LuminoCity

Hundreds of students. 45 minutes. One stage transformed into a musical playground of ukuleles, harps, cellos, turntables, melodicas, guitars, steel pans, and voices raised in collective, youthful joy. this isn't your typical music recital – it’s a powerful testament to what we can create together.

LuminoCity’s Rebecca Singh was on location to experience You’re All in the Band when it took place on the afternoon of June 21st, 2025. In this episode, you’ll hear her on sight descriptions of the massive venue, an interview with the creative head of the project, Richard Marsella, and snippets from the show. 

More information about the show can be found on the Luminato show page:
https://www.luminatofestival.com/youre-all-in-the-band

Music by Ty Simon.

One of LuminoCity’s describers, JJ Hunt, tags along with Ramya Amuthan as they explore, appreciate, goof off, and run around in a human hamster wheel. The Rainbow Dreams series of public installations in downtown Toronto are pitched as immersive wellness experiences. Imagined by internationally acclaimed artist Hiromi Tango, they truly are one of a kind. Where else will you see serious looking businessmen in suits sprawled out on giant dog beds in the middle of a work week?

More information about the installations here:
https://www.luminatofestival.com/rainbow-dreams

Music by Ty Simon.

In this episode, you’ll hear JJ Hunt’s vivid primer description for Last Words: Talking in Cemeteries, a unique show that features honest conversations about the taboo subject of death, all under nightfall in Toronto’s most historic cemeteries.

A few days later, JJ returned to one of his favourite cemeteries to bring us along on a stroll as he describes all the sights that make these places the underrated gems in our shared urban landscape.

More information about the Luminato event here:
https://www.luminatofestival.com/cemetery-talks

Music by Ty Simon.

In this episode, Ramya Amuthan and JJ Hunt share with Christine their experience of visiting the 2025 Luminato Hub at Harboufront Centre. They also share on-location audio of the events they visited, featuring JJ’s always excellent description. 

This episode highlights the three following pieces in this order:
Dandyism, Cirque Kikasse, and Terceradix Luminarium

Music by Ty Simon.

Like a cross between a womb and a cathedral, join JJ Hunt, Ramya Amuthan, and Christine Malec as they experience the one-of-a-kind installation, Terceradix Luminarium.

More information on the Luminato Festival website:
https://www.luminatofestival.com/teceradix-luminarium

Music by Ty Simon.

LuminoCity hosts Christine Malec, Ramya Amuthan, J.J. Hunt and technical producer Jacob Shymanski were all in attendance on June 7th for Immersed by Justin Gray. The show was an album release like none other, featuring a top-of-the-line and one-of-a-kind 38-speaker surround sound system. It did not disappoint. This episode has the four LuminoCity team members debriefing shortly after the experience.

Immersed by Justin Gray:
https://www.luminatofestival.com/immersed-by-justin-gray

Music by Ty Simon.

A colossal block of ice hangs suspended above Sankofa Square. On it, a solitary figure fights against time and heat, scrambling to protect what's already melting away. As sunset approaches, what will be left? 

LuminoCity's J.J. Hunt was on location on Sunday, June 8, 2025, describing all 8 hours of this mesmerizing piece of performance art. This episode is an immersive stereo compilation of the best moments throughout the day.

More information below:
https://www.luminatofestival.com/thaw    

Music by Ty Simon.

When the city sleeps, Toronto comes alive in unexpected ways. Award-winning photographer Nadya Kwandibens captures the hidden world of the people who keep our city running through the night - transit workers, healthcare staff, entertainers, and countless others whose stories are rarely acknowledged. 

LuminoCity’s Christine Malec and describer JJ Hunt embark on a city wide art crawl under the streets to experience it all. This, as it turned out, became a friendly competition between JJ and his describing skills versus Christine’s AI describing apps. Listen in to find out which describer gets the edge, but also how this city-wide exhibit celebrates the Torontonians that keep the city alive while we all go to sleep.

Music by Ty Simon.

What does a Rainbow sound like? Sonifications can help us with that question. Christine Malec interviews the creator of the Rainbow Dreams installations displayed in Downtown Toronto.

Music by Ty Simon.

Rebecca Singh connects with Heidi Reitmaier, curator at the Museum of Toronto, to discuss the fascinating show taking place at the usually closed to the public, but beautiful Toronto City Archives. It’s opening its doors for The 52 Live. 

Information about The 52 Live:

Hidden in archives, carved into city streets, woven through Toronto's history—the stories of women who built this city wait to be told. They represent 52% of Toronto's population, and in this groundbreaking performance, their voices rise to life.

Through 52 powerful vignettes, this innovative theatrical experience celebrates the women who have shaped our city. Created by the Museum of Toronto, The 52 Live unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of the City Archives, where 24 Canadian playwrights give voice to pioneers, artists, leaders, and changemakers.

Find out more on the show page from Luminato’s website:
https://www.luminatofestival.com/the-52

Music by Ty Simon.