(Toronto, Ontario) September 17, 2014 – Canada’s Walk of Fame, along with National Premier Partner RBC, announces three days of free programming as part of Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival, presented by Tim Hortons. Taking over Toronto’s David Pecaut Square from September 22 – September 24, the Festival features an all-Canadian lineup of multi-disciplinary acts, from musical performances to book readings, stand-up comedy to breakdancing routines.
From 12 p.m. through to 11 p.m. each day, the Festival’s free programming spotlights a talented collection of Canadian performers including 19-year-old rapper Wali (Flo) Shah who uses music and poetry to spread awareness about social issues; comedians Matt DiSero and Glen Foster; book readings from acclaimed authors Maureen Jennings and Kelley Armstrong; musical performances by Toronto-based acappella group Eh440, roots rockers The Treasures, renowned bluegrass duo The Abrams Brothers; Coquitlam, B.C.’s Tyler Shaw; JUNO Award winner Tomi Swick and chart-topping musician Karl Wolf. Plus the seven winners of this year’s RBC Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Prize are scheduled to take the stage, including Grand Prize winner NEFE.
Canadian television and social media personality Lauren Toyota will serve as host for this exciting free three-day event. Lauren was most recently the host of MTV Canada’s After Degrassi, and was also a host and producer on MTV News.
“This year’s free Festival programming offers three days of amazing Canadian talent in a variety of disciplines,” said Melanie Hurley, CEO, Canada’s Walk of Fame. “There is truly something for everyone. This Festival provides a chance to discover what’s next in music, dance, literature, comedy and more.”
“We are thrilled that the seven winners of the RBC Emerging Artist Music Mentorship Prize will have the opportunity to perform at the Festival,” said Shari Austin, Vice President, RBC Corporate Citizenship and Executive Director, RBC Foundation. “In addition to the financial support they will receive, this is a priceless opportunity for our best young Canadian musical performers to gain exposure to broader audiences.”
Funding for the festival has been provided in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund which has the objective to give Canadians access to a variety of professional artistic experiences in their communities.
In addition, financial support has also been provided by the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.
“I believe it is very important to support our artists. From coast to coast to coast, artists and creators are at work creating books, music, comedy and much more. The fruits of their labour enrich our communities, inspire us and make us proud, and I’m pleased that our Government is investing in their efforts by supporting events like Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival,” said The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.