The two-day festival aims to use music to celebrate the diverse community within Vaughan and the Greater Toronto Area. Confirmed artists include the Caribbean-inspired drummers Pan Fantasy Steelband, Italian-Canadian pop musician Alessandro Montelli, R&B and funk artist Kalisway and Latin-styled guitarist Logan Levi. The festival will be hosted by Giuseppe the MC. Festival grounds will also include food and drinks vendors offering international cuisine, cocktails and more.
The festival’s mission statement explains its goals as representing Vaughan’s culture:
“The VIMF aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding by bringing together musicians and audiences from different backgrounds and communities. The festival continues to be a major tourism attraction that draws visitors from across the Region and beyond.”
The festival will also include dance and other cultural performances, such as Japanese traditional dancer Atsuko Abeta. The event is funded by the Government of Ontario and the Host in Vaughan Grant Program. Vendors and artists are selected through an online application process. Festivals like this often use methods like flyer printing and radio advertising to help reach an audience of music lovers.
The Vaughan International Music Festival will take place on July 4 and 5 at Assembly Park. Admission will be free for all.