THE ‘CITY’S COTTAGE’ COMES ALIVE
Harbourfront Centre’s CEO gives us the lowdown on a sizzling, energetic summer on the waterfront
As Toronto’s weather heats up, locals and tourists begin flocking to the city’s waterfront to squeeze the most out of the fresh spring days, while making plans for the sizzling summer months ahead.
Marah Braye, CEO of Harbourfront Centre, offers an insider’s guide to what’s coming up at the cultural and arts hotspot and how the centre is evolving.
The idyllic lakeside destination is known for its eclectic, multidisciplinary programming that ranges from live music and dance, to artist showcases and vibrant festivals.
Since taking over as CEO of Harbourfront Centre in 2014, what changes and fresh approaches have taken place, or are in the works?
In June, Boxcar Social (coffeehouse) will be taking over our café and patio, and we’re extremely excited that they’re joining us. We’re looking forward to creating warm, inviting environments as part of our visitors’ experience.
We have begun to implement a new music strategy for both the festival programs and Harbourfront Centre as a whole.
We have the best outdoor stage in the city — overlooking our beautiful harbour. Looking to the overall cultural landscape of the city, we see Harbourfront Centre as the place for the contemporary music conversation.
With our focus on Friday and Saturday night live music throughout the summer and musicians from across Canada and across the globe, there is going to be something for everyone.
Hailing from Australia, what have you learned about Toronto and Torontonians and the arts and culture scene here so far?
Toronto audiences are curious and passionate about their arts, their weekends and their summers. I’ve been amazed by the volume and quality of cultural offerings citywide, as well as the appetite for new experiences and engaging with ideas from around the world.
What are some of the events and shows that visitors should not miss this spring and summer?
This summer at Harbourfront Centre, weekends are five days long, with festival celebrations starting with each week’s Wednesday Free Flicks, Thursday’s Dancing on the Pier, followed by great live music concerts on Friday and Saturday nights.
Jacob Wren/PME-ART’s Every Song I’ve Ever Written will take over our outdoor Concert Stage (June 11) with five Toronto bands for a one-night-only concert of Jacob’s music. This is an example of a really exciting, can’tmiss event.
Our Canada Day weekend celebrations will be fantastic. The July 1 fireworks will be the most spectacular in Toronto, set to a contemporary all-Canadian soundtrack. On July 2, we welcome Cowboy Junkies onto our outdoor Concert Stage for a free public performance starting at 9.30 p.m. They are a highquality draw and, best of all, it will be free.
And, we’re introducing a southern barbecue to our Hot and Spicy Food Festival (August 19—21). Headlining Saturday night’s free concert with the Treme Brass Band all the way from New Orleans.
In your view, how does the energy change at Harbourfront this time of year?
Torontonians are obsessed about the weather — understandably. Everyone is outdoors the minute it’s above 12 degrees.
So, at this time of year, Harbourfront Centre starts to come alive outside, as well as inside. We’re the city’s cottage.
Great views, great food, plenty of places to soak up the sunshine and experience some amazing culture from around the globe — most of which is free.