Each concert is $350 + HST.
100% of the concert fee goes to the performers.
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PORCHSIDE SONGS 2020
The Musical Stage Company, live and in concert, from your front yard!
Nothing beats communities, neighbours, and friends coming together to experience extraordinary music. Join us this summer as top Canadian artists perform 40-minute intimate performances, safely from the comfort of your home, in the latest musical offering from Canada’s leading musical theatre organization. Personalize your experience by selecting one of three musical offerings, all complete with superb Canadian talent for an unforgettable musical experience.
Purchase an intimate concert for your friends and neighbours, pick a date and we’ll take care of the rest.
Video Gallery
PORCHSIDE SONGS MUSICAL EXPERIENCES:
LOVE ON TOP
Toronto theatre stars Beau Dixon and Vanessa Sears take you on an acoustic journey of popular songs that will uplift and inspire. Having worked together on The Musical Stage Company’s award-winning production of ‘Passing Strange’ co-produced with Obsidian Theatre, this dynamic duo will have you dancing and singing along with a selection of iconic songs from celebrated black voices. From Bob Marley to Beyoncé, Beau and Vanessa use the power of song to elevate your spirits and put Love on Top.
ASIAN RIFFING TRIO: STREET ART
Asian Riffing Trio will perform a collection of songs that are close to their hearts, including some brand new original music. Chris Tsujiuchi, Kevin Wong, and Colin Asuncion make up the vocal supergroup Asian Riffing Trio (or ART, for short). These three multitalented queer Asian artists subvert the boyband format. With their characteristic soulful vocals and innovative musical arrangements, ART has established itself as a true artistic force and one of Toronto’s best kept secrets.
LOST TOGETHER
Hailey Gillis and Andrew Penner bring to your curb a reinvention of songs from this century’s greatest songwriters that both offer comfort and ask questions. Focusing on Canada’s vast selection of artists and their contemporaries they will weave together a sweet and raw mixture of duets and stories. Having worked together at The Musical Stage Company (UNCOVERED), Soulpepper (Spoon River, Blood Wedding, Concert Series), and most recently in the award winning production of GHOST QUARTET (Crow’s/Eclipse) these virtuosic performers now offer you songs that reflect on every moment, big and small.
Credits
Venue
Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the cost of the concert?Each Concert series has a unique schedule based on the availability of the three performing acts. Please visit the schedule tab to see a more in-depth performance schedule for each concert series.
Each concert is roughly 40 minutes in length, with no intermission.
Porchside Songs can be booked for Toronto residents only within the “M” postal code. Please see the map for reference. Have a question about your venue location? Please email josephine@muscialstagecompany.com.
Porchside Songs is following Public Health Guidelines, including a 10 audience cap per performance.
- As we enter Stage 3, People must still practice physical distancing, by keeping at least two metres away from others outside of their direct household” (click here to read more about Stage 3).
- If your guests include folks that have joined your social circle (i.e you and other households have joined circles and have followed these guidelines) you do not need to strictly maintain the 2 meter distance amongst the 10 people on your property.
- If you have neighbours watching the concert from their properties (i.e making your “audience” bigger, but maintaining gatherings on separate private properties), they must also follow the above guidelines from the above points
The concerts are recommended for all ages, parental guidance recommended. Select songs include slight profanity and mature themes.
- A 10 square feet space on private property for the performers, as outlined by Public Health.
- One ground power source for The Musical Stage Company to plug a power cord into.
Our team will be in touch you directly, once a concert has been purchased, to outline your specific concert space.
The Musical Stage Company has been in touch directly with Toronto Public Health. We have established detailed plans to ensure the safety of performers and patrons. Including but are not limited to:
- A Stage Manager will be present at all concerts to ensure their smooth operation and for the safety of the artists and patrons.
- Physical distancing will always be enforced: only patrons residing in or “bubbling” with another family will be permitted to watch the concert from their property. Concerts will never have more than 10 people present on one property.
- Strict safety guidelines will be established and maintained throughout all concerts.
- Only 10 people will be permitted on a property at one time (to be updated as Public Health advisories shift). Please note, this 10 person cap includes the performers and stage manager. Porchside Songs can accommodate an audience of 7.
