Folk musicians gather to share tales of the history of Toronto

By Jacqueline Schifano

Folk music is heading back to Trinity St Paul’s Church as the Grass Roots Folk Songs of Toronto concert makes its one-night stand.

On Oct. 27, the sactuary of St Paul’s (427 Bloor Street W.) will be ringing with the sound of music about Toronto as a number of renowned singer/songwriters take to the stage to show a different side to the city.

CIUT radio’s Heather Fielding, and local historian Douglas Campbell who along with Tony Quarrington, the event’s artistic director, are the co-chairs for the concert and will host the evening.

Campbell said the church is over 125 years old and is “the perfect place for an event like this.”

“It’s a centre for faith and for justice and social justice express through art,” he said.

This year will mark the second year that St Paul’s will host this event.

“Last year the church held this as a pay-what-you-can event which got enough support that they brought us back,” said Tony Quarrington.

Quarrington himself is expected to play some of his own works that explore his own connection with the city and incidents from the War of 1812.

The line-up includes local musicians like Order of Canada winners artist Grit Laskin and soprano Mary Lou Fallis, MP Andrew Cash (NDP Davenport), Muddy York, John Brooks and Sue and Dwight Peters.

Laskin, who was awarded the Order of Canada for his role in promoting Canadian folk music said he was excited to be taking the stage with such a collection of performers in one of the best acoustic venues in the city.

“It’s a superb venue,” he said. “It may be one of the best in the city, that’s why there’s been so many live albums recorded there.”

Quarrington described the event as a roots concert.

“It’s a way to reconnect with the community,” he said.

The artists will each be performing songs that reflect the spirit, legend, and history of the city.

Tickets for the event are $15 and are available at the Church office.