​​Rahael’s music is the epitome of putting a sound to feelings. Born in Vancouver, BC with Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage, the singer/songwriter lives in Toronto. A self-taught guitarist, Rahael’s songwriting is emotive and soul-baring inspired by her personal experiences and guided by the ethereal moments love and relationships have to offer.

Shaunt Raffi is a DJ, producer, and musician based in Toronto. He is applying to perform a high-energy set of Armenian and SWANA folk electronica at Dundas West Fest — a genre-blending experience featuring both original productions and selections from some of the region’s most innovative producers. This set is a celebration of cultural sound, rhythm, and tradition reimagined through contemporary electronic music. Shaunt is passionate about representing Armenian folk music as part of the vibrant sonic tapestry that will fill the streets during the festival. He has opened for acclaimed artists including Sina Bathaie, Bedouin Burger, and Shkoon, and brings a deep commitment to cross-cultural connection and storytelling through sound.

Rimay Canada is an Andean music group made up of a talented ensemble of friends and family spanning multiple generations. For over 20 years, they have been enchanting audiences with Ecuadorian folk music. Their cultural journey has taken them to countries such as Korea, Japan, and Russia, where they have shared their vibrant heritage through captivating performances. Rimay Canada is dedicated to preserving and promoting their lively culture and traditions through the universal language of music and dance.

Shaunt Raffi is a DJ, producer, and musician based in Toronto. He is applying to perform a high-energy set of Armenian and SWANA folk electronica at Dundas West Fest — a genre-blending experience featuring both original productions and selections from some of the region’s most innovative producers. This set is a celebration of cultural sound, rhythm, and tradition reimagined through contemporary electronic music. Shaunt is passionate about representing Armenian folk music as part of the vibrant sonic tapestry that will fill the streets during the festival. He has opened for acclaimed artists including Sina Bathaie, Bedouin Burger, and Shkoon, and brings a deep commitment to cross-cultural connection and storytelling through sound.

Thundering heavy rock’n’roll trio Early Tombs have been compared to bands like Motorhead, Tank and Rose Tattoo. Playing across the GTA (including many venues on Dundas Street West) they have shared bills with dozens of Toronto’s best punk, metal and rock bands. Coming off the release of their debut LP ‘Misery Lights’ on Ohio’s Deadbeat Records, Early Tombs have reached more music fans hungry for riffs and rumble, served up in tight, ripping tunes for those who probably have Thin Lizzy and ZZ Top on their playlists.

Kids Programming

Kids Programming

Nuno Cristo holds a Master’s degree in Music from York University. Nuno has worked as an instrument maker/ musician/ musical director/ composer and researcher of a great variety of musical instruments from different cultures. As a performer, Nuno specializes in the playing techniques of the Portuguese guitarra, among other instruments. Nuno has self-produced two CDs, collaborated with Nelly Furtado, Béla/ Menage and others, recorded live for CBC radio, and played internationally in the USA, Macao (China) and Portugal.

Luso-Can Tuna is the only Portuguese tuna in North America. In the last 27 years, Luso-Can Tuna has worked hard to emphasize the value of education, camaraderie, and music to the younger generations of the Lusophone community in the GTA. Above all, the band has become a means to spread joy and friendship, while continuing Portuguese academic traditions which encourage youth in the Portuguese community to engage with their heritage. Luso-Can Tuna has visited and performed across various parts of Portugal, the United States of America, France, Mexico and most recently, Spain. The band has also released their own CD, Carpe Diem, and held multiple music festivals and competitions with other tunas from Portugal and Latin America. Our primary aim is helping Luso-Canadian youth in Toronto maintain connections to their culture by teaching Portuguese music, instruments, language, and history. As a group heavily imbued with academic tradition, we also emphasize the importance of education and completing post-secondary milestones. Most notably and proudly, Luso-Can Tuna acts as a testament to the Portuguese-Canadian community’s strength, pride, teamwork, and willpower in maintaining these traditions (and plays some great music while they do so).

With thirty years in the industry – Ali Black is a versatile DJ and producer. His style is best reflected through his extensive record collection and his ability to match his selections to his surrounding environment and the audience’s mood. Over the last decade Ali has performed at his residencies at Sunnyside Pavillion and Promise Cherry Beach, at venues such as Coda and Sounds Good, at festivals such as Boreal and Harvest. During this time, Ali has also managed Nitebeat Radio – a platform that helps to foster and showcase Toronto’s musical talent.