- A site visit will be arranged in advance of the concert to plan out a set up that maximizes social distancing. If the Stage Manager determines on the site visit that social distancing cannot be maintained between artists or between artists and audiences, the concert will be cancelled.
- Patrons/Hosts will be contacted on the day of the concert to ensure no one in the host dwelling is feeling unwell. The concert will be postponed if anyone at the host dwelling is showing any symptoms of illness.
- The Artists and Stage Manager will be contacted on the day of the concert to ensure no one is feeling unwell. The concert will be postponed if anyone is showing any symptoms of illness.
- Physical distancing will be in full effect at all times. Audience distancing will be at minimum 10-feet squared from any singer.
- Performers (maximum 3) will be situated a minimum of 6 feet apart from each other.
- Masks will be provided to the Artists during non-singing and the Stage Manager.
- The Stage Manager will be equipped with disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer at all times.
Have a question about our safety protocols? Please email josephine@muscialstagecompany.com.
All concert purchases are final. Concerts will be rescheduled to align to your schedule if you, or the performers, are feeling sick or unwell.
The Musical Stage Company will postpone a concert due to weather at 3 hours in advance of the concert. If the concert needs to be canceled for the selected date, The Musical Stage Company will contact the host 3 hours before the performance and provide alternative date options.
Please contact josephine@musicalstagecompany.com.
Show Calendar
PROGRAMME
To view the digital programme for PORCHSIDE SONGS, click here.
MUSICAL EXPERIENCES
LOVE ON TOP
Toronto theatre stars Beau Dixon and Vanessa Sears take you on an acoustic journey of popular songs that will uplift and inspire. Having worked together on The Musical Stage Company’s award-winning production of ‘Passing Strange’ co-produced with Obsidian Theatre, this dynamic duo will have you dancing and singing along with a selection of iconic songs from celebrated Black voices. From Bob Marley to Beyoncé, Beau and Vanessa use the power of song to elevate your spirits and put Love On Top.
VANESSA SEARS
Vanessa is beyond grateful for the opportunity to perform as theatres across Canada have closed. Music continues to provide a sense of freedom and release during uncertain times and she is happy to share some light and love – from a safe distance.
A Dora Award, Toronto Theatre Critics Award, and Critic’s Pick Award winning actress, Vanessa most recently appeared as Emmie in CAROLINE, OR CHANGE at the historic Winter Garden Theatre (Musical Stage Company and Obsidian Theatre). Her other selected credits include: Edwina in PASSING STRANGE (Musical Stage Company and Obsidian Theatre); Mary Poppins in MARY POPPINS, Dorothy in THE WIZARD OF OZ (Young People’s Theatre); Mum in BILLY ELLIOT, Ronette in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Stratford Festival); Polly Plummer in THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW, Flaemmchen in GRAND HOTEL, Zoe in AN OCTOROON (Shaw Festival); Nicola in the Canadian Premiere of KINKY BOOTS (Mirvish Productions).
BEAU DIXON
Beau’s a multi award winning actor, playwright, music director and sound designer. His first gig with Musical Stage was apprentice music director for their production of CAROLINE, OR CHANGE (2011/ Co-produced by Obsidian Theatre). In 2017, he received a Toronto Critics Award for best lead actor in a musical for his performance as the narrator in PASSING STRANGE – which was also a Musical Stage/ Obsidian Theatre production. Beau has performed at Stratford, Shaw, Tarragon, Factory, Crow’s, Soulpepper, Vertigo, ATP, Lunchbox, Arts Club, TNB, Neptune, Thousand Islands, 4th Line and other theatres throughout Canada. Not only does he get a kick out of acting and composing music, but he’s also written a few plays. Beau is a two time Dora award recipient for his one man show entitled, BENEATH SPRINGHILL: THE MAURICE RUDDICK STORY. Beau is also a KM Hunter Award finalist. He is Artistic director and co-founder of Firebrand Theatre. In 2011, he was inducted into Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame for his leadership in the arts. You can check out Beau’s music on www.itunes.com, and read his plays at www.playwrightsguild.ca.
