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-bandMusic 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-dreamsMusic 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-talksMusic 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 LuminariumMusic 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-luminariumMusic 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-grayMusic 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-52Music by Ty Simon.

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-grayMusic 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 Torontohttps://www.luminatofestival.com/dandyismMusic 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 Stagehttps://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 PechawisSupport Inga People & the Protection of Ancestral Territory:https://www.gofundme.com/f/inga-people-protection-ancestral-territoryMusic 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.

The same podcast you know and love is back as LuminoCity! In the first episode of season 5, Rebecca Singh leads the hosts in a reflection of land acknowledgements and what they mean to them, followed by an interview with Luminato Festival’s new Artistic Director Olivia Ansell, hosted by Christine Malec.Music by Ty Simon.

One of the most intriguing, high-energy performances in Toronto’s early summer season was R.A.V.E., produced by Outside the March in association with Luminato Festival Toronto. As an immersive, participatory experience merging narrative and dance, staged in an unused office building, accessibility was a concern for producers and festival goers alike. To provide notes and recommendations, Radio Lumi’s JJ Hunt and Ramya Amuthan were called in to join the party and check out the show!To learn more from R.A.V.E. creator, co-director, and lead performer Me Time, check out her in-depth interview with Christine Malec in episode 417.

This year Luminato is heading underground with a series of murals, paintings, and photographs adorning the walls of Toronto subway stations. SPACED, curated by Branded Purple, celebrates the notion that art can be found in every corner of our lives. As strong believers in that philosophy — and avid transit users! — hosts Christine Malec and JJ Hunt spend a day on the TTC, checking out SPACED artwork and describing the visuals of the popup subway station galleries.Standalone visual descriptions of the artworks in SPACED are available on location via QR code, or by following the links below. Thanks to Superior Description Services for sharing their work with Radio Lumi!Verbal Description of Spadina Station: https://www.notion.so/SPACED-Spadina-Station-4dd7510f87fc4fc69953e816986704a7?pvs=21Verbal Description of Finch Station: https://www.notion.so/SPACED-Finch-Station-3e97383ddaa44440a01fab62eb439efc?pvs=21Verbal Description of Kennedy Station: https://www.notion.so/SPACED-Kennedy-Station-09e670e4c74f4285b0b82c6509970166?pvs=21Verbal Description of York University Station: https://www.notion.so/SPACED-York-University-Station-b329eb20c32248abbb3aae55cc71784c?pvs=21

Radio Lumi goes back on location to David Pecaut square for an amazing display of acrobatic skill and circus swagger with the internationally acclaimed 360 Allstars. To help describe the troupe’s outrageous BMX, breakdancing, and basketball tricks to host Christine Malec, JJ Hunt gets a big assist from guest describer Janis Mayers. Buckle up for a wildly energetic crowd-pleaser! the show featured in this episode was a showcase production of 360 all-stars, recorded on June 15th, 2024 in Toronto 

In I Am From Reykjavik, artist Sonia Hughes invites us to forge meaningful connections in unexpected places, and examine our relationship with time and space, by building and dismantling a small home in public places. To capture the day-long, lived performance, host JJ Hunt followed Sonia and the Luminato crew to Toronto’s Withrow Park on a recent Saturday morning. Listen in as he records sounds of the park, chronicles Sonia’s construction project, and describes her visits from picnickers, dog walkers, curious kids, and farmer’s market shoppers.

On Friday June 7, Luminato in the Square at David Pecault Square swung into action with the opening night of nine days of music, art, food, crafts, and that urban festival feel. JJ Hunt was on hand to describe the scene, with Christine Malec joining in from her home studio. Listen in for performances from the main stage by Elder Duke and Jeremy Dutcher!

Recorded live at the Art Gallery of Ontario on June 5th, 2024, this on location episode documents and describes Miles Greenberg’s RESPAWN, co-commissioned and co-presented by the AGO and Luminato Festival Toronto.With a microphone in hand, describer and host JJ Hunt captures the chest-rumbling thrums and excited audience chatter that accompany Greenberg’s nine hour fight with an imaginary foe, located behind a robot-mounted camera.Special thanks to Bojana Stancic and Lamesha Ruddock. 

Miles Greenberg is a sculptor and performance artist based out of New York. His Luminato performance, RESPAWN, where he features as the primary performer, is a strikingly lengthy 7 hour durational performance piece inspired by first person shooter video games. Only wielding a sword, he defends himself from a moving camera on a crane. Listen to learn about the deeper meaning behind this piece. Rebecca Singh shares a detailed description of the venue and Christine Malec sits down for an interview with Miles himself.

