(Toronto, Ontario) Wednesday, September 16 – Multi-platinum selling artist Johnny Reid and iconic East Coast singer-songwriter Jimmy Rankin will join Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy as special guests during their Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival concert on September 25 at Massey Hall.
Reid, who won the 2015 Fan Choice Award at the Canadian Country Music Awards this past weekend, is set to release his latest record, What Love is All About, on November 13. With over a million albums sold in Canada, dozens of awards, and numerous sold-out tours, Johnny Reid is among Canada’s best-loved artists. This cameo performance will be an intimate teaser of the substantial Canadian tour he will soon be announcing.
Rankin, a solo singer-songwriter and frontman for Celtic-pop heroes, The Rankin Family, will open the show with an eclectic mix of Juno Award-winning, multi-platinum hits and fan favourites. Then the fierce fiddling duo, MacMaster and Leahy, will take the stage with an explosive celebration of raw energy and passion that infuses their traditional heritage with their taste for the contemporary. Special VIP tickets are available for $125 and include premium seats, access to a private post-show “Kitchen Party” hosted by the duo and featuring live entertainment and an autographed copy of their critically acclaimed debut album, One.
Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival takes place September 25 to October 1.
Programming Highlights
Massey Hall Concert Series
Headlining the Festival’s Massey Hall concert series are beloved musicians Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy, featuring special guest performances by Johnny Reid and Jimmy Rankin (Friday, September 25) and The Tea Party (Saturday, September 26).
Future Legends at The Horseshoe
The all-new music showcase at The Horseshoe Tavern on September 28 features rising stars of the Canadian music scene, including the talented musical styling of Ontario rockers Ascot Royals, the all-female rock quartet The Beaches, pop singer Ria Mae and Toronto-based duo Bellwoods.
Yonge-Dundas Square Free Festival
Taking place from noon to 11 PM daily from September 29 to October 1 at Yonge-Dundas Square, the jam-packed Free Festival line-up has an exciting mix of programming from live music to book readings, dance lessons and performances and lunchtime workouts with GoodLife Fitness. There will also be food trucks, giveaways and nightly films. Free Festival headliners include Brett Kissel, Jill Hennessy, Francesco Yates, Trevor Guthrie, Kira Isabella, Skratch Bastid, 54-40, Treble Charger and more.