LuminoCity

LuminoCity’s Christine Malec and JJ Hunt combine in this episode to provide a primer for Immersed by Justin Gray. First, JJ gives us a detailed description of the many non-western instruments found in Justin’s compositions, then, {12:25}, Christine chats with Justin himself about the show and everything it took to make it happen.

Join us for Immersed on Saturday, June 7 2025 at the TD Music Hall, Toronto.

Imagine sitting inside a piece of music, surrounded by sound in every direction. 

That’s exactly what happens in Immersed, a groundbreaking audio-visual experience from JUNO Award-winning bassist and producer Justin Gray. Created using Dolby Atmos immersive audio, this event places listeners in the center of a three-dimensional orchestra, where music isn’t just heard—it moves around you. 

Featuring 38 world-class musicians from around the globe, Gray’s compositions blend Indian classical music, jazz, and electronic soundscapes. Every note, rhythm, and texture expands beyond traditional stereo, creating a sound environment that shifts, evolves, and completely surrounds you. 

With stunning visuals accompanying the piece, Immersed is a rare chance to hear music in a whole new way.     

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

Music by Ty Simon.

In this episode, Rebecca Singh learns about the fascinating history behind Dandyism with Theodore Walker Robinson, who himself is a dandyism connoisseur. 

Flamboyant, defiant, and timelessly cool - dandyism transformed resistance into an art of supreme style. Born in the streets of Brazzaville and Kinshasa, this aesthetic of Black jubilation now arrives to the Toronto

https://www.luminatofestival.com/dandyism

Music by Ty Simon.

Rebecca Singh sits down with award winning and prolific musician Larnell Lewis. He shares his inspirations and experiences that have led him to his upcoming show, “A Glimpse of Quincy”. The show features world class musicians along with Larnell as they perform through a killer setlist that highlights the best the legendary Quincy Jones created over a lifetime.   

Catch Larnell Lewis on Friday, June 13 at the Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage
https://www.luminatofestival.com/a-glimpse-of-quincy 

Music by Ty Simon.

Is theatre supposed to be believable?  Playwright and actor Tim Crouch fearlessly tackles that question in what some describe as his “experimental storytelling”. LuminoCity host, Ramya Amuthan, sat down with Tim to better understand his unique approach to story telling. His performance of An Oak Tree is being featured this year at the Luminato Festival.

Tim Crouch’s full TED Talk:
https://youtu.be/3pb11GYJ7wY  

Music by Ty Simon.

Rebecca Singh sits down with the artists behind the instillation performance, Nigamon/Tunai, which is featuring at this year’s Luminato Festival. Nigamon/Tunai Is described as an act of solidarity and a poetic manifesto against extractivism, land destruction, and displacement.   

Voices heard in this episode:
Rebecca Singh, Émilie Monnet, Waira Nina, Trina Moyan, Archer Pechawis

Support Inga People & the Protection of Ancestral Territory:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/inga-people-protection-ancestral-territory

Music by Ty Simon.

In a quest to better understand the origins of stories, Rebecca Singh connects with her mother, Josefine, to look back at the folk tales of her home country, Germany.

Music by Ty Simon.

How can someone who’s blind or low vision come to appreciate dance? It’s a complicated question but the panel Christine Malec assembled for this episode to tackle it is well equipped to answer it. We have professional dancers, a ballet expert, and an accessible art consultant all working together to satiate Christine's insatiable curiosity.

Music by Ty Simon.

Luminocity’s Rebecca Singh sits down with award winning writer, director and performer, Rick Miller. He’s also a co-writer of HANS: My Life in Fairy Tales, a performance featured at this year’s Luminato Festival that celebrates the ongoing influence of Danish writer, Hans Christian Andersen.

Please note: HANS: My Life in Fairy Tales will premiere at Young People's Theatre with shows on Saturday, June 14th at 3:00 pm and Sunday, June 15th at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. We hope you'll join us!

Music by Ty Simon.

In Red Like Fruit, Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Hannah Moscovitch crafts a gripping, provocative new work that unpacks power, memory, and complicity in the post-#MeToo era.

Rebecca Singh sits down with Christian Barry, the co-founder and co-artistic director of 2b theatre, Red Like Fruit’s production company.   

Catch Red Like Fruit from Friday, May 28 - Sunday, June 15 at Young Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto.

Music by Ty Simon.

How often do you question the link between a performance and the venue in which it's taking place? Christine Malec, JJ Hunt, and Ramya Amuthan break down the undeniable importance of venue. 

To illustrate their point, throughout the conversation, you'll hear an original song performed by Christine and Ramya placed in three distinct venues using the magic of impulse responses. The first is within a forest, the next in a studio theatre, and the last under a famous bridge known for its echoing acoustics.

Music by Ty Simon.