In this episode host, Theodore Walker Robinson Theodore interviews the world class Ivory Coast choreographer Oulouy about his career and the story of the dance crew Supa Rich kids ahead of their presentation of Afrikan Party at the Luminato Festival Toronto.Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture by Ytasha Womack The Dreamer and the Dream: Afrofuturism and Black Religious Thought by Roger A. Sneed Queer Times, Black Futures by Kara Keeling Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist by Nancy Goldstein The Motion of Light in Water: Sex and Science Fiction Writing in the East Village by Samuel R. Delany Conversations with Octavia Butler edited by Conseula Francis Speculative Blackness: The Future of Race in Science Fict ion by André M. Carrington Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures edited by Kevin M. Strait and Kinshasha Holman ConwillBen Enwonwu: The Making of an African Modernist by Slyvester Okwunodu Ogbechie Charting the Afrofuturist Imaginary in African American Art: The Black Female Fantastic by Elizabeth Carmel HamiltonThe Black Speculative Arts Movement: Black Futurity, Art+Design edited by Reynaldo Anderson and Clinton R. Fluker In the Black Fantastic by Ekow Eshun The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression & Reflection edited by Anne H. Berry, Kareem Collie, Penina Acayo Laker, Lesley-Ann Noel, Jennifer Rittner, and Kelly WaltersKindred by Octavia E. Butler Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler The Jewels of Aptor by Samuel R. Delany “Torchy Brown in Dixie to Harlem” by Jackie Ormes Patty-Jo ‘n’ Ginger series by Jackie Ormes Mind of my Mind by Octavia E. Butler City of A Thousand Suns by Samuel R. DelanyWatchmen comic book series The Walking Dead comic book series

Christine and JJ sit down to interview Duane Bobbsemple. Duane is creating installations to be displayed in Toronto's subway stations as part of this year's Luminato Festival. The trio reflect on the power, importance, and possibilities of the shared spaces we so often take for granted.

Every year Luminato offers a long list of shows, concerts and public art pieces. Many of those experiences are interactive. Hosts JJ Hunt and Rebecca Singh tell us how we can participate more in these interactive experiences.Audio Description of Raphael Montañez Ortiz’s Cowboy/Indian, and Guided Tactile Description of Andy Warhol’s Black Rhinoceros courtesy of Prime Access Consulting.Audio Description of bass player Eric Larson from Music Stage’s Uncovered, and Juli Saragosa’s ASMR interactive app Let Me In courtesy of Superior Description Services.

DJ and multi-disciplinary artist, Sarah Barrable-Tishauer, discusses the raves she organizes as part of her work. However, these aren't the type of raves you imagine when you hear the word "rave". These are inclusive, safe, and transformative, and seek to create collective utopias where self-expression can thrive, while maintaining the distinctive cultural feel of raves. Christine leads this interview. 

For one night only, celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Canada’s first professional choir specializing in Afrocentric music, with this must-see performance. “And Still We Sing…Missa Afro-Brasileira: A Syncretism of Voice and Dance” by The Nathaniel Dett Chorale erases the divisions between the sacred, the secular, the popular and the classical. Featuring Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, and BaKari I. Lindsay & The AFeeree Project, this powerful experience of song and dance will leave you deeply moved and forever changed as you experience the rich cultures of Africa and its Diasporas. Host Christine Malec speaks with conductor, Brainerd Blyden-Taylor and Neema Bickersteth.Singers: Rebecca Singh, Neema Bickersteth, Nadien Godkewitsch, Stefan Read, Christine Malec, and Frannie, the dog.

Rebecca Singh, along with fellow audio describer, Janis Mayers,  sit down for an in-depth chat with Indigenous multi-disciplinary artist, Terrance Houle. His latest piece, Dance/  Ipásskaa, is a photographic mural that honours his mother’s creations. 

This never-the-same-twice show written and performed by Dora-award winning Haley McGee, is a gripping story about how our relationship with mortality shapes the way we live. Inspired by hospices, mystics and trips to the cemetery, Age is a Feeling wrestles with our endless chances to change course while we’re alive. Charting the seminal moments, rites of passage and turning points in an adult life - your life - from the day you turn 25 through to your death, this Olivier-nominated and Fringe First winning production celebrates the glorious and melancholy unknowability of human life. In this episode host Christine Malec interviews Haley McGee to give us the details about the show.

Christine Malec and JJ Hunt discuss the wonder of on-stage illusions and how blind and low-vision audiences can come to experience them through audio description. Plus, the creator of the Luminato show HOME, Geoff Sobelle, comes on to talk about his show.

