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TRAFFIC DISRUPTION MARCH 24: the Around the Bay Race route will result in closed lanes along Plains Road W. and York Boulevard. Expect traffic delays and plan accordingly. Details at bayrace.com

Music in the Gardens

Sunday Evening Music in Hendrie Park!

Sunday evenings, July 2 to August 27, 2023 
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ; Hendrie Park

Bring a lawn chair or pack a blanket, grab a cold drink and enjoy performances featuring local and award-winning musicians in our lovely garden setting. 

Included in Garden Admission or Membership

*Please note – Chairs are not provided. Guests are asked to bring their own foldable lawn chairs, blankets, and cushions for turf seating.

This event is generously presented by:

incite foundation for the arts

Music in the Gardens Tickets

Tickets include admission to all RBG’s open garden areas for the day.

Pre-registration not required, but is strongly encouraged (pre-purchasing tickets ensures RBG can get in touch in case of extreme weather).

Ticket Type Ticket Price
Adult $17.26 (+ HST & $1 Service Fee)
Senior*/ Student** $14.60  (+ HST & $1 Service Fee)
Child (Age 4 to 12) $12.80  (+HST & $1 Service Fee)
Toddler (Age 3 and Under) FREE
RBG Members Included in Membership
  • Include access to RBG Centre, Hendrie Park, Rock Garden and Laking Garden for the day
  • *Senior includes those of 65+ years of age
  • **Student includes anyone showing a student card indicating full-time attendance in a recognized post-secondary institution
  • Tickets are non-refundable and final sale

Accessing Your Member Tickets

Music in the Gardens is included in your RBG Membership. Pre-registered member tickets are available at no cost.

  1. If you haven’t already, activate your online member account using the email address attached to your membership (do NOT create a new account)
  2. Log in to your member account BEFORE adding tickets to your cart. This will give you access to “Member” and “Member: Child” tickets
  3. Add an appropriate number of $0 “Member” tickets to your cart as applies to your membership type (learn more about what is included in each membership type at rbg.ca/membership)
  4. Check out as usual, or return to the event calendar page to add more dates or tickets to your cart!

If you do not see the member ticket options, first check that you are logged in. If you have logged in to your account, it is possible your account is not attached to your membership (we have a different email address on file), or your membership has lapsed. Get in touch with the memberships team for more information. NOTE: for this event, pre-registered tickets are NOT required; if you have difficulty getting member tickets, you may always arrive at the door displaying your membership card and a photo ID.

Thank You for Supporting RBG!

Royal Botanical Gardens is a registered charitable organization dedicated to connecting people, plants and place. By attending this event, you’re supporting our efforts in areas like plant science, conservation, horticulture and education.

2023 Lineup

Check back for our full summer lineup! Looking for updates? Sign up for event notifications at rbg.ca/erbg

5 band members dressed in dark warm colours stand against an industrial wall

July 9: The McDades

Genre: Celtic-rooted, with the spontaneity of jazz and global rhythms

Artist Bio

Punching through the walls of tradition, The McDades’ Celtic-rooted music fuses the spontaneity of jazz improvisation and infectious global rhythms. The Juno Award winners’ cutting edge sound is the perfect complement to their fiery performances.

At the heart of the group are siblings Shannon, Solon & Jeremiah who grew up playing Canadian folk music alongside their parents and among artists from around the world; a unique upbringing that led to a love and respect for all music.  Their ground-breaking compositions and innovative arrangements are characterized by stunning virtuosity and a near-telepathic interaction on stage.

With vocal harmonies that can only come from a family, and an obvious love for each other and their music, The McDades’ sound is immersed in the spirit of improvisation.  Combining original tunes and unique interpretations of traditional songs, their performances feature both energetic instrumentals and moving vocals performed in English and French.  This compelling and dynamic group “finds their groove somewhere between a down-home kitchen party, a jazzy after hours club, and a folk festival.” (London Free Press)

The McDades are winners of the Juno Award for Best Roots Album (group) and two Canadian folk music awards (World Group of the year and Instrumental album of the year).  Their new album “The Empress” continues to highlight the group’s one-of-a-kind sound and irresistible groove.  “This Kicks!” (fRoots)

Two individuals stand in a fall garden with solemn looks

July 16: Quote the Raven

Genre: Americana

Artist Bio

Quote the Raven, consisting of Jordan Coaker and Kirsten Rodden-Clarke have been performing together for over a decade. The pair got their start in the small bars and pubs around St. John’s and in the past few years have rapidly grown to a household name around Canada and are steadily growing their clout on an international level.

