First Thursday goes back to basics

Feeling blue about summer passing quickly by? This news will make you happy for fall – Toronto’s biggest art party, First Thursday, returns on September 6 with a fantastic lineup of artists, musicians and more.

Celebrating “Back to Basics,” this edition reflects why we founded the event in the first place. We’re bringing together the next generation of local artists who are building a new image for Toronto with art, sound and ideas.

As always, expect fantastic music and performances in Walker Court to dance the night away. Indulge your art cravings with a special selection of works from Out of the Vaults and art activations in the galleries. And don’t forget the delicious food and drinks in the AGO’s Night Market.

We can’t wait! Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting artists you’ll hear and see September 6:

Ziibiwan

They may only be 23, but Anishinaabe artist Ziibiwan is already making waves for their moody, genre-bending electronic music. Their music is influenced by Anishinaabe language and culture, as well as by contemporary artists like Radiohead and Bjork. Last year, he was nominated for two Indigenous Music Awards for his Time Limits EP, for Best Instrumental Album and as Best New Artist. Don’t miss this exciting musician.

Classic Roots

Multi-disciplinary Anishinaabe artist Joshua DePerry is known for integrating contemporary dance moves with traditional dances at pow wows. As a musician, De Perry plays under the moniker Classic Roots and fuses Indigenous sounds with techno beats. His unique artistic vision was the subject of Turning Tables, a documentary that premiered at the 2018 Hot Docs festival. Check out the trailer below.

LA Timpa

Nigerian-born and Toronto-based producer and songwriter LA Timpa makes melodic, ethereal electronic music inspired by the sounds of downtown Toronto. To get pumped for his live set, check out the lo-fi video for his song Animal, featuring fantastic shots of the Toronto Reference Library.

TR/ST

The musical project of Torontonian Robert Alfons, TR/ST (formerly Trust) is known for a sound that converges pop, goth and dance sounds. TR/ST will close the night with a DJ set and that’s a good thing because the National Post has called TR/ST’s set “the perfect ending to a wild night in the city.”

First Thursday: Back to Basics is sure to be one of September’s hottest tickets, so get yours today. Tickets are $11 for AGO Members and $13 for the public, and they are available on our website.

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