Music
Once again, our amazing partners at Small World Music are bringing an electric selection of bands and musicians to delight your senses and get you into the groove at TOAF64!
Learn more about the talented musicians who will be performing live this July 11-13 at Nathan Phillips Square.
Nizo Alimov
Nizo Alimov, born in Štip, Macedonia in 1986, is a renowned specialist in Balkan Brass Traditions. He began his musical journey with informal guitar and vocal training, later mastering the euphonium under his uncle’s guidance. Alimov joined the Kočani Orkestar, showcasing traditional Macedonian and Balkan brass music worldwide.
His formal education includes voice training in devotional music based on Middle Eastern theory and brass fundamentals. He has collaborated with various artists, including Ferus Mustafov and Esma Redžepova, and participated in international projects like OneBeat Balkans.
Alimov has taught workshops and masterclasses at prestigious institutions, including McGill University and the University of Texas, and led brass ensemble workshops in the USA, Italy, and Canada. He has performed in 130 countries and continues to teach over 300 students through private lessons and workshops.
Moskitto Bar
Moskitto Bar is a world music band based in Toronto, Canada, celebrated for their vibrant fusion of global sounds and infectious rhythms. With their eclectic mix of instruments and styles, Moskitto Bar creates a dynamic and immersive musical experience that resonates with diverse audiences.
The band’s lineup features a talented ensemble of musicians who bring their expertise in different genres, This blend creates a unique, genre-defying sound that is both fresh and deeply rooted in cultural traditions.
Moskitto Bar has played numerous festivals and venues, earning a reputation for their captivating live shows and ability to bridge cultural divides through music.
Their music transcends borders, offering a unique perspective on world music that is both modern and timeless, making them a standout act in Toronto’s diverse music scene.
Paula Sofia
Paula Sofía is a Guatemalan singer-songwriter based in Toronto, whose Latin American Pop folk music brings vibrancy and connection to every stage she graces. Known for her playful, inviting presence, Paula creates performances that blend intimate storytelling with interactive charm, transcending language barriers and inviting audiences into a shared, heartfelt experience. Through soulful lyrics, vivid imagery, and quirky touches, she crafts songs that resonate deeply, celebrating both the lively and reflective sides of the human journey.
Since launching her music career in 2020 and releasing her debut album “Quinto de Hora”, Paula has captivated audiences at celebrated festivals like Hillside, Folk Music Ontario, Sunfest, NXNE, and Sofar, as well as performing at cultural venues like Aga Khan Museum. Her work with notable organizations such as Small World Music and RBC Foundation has further established her as a dynamic artist who bridges artistic expression and community connection.
For those seeking an artist who brings warmth, energy, and authentic connection, Paula Sofía offers a one-of-a-kind musical experience that lingers long after the performance ends.
Luis Anselmi
Luis Anselmi, a scholar and mentor of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, skillfully merges his Venezuelan roots with diverse world music influences. Proficient in playing the Venezuelan Cuatro, piano, and lending his voice to both singing and songwriting, he performs with his band ‘GRATITUD’. Together, they create a vibrant Latin-World sound that seamlessly blends each member’s unique cultural background. With intricate rhythms and uplifting lyrics, their music is a captivating celebration that will inspire you to dance!
With the support of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, Luis completed the Music Performance program at Holland College’s School of Performing Arts and the Bachelor of Music Program at Humber College. Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments, he was honored with the Academic Award of Excellence from Humber College. Luis is also a graduate from the Small World Music Incubator program, and the Intercultural & Creative Music Fellowship (ICMF) offered by Humber and the Aga Khan Museum.
Collaborating with esteemed artists like Eliana Cuevas, Junior Santos, Jonathan Nvita, Camila Lozada and Roshane Wright, Luis’ performances resonate across diverse genres and settings, gracing events like the Toronto Jazz Festival, T.U. Jazz, WinterTide, DiverseCity, and Mississauga Latin Festival, while also leaving his mark at prominent Toronto venues like Drom Taberna, Lula Lounge, and the Jazz Bistro.
Alongside his musical pursuits, Luis has organized, produced, and promoted events within communities like Arts Etobicoke and the Village of Islington. During the pandemic, a grant from the Musical Stage CO. enabled his engagement with South Etobicoke’s youth through the ‘Beat Makers!’ program. This dedication is complemented by his involvement in music industry associations such as Music PEI and Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI)
