Parachute Thieves

Welcoming wistfully emotive melodies, the contemplative cadence of Scarborough-native, Latif Murji, coalesces with the radioactive riffs of lead guitarist, Rob Mayo, to bring you “Parachute Thieves.”

Exploring an eruption of nuclear heartache, and enduring themes of self-discovery, longing, and belonging, Parachute Thieves will have you finding your footing on the edge of everything. Written in Toronto and recorded in Los Angeles, their debut “Shed My Skin EP” is true to heart, decisively rhythmic and harmoniously hopeful — a curated treasure map where X marks the convergence of acceptance and identity.

Front-man and a medical doctor by day, Latif Murji, lays down his stethoscope in exchange for a microphone to bring you the synesthetic spatter of cosmic clarity you didn’t know you needed. A prescription for dancing, “Parachute Thieves” teases nostalgic millennial alt-rock, anthemic soundscapes, and a secret sauce you’ll wish you had the recipe for.

Listen to Parachute Thieves on Spotify

Mekaal Hasan Band

Founded in 2001 by Mekaal Hasan, the Mekaal Hasan Band brings together the finest musicians in Pakistan and India. The unique Sufi rock band has played major stages in India, Pakistan, Europe, and North America. Featuring musicians of international calibre, the Mekaal Hasan Band builds on Eastern classical music with contemporary rhythms, incorporating guitar, traditional flute (bansuri), and compelling vocals into their sound.

Learn more about Mekaal Hasan

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.  12:30 pm | Main Stage

In Japan, summer is a time for festivals — matsuri — and this year, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) will be bringing the matsuri to Rhythms of Canada. The JCCC Kyowa Taiko group is made up of volunteers dedicated to cultivating and sharing the performance of “kumi-daiko” — a Japanese drum ensemble. Based out of the JCCC, where they practice and teach taiko, the group’s repertoire consists of contemporary music written by local composers. The performance will also feature the Ohana Hula Club — a group formed in 2009 as a way to exercise, socialize, and learn about the music of Hawaii and French Polynesia and a Jodo demonstration — the Japanese art of the staff.

Learn more about the JCCC

Kalabash.  2 pm | Main Stage
Presented by the Jazz Performance and Education Centre

Built around the sound of the steel drum and accompanied by other percussive instruments, Kalabash is a distinctive jazz group. The name Kalabash is recognizable in the Caribbean and is evocative of Continental Africa. Influenced by both regions, the ensemble’s unique sound combines reeds and flutes with steel drums in their original music.

Learn more about the Jazz Performance and Education Centre
Learn more about Kalabash

Abhimanyu Lal and Company Performance presented by the Consulate General of India.  4 pm | Main Stage

Abhimanyu Lal, son and disciple of renowned Guru and SNA Awardee Smt. Geetanjali Lal, is recognized as one of the most accomplished Kathak dancers. Hailed as a bright star in the firmament of Kathak, Lal has received acclaim as a dazzling dancer by numerous media outlets and connoisseurs of the arts. He has been awarded Shri Krishana Gana Sabha Endowment and Nritya Jayantika Awards and has performed at the highest level in India and abroad in many prestigious Dance Festivals like the Sydney Dance Festival at Seymour Center, Australia 2014, the 64th Indian Republic Day celebration in Dubai 2013, and the London Olympics in 2012.

Follow Abhimanyu Lal on Instagram