Luminato will take over David Pecaut Square again this year for the duration of the festival. Luminato in the Square, our free festival hub will delight festival-goers with concerts, performances, activities, food, and markets for that summer festival feeling in downtown Toronto. Host Christine Malec interviews the Creative Programmer, Veronica Barton and Tamar Ilana from the Miigwech Collective to tell us all about it.

The North American premiere of Dancer of the Year represents the seminal work within Trajal Harrell’s artistic journey, offering a deeply emotional and immersive experience for viewers, regardless of their familiarity with dance. Host Christine Malec speaks with Trajal Harrell about this performance.

Gene Peterson is the producer of 360 ALLSTARS, a show that he describes as a “modern circus”. Featuring B-boying, BMX, Freestyle basketball and live music, it’s a fast paced show that will surely be a challenge to live describe. Radio LUMI host and audio describer Rebecca Singh recorded this short interview with Gene to learn more about his show. You’ll also get a peak into the types of conversations audio describers have with show-runners that allow describers to give us such captivating descriptions.  

I Am from Reykjavik is more than a performance—it's an invitation to introspection. It challenges us to examine our relationships with space and time, to reconsider the boundaries between self and other, and to embrace the possibility of forging meaningful connections in unexpected places.  Host Christine Malec brings Sonia Hughes on for an interview and takes a deep dive into her journey as an artist.

How can we do more with audio description? How can it go further as a professional profile? What happens when it includes Indigenous voices? What creative approaches to AD can enrich the experience of AD users? Those are the questions our hosts seek to answer. Rebecca Singh and JJ Hunt, are joined from all over the world by describers Kat Germain, Alanah-Jay Harris, Elaine Lillian Joseph, and Nicola Owen who together have thousands of hours of audio description under their belts and then by accessible theatre maker Alex Bulmer. If there's a panel of guests qualified to tackle this topic, it's this one.

Host Rebecca Singh leads this conversation about the many evolving ways to interpret place in art and audio description as inspired by a better understanding of Indigenous artworks. Special guests and AD professionals Janis Mayers and Trina Moyan share with us their unique perspectives and important reminders.

In this episode, host Rebecca Singh talks about public art, what it looks like and how it fits into a city scape. Hear about the art selected for the festival this year and how Luminato is making the work accessible.

Host Christine Malec leads the conversation with co-hosts JJ Hunt and Rebecca Singh. In this episode they take a deep dive into Urban Parks and Public Squares. They get into how they are different and how they are used. 

Christine heads up this round-table discussion that takes a deep dive into the intricacies of audio description, both for live in-person productions or your favourite TV shows. If you've never heard of audio description before, (sometimes called "described video") this episode will be an amazing introduction to the world of AD. This episode features special guests Kim Kilpatrick, Amy Amantea, and Emily Maxwell, along with Radio LUMI hosts and Audio Describers JJ Hunt and Rebecca Singh.Many shows at the 2024 Luminato Festival will be made with live audio description available:Age is a Feeling: June 6 – 8 PM Dancer of the Year: June 7 – 7 PM Afrikan Party: June 9 – 2 PM Nathaniel Dett Chorale: June 11 – 8 PM HOME: June 14 – 8 PM 360 Allstars: June 15 – 7 PMTo reserve audio description devices and/or request specific seating arrangements, contact Emily Maxwell at (437) 776-1569‬ or [email protected]. 

This episode serves as the grand opening for the 2024 season of Radio LUMI. Theo leads the conversation with our three other co-hosts, Christine, Rebecca, and JJ about what you can expect this year at the festival. Welcome to Radio LUMI 2024! 

In this episode, Emily Maxwell and Ali Hand join our host Christine to talk about the accessibility features we're offering this year.

Welcome to Radio LUMI Season 4. In this opening episode Indigenous educator Trina Moyan highlights the significance and importance of Land Acknowledgments. Learn about the Indigenous perspective of Land Acknowledgements, as well as how to give better, more thoughtful ones yourself. 

Ramya Amuthan sits down with Christine Malec and JJ Hunt to discuss audio storytelling and archives and Luminato 2023 prepares for Aalaapi, presented by Native Earth Performing Arts and Le Théâtre français de Toronto, in association with Luminato Festival Toronto. 

In “Grounding Conversations, Part 6: Archives as Storytelling,”  Dev travels to the future in an audio adaptation of a short documentary they created with Helen Lee with production assistance from the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers Toronto (LIFT).