The Chmst is a hip hop jazz artist that incorporates trumpet and other instruments in his accompanied live performance. Having performed on stages like history, Massey hall, and winter garden theatre, he has refined his performance into a positive experience filled with mantras, affirmations, and an uplifting message. His stage presence and sound make for an engaging, high energy, and thrilling performance.

Alister bio: Alister Johnson is a forward-thinking producer and DJ. He is well known within the Toronto DJ community and has commanded the decks as far afield as Germany, the UK and South Africa, spinning disco, soul, boogie, house and music from around the world. He is also known for his music production, both original and re-edits – sure to keep the dancers moving, yet never sure what’s coming next. Gerrence bio: Gerrence (aka Adam Bronstorph) is a 25-year fixture in Toronto’s underground dance scene—a beloved selector, seasoned party instigator, and curator of records that move bodies and bend time. Known for weaving together disco, house, italo, synth, and far-reaching international grooves, his sets are a joyful blend of deep cuts and feel-good energy, crafted with care and curiosity. From garden sunsets to sweaty late-night sessions, Gerrence knows how to shape a moment—and keep dancers coming back for more.

Merv xx Gotti is an award-winning Asian-Canadian singer-songwriter, best known for his solo indie dream-pop project, Guitar Songs.
 His debut release, Guitar Songs EP, released in 2024 ahead of his 5-show debut at SXSW. The EP’s first single, “Jiujitsu”, received airplay on over 21 CBC stations and a dozen campus radio stations across Canada and the US. The EP itself amassed over 300,000 Spotify streams, spent eight consecutive weeks on Earshot’s Top 30 charts, and “Jiujitsu” went on to be named in CBC’s Top 100 Canadian Songs of 2024. Merv xx Gotti has toured extensively across North America, performing at premier international showcase festivals such as SXSW, NXNE, M for Montréal, as well as sharing the stage with Canadian icons such as Chantal Kreviazuk, Great Lake Swimmers, and Big Sugar. This year, he returned to SXSW, and is currently preparing for his summer festival tour and debut album release.
 Merv xx Gotti is also the director of Canadian independent artist & DJ label, Trifecta Sound Co., as well as the archivist of Toronto’s premier community-led internet radio station, ISO Radio.

Introducing the vibe librarian INTROSPKT (she/her), a Toronto-based DJ. Her love for R&B shines through in every set, but she also brings it in with edits, dancehall and global sounds. INTROSPKT is all about connecting with her audience by introducing new sounds and bringing in a touch of nostalgia with the throwbacks. So if you’re looking for a good time, get your vibe card out and check out the vibe librarian.

Kids Programming

Kids Programming

Kids Programming

Doomgurl is a Salvadorean-Indigenous Artist based in Toronto. Originally a street dancer specializing in styles such as breaking, hip-hop and house now has gone on to be a DJ and Producer. She is known for her expansive selection of R&B music. While also creating moments in her sounds to honor her cultural ties within the Latin diaspora. Her journey is to connect her knowledge of Hip-Hop with her upbringing of rhythms that move dancefloors and bring an authentic experience.

ARTU is a 4 piece band exploring themes of identity, love and forgiveness through the lens of Neo-Tropicalia, Freak Bossa, and Psychedelia.

Driven by a deep love for nostalgic sounds, rising talent, and the global underground, Incognita weaves together the familiar, the fresh, and the hidden gems of global music to get you moving. Her sets pulse with the vibrant rhythms of Afrohouse, Soca, Reggae Dancehall, RnB, Edits and more—inviting you into a dynamic journey through sound. With every beat, Incognita celebrates the rich intersections of culture and genre, creating an inclusive space where everyone can find their rhythm.

The Human Rights first came together in 2007, around the talents and vision of lead singer and Toronto Reggae lion Friendlyness (Big Sugar, Culture Shock, Truth And Rights), drummer Eric Woolston (Maylee Todd, The Hooded Fang), versatile bassman Tyler Wagler and the band’s original keyboardist Bernie Pitters (Toots & The Maytals, Hit Squad), who passed away in 2023 and in whose loving memory the band continues forward. The Human Rights recently had the opportunity to open for American roots-rock legends The Black Crowes at Casino Rama in front of over 5,000 people.

Kids Programming