The dynamic duo have a harmonious blend that’s incomparable; it’s like the blending of two voices into one, while their Americana meets east coast songwriting and stage dynamic are irresistibly charming. With over one million streams across all streaming platforms it’s clear that Quote the Raven have been catching the attention of listeners and that’s apparent from their touring history as well. With one Cross Canadian Tour, five Eastern Canadian and two Western Canadian tours under their belts, and with more to come in 2023 and 2024, the duo have performed at major festivals around the Country. Their sophomore album titled Can’t Hold the Light, an album that delves into the lives of working musicians won the 2022 ECMA for Contemporary Roots album of the year and has been nominated for two Canadian Folk Music Awards. It’s clear to see that Quote the Raven are on an upward trajectory with no slowing down in sight.

Man playing saxophone on dimly lit stage

July 19: Loretta Hale Big Band

With special guest vocalists André Bisson and Aubrey Wilson
Genre: Big Band classic jazz standards

BONUS Wednesday evening performance due to July 2nd cancellation!

Artist Bio

Performing great big band songs by Glenn Miller, Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, Brian Setzer, Ella Fitzgerald, Herb Alpert, Sammy Nestico, Stan Kenton, and local arrangers and songwriters such as Buddy Aquilina and André Bisson. This band has been performing big band music since 2005 around the Burlington/Hamilton area. Come hear some great big band songs with special guest vocalists André Bisson and Aubrey Wilson!

alex pangman poses in vintage green dress and vintage hairstyle

July 23: Alex Pangman’s Sweet Hots

Genre: Swing jazz

Artist Bio

Although Alex Pangman grew up a couple of generations late to have sung with Teddy Wilson, the vibrant vocalist is proud to be known as Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing. With pipes aplenty, Juno nominee Pangman possesses the requisite taste, talent and the historical knowledge of an avid record collector to breathe new life into the sturdy standards of the classic jazz era. She’s also a broadcaster on JAZZ.FM91 on her program Swing Set, where she shares the records and stories of the swinging music that began to take shape in the 1920s, hit its stride in the ’30s and ’40s, and continues to be played by artists today.

A superb song stylist with growing compositional chops, the gifted Toronto scenemaker and singer has built a loyal fanbase amongst jazz listeners and dancers alike through her critically acclaimed work with her stacked Alleycats in the studio, nightclubs and concert halls across Canada including three stellar showcases at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. (Her Alleycats band includes Peter Hill on piano, Glenn Anderson on drums, Chris Banks on bass, and John Macleod & Brigham Phillips on cornet/trumpet, Ross Wooldridge on clarinet & sax, and/or Drew Jurecka on violin and reeds, with Jesse Barksdale on guitar.)

Two men in fashionable suits pose for the camera on white background

July 30: Eddie and Quincy Dueling Pianos

Genre: Musical classics of jazz, classical, calypso, reggae, and blues

Artist Bio

Representing two generations that communicate through a very fine narrative, powerfully presented with two voices that speak of sacrifice, triumph and one generation passing its best on to the next. Eddie alongside his son Quincy deliver beautiful arrangements for two pianos as the musicians weave the musical classics of Jazz, Classical, Calypso, Reggae, and The Blues into their story.

Eddie Bullen – Pianist, composer, arranger, and producer. Eddie Bullen is in every way, a standout amongst his generation of multi-talented artists. Eddie’s lengthy career has yielded an abundance of awards and recognition for his outstanding talents. Eddie Bullen has produced over 200 albums and is currently working on several new ventures through his record company ThunderDome Sounds and publishing company QDB music.

Quincy Bullen – Quincy Bullen is an accomplished pianist, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist (drums, bass, guitar) and singer. Extraordinarily talented, with a great sense of timing, Quincy ‘wows’ audiences across Canada, the USA and the Caribbean. His style is jazz with a funky vibe. His repertoire includes his own version of popular standards from jazz, R&B, Pop and soul as well as his original compositions.

sam sitting on top of a piano while someone plays the keys below

August 6: Little Magic Sam

Genre: Blues

Artist Bio

When the world gets down on Little Magic Sam, he gets down on a Les Paul. Hailing from St. Thomas, ON, Sam Taylor is a born entertainer with a penchant for raw blues and soul music and lyrics that bely someone much older than his 29 years. With an enormous stage presence, it comes as no surprise that this multi-talented singer/songwriter has been performing internationally since the age of 7.

