This November, Torontonians will get a chance to experience the very best in contemporary Indigenous music talent at the Tkaronto Music Festival (TKMF). The three-day festival will feature headliners like The Halluci Nation, Blue Moon Marquee and Toronto-based singer-songwriters Kristi Lane Sinclair — as well as the festival’s surprise headliner, Tanya Tagaq.
Here’s everything you need to know before you attend:
What is the Tkaronto Music Festival?
The festival will celebrate top Indigenous talent from across Turtle Island (North America), with three nights of live music from Nov. 7 to 9, 8-10:30 p.m. at the TD Music Hall (178 Victoria St., 4th floor of the new Allied Music Centre).
The festival hosted its first in-person festival since 2020 in 2023 at the stackt market, welcoming over 10,000 attendees and artists including Classic Roots and Nimkii Osawamick. The event was clearly a success, as the team has upgraded the venue to a much larger space for the 2024 festival.
Who is performing?
Everyone is looking forward to a special performance on closing night (Nov. 9) from Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq (who we have previously named one of Toronto’s most inspiring women). Tagaq hails from Nunavut, but has been based in Toronto for years, composing pieces for the Kronos Quartet and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Last year, the critically acclaimed improvisational singer performed as part of the Royal Ontario Museum’s 16th annual Eva Holtby Program on Contemporary Culture, and her fans are eagerly awaiting next month’s performance!
On Nov. 7, headliners include swing blues duo Blue Moon Marquee, alt/indie artist Kaeley Jade and R&B/soul singer Sebastian Gaskin. The following night, attendees can mellow out to music from the Canadian electronic music group The Halluci Nation (formerly known as a Tribe Called Red), Canadian Indigenous hip-hop artist Stun and hip-hop/rap musician Mr. Sauga (aka Jordan Jamieson). Jamieson is an Anishinaabe artist who hails from Mississauga, so his stage name is a subtle nod to his place of birth (and is inspired by its meaning, “river of many mouths”). On closing night (Nov. 9), in addition to Tagaq’s performance, attendees will enjoy music from folk/country singer Evan Redsky and Toronto-based Haida/Cree singer-songwriter Kristi Lane Sinclair, who will likely perform songs from her latest album Super Blood Wolf Moon.
Other highlights
In addition to incredible musical performances, attendees can check out the nearby TKMF Vendor Market for collections of handmade Indigenous items! Kick off your holiday shopping at this two-day event to find unique gifts, like handcrafted beadwork, Indigenous-inspired clothing, natural body care products and stunning jewelry from Indigenous-owned small businesses. (Nov. 8–9, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 401 Richmond St. W., about a 15-minute drive/20-minute walk from the TD Music Hall venue).
Tickets
Tickets are $30 and available through the Massey Hall Box.
