One of North America’s largest art festivals is coming up – Luminato Festival! The multi-arts festival is dedicated to performance, visual art, music, dance and more. With dozens of events to attend, choosing where to dedicate your time can be tricky. Luckily, Vv Magazine’s Lisa Lagace has narrowed down the top 10.
Luminato is just around the corner, and I am so ready for another round of art, music, theatre and creativity. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the festival has an extra-long run this year – taking place from June 10–26th.
This time around there’s one big change: The festival will have one home where the majority of the events are being held – the historic Hearn Generating Station. Though the location isn’t quite as accessible as many of the former various locations that allowed you to explore the city, it will definitely make it easier for those who want to spend a full day experiencing the arts festival.
Here’s what I’m looking forward to experiencing this year:
Unsound
After successfully bringing this Polish-based music and technology festival to Toronto last year for Luminato, Unsound is back to transform the Hearn into an ambient sonic playground. Expect a music festival experience unlike anything else you’ll witness this summer in the city.
Situation Rooms
Follow a soldier, a weapons manufacturer, a lawyer and a drug cartel in this video installation conceptualized from real pictures of the American government as they learned their mission to kill Osama Bin Laden was successful. This immersive “shooting” re-enactment is likely not for the faint of heart – but it is positioned to be the most memorable installation of the festival.
Iftar at the Hearn
This free event is taking place as an opportunity to welcome new Syrian refugees to Canada, serving up a traditional Muslim meal alongside live performances. Iftar is the meal customarily served during the month of Ramadan, at sunset, to break the daily fast. Live music and dancers will perform after the communal meal. Get ready to feel all the feels, welcoming our brothers and sisters to their new home.
Monumental
Contemporary dance meets post-rock (from Godspeed You! Black Emperor) in an effort to dismantle capitalist urban culture. With help from glacéau smartwater, the Holy Body Tattoo dance troupe is back after a long-awaited 10 years to perform with the beloved Montreal band.
Rufus Does Judy
Watch as Rufus Wainwright, a staple at Luminato over the years, brings his beloved recreation of Judy Garland’s April 23rd, 1961 Carnegie Hall comeback show. The live recording of his recreation won him a Grammy in 2009, so the expectations are high with this one.
OFF LIMITS ZONE
Last year, Luminato put on a similar interactive theatre performance called The Stranger that might be the most creative and fun theatrical experience I’ve ever had. If this one is even half as good, it’s worth your time. Keep in mind it involves walking around the city alone with the performers, in case you’re not into that sort of thing.
Epic! Night at the Hearn
By now, we should all be familiar with the wonders of a Choir! Choir! Choir performance – this will be no different. Except this performance will also feature, yet again at the festival, the vocal stylings of Rufus Wainwright.
Big Bang Bash
While this fundraising gala is limited to only those with incredibly deep pockets (or maybe you know someone who knows someone,) it is likely to be the glitziest, most exclusive and memorable event of the entire festival. If you love supporting the arts and can somehow manage the giant price tag, you might want to consider adding it to your list.
RELATED LINK: What to do in Toronto this Month: June 2016
What are you looking forward to most at Luminato this year? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.