After graduating from Fanshawe College with a diploma in Music Industry Arts, Sam headed into EMAC Studios with producer Moe Berg (of Pursuit of Happiness) on two original songs; Thought of Leaving and Loaded Gun, both of which received airplay across Southern Ontario. Sam’s versatile and honest songwriting gives his music the emotional edge that sets him apart as a talented up and comer. He has shared the stage with Chuck Leavell (The Rolling Stones), Gordon Lightfoot, and Whitehorse in Canada as well as with Chicago blues legends Linsey Alexander, Claudette Miller and Mary Lane. Sam currently resides in Toronto and performs regularly throughout Ontario.

Swing band stands against tin wall in folky clothing, tightly grouped together embracing
Photo Credit: Christine Saunders

August 13: The Western Swing Authority

Genre: Blend of western swing, traditional country and jazz standards

Artist Bio

Do you like traditional Country, Swing, Jazz and Blues? Then you’re going to love Western Swing!

With 5 full length albums, numerous singles, videos and countless performances over the span 13 years, the Western Swing Authority has become Canada’s most recognized and awarded authentic Western Swing group. Made up of a collection of some of the country’s finest touring and studio musicians, they came together to play the timeless style of music they love. Seamlessly combining stellar musicianship and vocals, fusing together western swing, traditional country, and jazz standards and their own “new vintage” originals, they have created a sound that is truly their own.

WSA have been recognized with awards and nominations in both Canada and the United States and are reintroducing the Western Swing sound to an entire new generation of music lovers with every performance.

The Western Swing Authority is Shane Guse (fiddle, vocals), Stacey Lee Guse (vocals), Ed “Pee Wee Charles” Ringwald (steel guitar), Dan Howlett (fiddle, vocals), Paul “Chappy” Chapman (guitar and vocals), Matthew Lima (stand up bass) and Jimmy Boudreau (drums).

antonella

August 20: Antonella Vizzini

Genre: Jazz, infused with her Italian heritage and Latin roots

Artist Bio

Antonella is an accomplished vocal performer with over 20 years experience. She sings in a variety of different genres such as pop, jazz and classical. She has also embraced her Italian heritage and Latin roots and sings in Italian and Spanish.

She has had the privilege of participating in such music competitions as Rising Star at the CNE and Chin Radio’s Italian Canadian Song Festival, where she placed first, 2nd and 3rd twice. She has also performed the National Anthem for the Toronto FC and the Toronto Rock at the Air Canada Centre, as well as at Nathan Phillips Square to kick off fundraising walks for Autism Speaks.

Antonella vocally trained with the late Bill Vincent, who taught speech – level singing, a vocal technique taught and introduced worldwide, by Los Angeles Based voice teacher to the stars, Seth Riggs.

Throughout the years, Antonella has had the opportunity to work with many talented, well respected, musical groups in the GTA and Niagara region. She is versatile in performing as a soloist, and with different ensembles at wedding ceremonies and receptions, private functions, fundraisers and various outdoor festivals throughout the GTA and Niagara Region.

Shawnee Kish poses in an amber light

August 27: Shawnee Kish

Genre: Blues, rock and soulful pop

Artist Bio

Shawnee Kish discovered music as medicine at a very early age. Born dreaming about being on stage and starting her journey toward a career in music at the age of 12, music quickly became a source of self-empowerment for the Two Spirit soulful singer, allowing her to stand tall in her personal strength and power. So far this year, Shawnee has celebrated her first JUNO award nomination (Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year), earned a place on the Edmonton Music Prize’s 2021 long list and signed to a label (Amelia Recordings).

Named the winner of CBC’s 202 Searchlight talent competition, this fierce, powerhouse artist has been celebrated as one of North America’s Top Gender Bending Artist (MTV), and name by Billboard as an Artist You Need To Know and continuously uses her music to empower.

Listening to her chart-topping releases can easily recognize that, as an artist, Shawnee has been influenced by strong, confident voices of female performers such as Melissa Etheridge, Etta James, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse. Her deeply personal and always poignant lyrics are rooted in healing, and allowing both herself and her listeners to find purpose and reason in the stories she tells.

