The Aga Khan Museum brings the Canada Day long weekend to life with Rhythms of Canada, an exhilarating four-day summer festival

The highly anticipated summer festival returns this year with an even bigger roster of local and international artists, delicious food, and activities for all ages.

TORONTO, ON –/COMMUNITYWIRE/–From the evening of June 30 to July 3, the Rhythms of Canada festival returns to the Aga Khan Museum, Aga Khan Park, and Ismaili Centre, Toronto with a vibrant celebration of the diverse tapestry we call home. From an impressive lineup of headliners including globally renowned duo Salim-Sulaiman and Canadian electronic music group The Halluci Nation to a Bollywood dance exercise workshop and a captivating showcase featuring talent from Afghanistan, visitors will enjoy a mesmerizing program all weekend long.

In between special performances and hands-on activities, visitors can browse a bustling artisan market or grab a snack from mouthwatering local eats in the Aga Khan Park. As part of the celebration, Rhythms of Canada will bring the Wynford Drive community together through engaging activations by the Ontario Science Centre as well as lively performances by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.

This year’s buzzworthy evening performances include:

• Salim-Sulaiman – The composer duo has scored more than 100 films and TV shows, incorporating cinematic, folk, electronica, and Sufi influences in their music — redefining the music scene in India.
• The Halluci Nation – The Canadian electronic music group (formerly known as A Tribe Called Red) blends hip-hop, reggae, moombahton and dubstep-influenced dance music with elements of Indigenous music.
• Borelson – The Toronto-based artist’s unique sound combines hip-hop and Afrofusion with jazz, classical music, and gospel. Inspired by Afrofuturism and Ubuntu philosophy, his work bridges communities and aims to drive hope and a sense of collective freedom.
• Balaklava Blues – Combining Ukrainian polyphony and other folk traditions with EDM, trap, and dubstep, the duo uses their music as a launching pad to explore the blues that have long emanated from the Ukrainian steppe.
• Mas Aya – Inspired by meditative music, Toronto-based producer and percussionist Mas Aya creates expansive, elongated soundscapes that are deeply rooted in his connections to Nicaragua.

Among the exciting schedule of activities offered during this year’s celebration, visitors will also enjoy:

• A meet and greet with TVO’s Polkaroo and a chance to take pictures with everyone’s favourite Polka Dot Door character.
• Special screenings in the Bellerive Room of:
• TVO Arts – a thought-provoking series that takes a closer look at iconic works of Canadian art.
• A docuseries co-produced by TVO and the Aga Khan Museum that offers viewers an intimate glimpse into artists’ working practices, influences, and inspiration.
• Free and paid family activities, including interactive activities in the galleries, a magic show by the Fun Master, face painting, and creative workshops.
• A series of Kathak, Ghoomar, and Bollywood dance workshops.
• Exciting Pop-up Performances by local artists, sponsored by TD Bank Group.
• Unique daytime performances by exciting artists including the Haneen Choir, Japanese taiko drumming group Nagata Shachu, Sounds of Afghanistan, and the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.
• A celebratory Canada Day ceremony featuring the Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada.
• Free admission to the Museum Collections Gallery and reduced admission to the newest exhibition, Rumi.

“The Rhythms of Canada festival is a celebration of cultures and sounds that embody the Museum’s mandate of using the arts to bring people together and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies,” says Dr. Ulrike Al-Khamis, Director and CEO of the Aga Khan Museum. “The festival celebrates the diversity and pluralism of Canada while honouring its history and roots. It has become a highly anticipated annual event that is vibrantly strengthening connections within our community and beyond.”

Rhythms of Canada has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.

The Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of our Gold Sponsor, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, and Silver Sponsors, Soneri Investment Group and TD Bank Group.

About the Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, has been established and developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational activities and performing arts, the Museum’s mission is to spark wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures through the arts. Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the Museum shares a 6.8-hectare site with Toronto’s Ismaili Centre, which was designed by architect Charles Correa. The surrounding landscaped park was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic.

Contacts

FOR PRESS INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Olena Gisys
Porter Novelli
olena.gisys@porternovelli.com
416.839.8227

Kelly Frances
Marketing and Communications Director
Aga Khan Museum
press@agakhanmuseum.org