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The far side of Toronto Island with a summer sunset as the backdrop. Under twinkling lights strung over park trees. On open-air patios with moody lighting. Toronto-based musician David Maurice Francois, professionally known as akaMatisse, brought his pop-up LowKey Concert series to locations across the city during the pandemic. The collection of shows featured classical piano and mellow beats. It also shined the spotlight on local singer-songwriters and orchestral musicians.
What started as a way for akaMatisse — one third of the JUNO-award winning electronic group Keys N Krates — to continue to perform during the pandemic’s lockdowns turned into much more. akaMatisse says the LowKey Concert series brought healing to both himself and to those who attended. Today, akaMatisse continues to spread the good vibes with new singles and by taking his music on the road with Keys N Krates.
To discover inspirational and genre-bending music right in Toronto, check out our music events.
We asked akaMatisse about how he experiences Toronto. This is what he had to say.
To either The Oud & The Fuzz or Tapestry in Kensington Market. They’re both music bars in the city that feature up-and-coming artists and culture and communities that are developing. I love walking through Kensington Market in the spring or summer and popping my head in one of those spots.
This last year, it has been events thrown by the arts and music collective Kuruza. I’m very impressed with what Minzi, Kiga, Hangaelle, and their team are building in the city for culture.
Any of the City parks, but usually the smaller ones. Most people who decide to sit in a park all day are doing it because it makes them happy. So, I like to just invite a friend to catch up or play chess or people watch and enjoy the collective good energy that’s around me.
If you want to rave out to electronic music all night, Coda. If you want to hear a local R&B or hip-hop artist on the come up, The Drake Underground. For bigger Shows, the Danforth Music Hall.
Start from Trinity Bellwoods, walk along Queen Street West then turn up Ossington Street. Go north to go west on Dundas Street. If you do that, and really take a look around you at different times of the day and night, you’ll get a true sample of all the nightlife, music, cafes, food, and clothing culture of our city.
Even though she’s been nominated for a JUNO Award, I still think more people need to know how talented Adria Kain is.
Now that you’ve read about akaMatisse’s views on and contributions to Toronto, check out our recommendations for spending a day in the centre of the city. There’s no shortage of things to do, see, and eat in the heart of downtown.
No visit to Toronto’s downtown core is complete without a stop at the city’s urban plaza, with its famous sign, outside of City Hall. Nathan Phillips Square is at Queen and Bay streets. It’s a great place to hang out, people watch, and grab a hotdog from the area’s street vendors.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial than a hotdog, head over to the Financial District, which is packed with eateries. Roof-top restaurant The Chase at 10 Temperance St. offers seasonal menus. Going to the concert with a date? Check out Carisma on 15 Toronto St. It’s a romantic, 1920s-inspired spot that serves traditional Italian cuisine. Craving South American? Opt for Leña Restaurante at 176 Yonge St. for lunch and dinner options, cocktails, and bar bites. If you need a coffee, Dineen Coffee Company is your spot. It also has an impressive selection of baked goods.
Located on Toronto Metropolitan University’s campus, The Image Centre is a photography and art museum. Make your way to 33 Gould St. to take in the Centre’s collection and seasonal exhibitions. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday from 12 to 6 pm.
Did you know a tiny Toronto exists at Yonge and Dundas? Channel your inner kid at Little Canada. The 90-minute immersive experience includes the sights, sounds, and little stories of Canada — in miniature scale. Little Canada is located at 10 Dundas St. E. It’s open Monday to Thursday as well as on Sunday from 10:30 am to 6 pm. On Friday and Saturday, you can check out Little Canada from 10:30 am to 7 pm.
Toronto is often called a city of neighbourhoods — which includes plenty of multicultural enclaves. To uncover what is beyond the heart of downtown, read our blog about three of the city’s diverse cultural districts.
Interview by: Meghan Yuri Young
Video by: Kelvin Omori
Photography by: Samuel Engelking
Words by: Izabela Shubair