An outspoken advocate for her Indigenous and LGBTQ2+ communities, Shawnee is a proud Two Spirit Mohawk who has shared the stage with some of the world’s biggest names – Lady Gaga, Madonna and Alicia Keys to name a few. 2021 saw the Edmonton- based artist release an EP that addressed personal struggles. “The main theme was lighting up what used to be and getting on with what is now. The song represent becoming yourself, finding out where you were was not where you wanted to be and fully embracing that in order to let go. Light the Place up, even if it’s unintentional.”

Shawnee is clearly an artist with vision, who will spend 2023 lighting up stages across North America. She will also continue her work with the We Matter Campaign and Kids Help Phone in hopes of empowering youth, providing strength and hope through music.

Food & Drink

Don’t have time to grab dinner before the show? Our culinary team will be cooking up some awesome eats, and offering a bar menu available for purchase. Prices are subject to applicable taxes.

No outside food or drink permitted at this event.

*Valid I.D. required for alcoholic purchases

Food

  • Beef Burger $11
  • Veggie Burger (Veg) $11
  • Hot Dog $6
  • Veggie Dog (Veg) $8
  • Kettle Chips (Veg) $3.50
  • Coleslaw (V) $4
  • Potato Salad (Veg) $5

Drinks / Bar Menu

  • FLOW Water Box $3.50
  • Canned Soft Drinks $3
  • Domestic Beer* $7
  • Premium Beer* $8
  • Craft Cans* $9
  • VQA Wines* 6oz $7, 9oz $11, by the bottle $32

In Hendrie Park

Our largest cultivated garden area, Hendrie Park has something for everyone. This garden truly illustrates the diversity of both plants and garden design.

Bring a chair or spread out a blanket; the “Music in the Gardens” stage will be set up in Mitchell’s Field, a grassy hill on the eastern end of Hendrie Park. This location is a ~400m walk from the entrance of RBG Centre.

Garden Music Nights FAQ

Have a question about Garden Music Nights? Click the topics below for more information. If you have a question that is not answered, give us a call at 905-527-1158 or send us a message.

Admission and Tickets

Music in the Gardens is included in your Full Garden Admission or RBG Membership.

Admission is available for purchase online, or at the door, and includes daytime access to all RBG’s garden areas for the day.

Visitors may use either specific Music in the Gardens tickets OR Full Garden Admission tickets to access this event.

Directions & Parking

Music in the Garden is held in Hendrie Park. Parking is included, available in the large lot at RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road W. Burlington Ontario. Enter through RBG Centre and access the garden via the Hendrie Park tunnel (staff will provide direction upon arrival). NOTE: Hendrie Park is NOT accessible via the “Cherry Hill” trailhead parking lot.

This garden is located along bus routes for Burlington Transit, with stops a short distance from the entrance. See rbg.ca/directions for more details.

Seating

Seating is general admission, and first-come first-served. Chairs are not provided. Guests are asked to bring their own foldable lawn chairs, blankets, and cushions for turf seating.  

Food & Drink

Concessions will be open including grab and go barbecue fare available for purchase.

Washrooms

Small washrooms are available just outside the Turner Pavilion Teahouse, and in RBG Centre on the lowest floor of the Atrium (at the base of the stairs, before you go through the tunnel into Hendrie Park). 

Weather and Attire

This event is held outdoors in a non-covered area. Dress for the weather! Consider a rain poncho and umbrella should there be rain in the forecast, as well as bug spray, a hat, and sunglasses (for sunset).

RBG reserves the right to cancel the performance due to extreme inclement weather. 

We will try our best to notify ticketholders as soon as possible regarding cancellations via email, however, due to the unpredictability of summer storms, ticketholders may receive little to no notice.

Accessibility

RBG welcomes the use of personal assistive devices that allow visitors to enjoy our facilities and services. The stage is located in Mitchell’s Field in Hendrie Park, and is accessible by paved pathways.  

Mitchell’s Field is a large, open lawn area with a natural slope. 

For convenience RBG has a limited number of wheelchairs available for loan. Wheelchairs are available on a first come basis and may not be reserved in advance. It is recommended guests bring their own wheelchairs. 

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact us at 905-527-1158. 

Pets / Service Animals

Leashed dogs are permitted in Hendrie Park for a visit during regular operating hours. Please be responsible and clean up after your dog. 

Although dogs are not permitted in RBG Centre (with the exception of working animals), dogs are permitted to enter RBG Centre for the purpose of entering Hendrie Park.