new venues are opening — he was at the Rec Room in the Roundhouse near the CN Tower on Monday — and some that closed, such as the former Masonic Temple, are being reopened.
“We’re going to keep our eye on this very clearly and make sure that as we see changes taking place in a growing city, we make sure that for every change that’s for the negative, in terms of losing a venue, that we gain at least one back,” Tory said. “I’m aware of plans that are afoot now for larger venues even to be added to the city scene.”