Just a little playing around on the streets
Yonge Street, at Melinda Street, had been closed off for the Santa Claus parade…but I think that some people had as much fun playing in the warm steam that was pouring out of this vent.
They played –
games and photo ops
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jumping and dancing
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warily watching
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careful observation and investigation
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running and laughing……
This year the long August week-end (Aug 3, 4 and 5) was warm and sunny. Like most summer week-ends in Toronto, there was lots going on. On both Sunday and Monday afternoon I dropped by the IRIE festival at Nathan Phillips Square.
There was a small but appreciative crowd at Nathan Phillips Square on Sunday afternoon for the IRIE festival.
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Samba Squad performing on Sunday afternoon.
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They were called the TD dancers and they were one of the opening acts on Monday afternoon.
Their performance was twelve minutes of non-stop, high energy movement.
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Seeking shade and a place to rest.
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There were not a lot of cameras clicking away during the performances that I saw. One exception were the four men with their long lenses that stopped by for a few minutes, took some photos, and left. I thought of African safaris as I watched them.
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Photo op in light blue.
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There were also a few vendors selling food & drink, clothing, and jewelry. Mostly it was a pleasant way to spend some time on a sunny summer afternoon.
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Streetfest, part of the Beaches International Jazz Festival, was held 25, 26 and 27 July this year. About 2 km of Queen St. East is closed to traffic so pedestrians can enjoy the music provided by many bands representing a diverse array of music genres. On both Thursday and Friday evening when I was there the weather was perfect and the atmosphere was fun. I hope that I have been able to capture the spirit of the event!
Music, food, shopping, and most of all, people watching!
Queen St. East, early in the evening
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Music
jazz/blues
Erin McCallum and her backup band
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God Made Me Funky
He, and his group, got the crowd moving!
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Dr. Draw – It was very difficult to catch the intensity of this performance and I’m sure I haven’t done him justice.
Juice (name of the band)
The boys in the band are looking a bit pink but I like the perspective & angle of the crowd.
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There was music to dance to
Dancing to the music
and he danced his way down the street……
slow dancing
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And music to join in with
He almost stole the show.
There were so many wonderful moments.
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The were some odd musical moments as well
My apologies to the band, Phusion, as it is almost unfair to include this photo. The girl’s mother set up the shot.
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There were a lot of photographers milling about during this set. Most of them were middle aged men.
There was lots of food.
food trucks
Gorilla Cheese food truck
Beach Boys food truck
The donut truck was parked in Kew Gardens
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The ice cream man.
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Food for sale from local restaurants
Serving up thai food outside the Cha Da Restaurant
Wonderfully creative carved melons on display.
and drink…..
water & pop selling entrepreneurs
And young entrepreneurs too!
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There were people of all kinds
….characters
What would a street festival be without a Vulcan?
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kids
…not quite sure about all this…..
happy kids
big sunglasses, a fedora, and a big smile!
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It was a time for families
Family time
A great evening to be out.
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and a time for friends
An evening out with friends too.
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very flat indeed!
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Looking west Queen Street East, late on Friday evening.
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Getting late, Thursday evening.
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as I walk Toronto 