ASIAN RIFFING TRIO: STREET ART
Asian Riffing Trio will perform a collection of songs that are close to their hearts, including some brand new original music. Chris Tsujiuchi, Kevin Wong, and Colin Asuncion make up the vocal supergroup Asian Riffing Trio (or ART, for short). These three multitalented queer Asian artists subvert the boyband format. With their characteristic soulful vocals and innovative musical arrangements, ART has established itself as a true artistic force and one of Toronto’s best kept secrets.
CHRIS TSUJIUCHI
Chris Tsujiuchi’s performance credits include BOX 4901, RECURRING JOHN, PARADISE LOST (Summerworks Festival), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Lower Ossington Theatre), and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Hart House Theatre). Musical Direction credits include PARADE (Toronto Musical Concerts) THE LAST FIVE YEARS (YRG Productions), ONEGIN (Musical Stage Company/National Arts Centre/Arts Club Western Canada Tour), 35MM (Toronto Premiere), ANY DREAM WILL DO (Angelwalk Theatre & Theatre Collingwood), A MISFORTUNE (Next Stage Festival), MICKEY & JUDY (Toronto Fringe/Best of Fringe), and BARE (Canadian Premiere/WatersEdge Productions). Chris has worked as an accompanist and teacher at Sheridan College, Randolph Academy, and George Brown College. He has toured extensively with Sharron Matthews, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and can also be seen performing in Asian Riffing Trio (aka ART).
KEVIN WONG
Kevin Wong is a composer-lyricist, singer/musician, and dramaturge.
Training: Royal Conservatory of Music (Violin/Harmony/Music History); NoteWorthy (The Musical Stage Company, 2014); Composium (Theatre20, 2015). Selected past musical theatre writing: RECURRING JOHN: A Song Cycle (Toronto SummerWorks Festival 2014 / Chicago Musical Theatre Festival 2015); STAR!(ving): A Collection of Songs; MISPRINT (with bookwriter Lauren Toffan, Women of Musical Theatre Festival 2016); DRAMA 101 (with bookwriter & co-lyricist Steven Gallagher, Bravo Academy 2017 / Etobicoke School of the Arts 2018 / Stage Door Academy 2018); and REFRAMED (Musical Stage Company / Art Gallery of Ontario, Dora Nomination – Best New Musical/Opera). Currently in Development: THE PREPOSTEROUS PREDICAMENT OF POLLY PEEL (Act One) (with bookwriter Julie Tepperman, most recently a sold-out hit at the 2018 Toronto Fringe Festival and winner of the 2018 Playwrights Guild of Canada Stage West New Musical Award), BELIEVERS (with bookwriter and co-lyricist Ali Joy Richardson), and IN REAL LIFE (with bookwriter & co-lyricist Nick Green, most recently workshopped at Theatre Sheridan in March/April 2020). Other: Kevin was the Musical Stage Company’s Associate Artistic Director from 2016-2018. He is a member of the vocal group Asian Riffing Trio (with Chris Tsujiuchi and Colin Asuncion). He is currently part-time faculty at Sheridan College.
COLIN ASUNCION
Colin Asuncion is a Toronto based singer, theatre artist, and member of the vocal group Asian Riffing Trio. Performance credits include: UNCOVERED: STEVIE WONDER & PRINCE (Musical Stage Company), BOX 4901 (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Dora Nomination – Outstanding Performance of an Ensemble), BE MY VALENTINE (120 Diner, BroadwayWorld Toronto nomination – Best Solo Cabaret Performance), INTO THE WOODS, CABARET (Hart House Theatre), RENT (Fallen Rock Productions), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Easy Street Productions), and SQUAT (Toronto Fringe, Tosho Cutting Edge Award). Colin was a recurring guest commentator on The After Show (MTV Canada) and a finalist on Season 3 of The Great Canadian Baking Show (CBC, Netflix Canada). A graduate of the University of Toronto, Colin is the Marketing Manager for the Retail Council of Canada.
LOST TOGETHER
Hailey Gillis and Andrew Penner bring to your curb a reinvention of songs from this century’s greatest songwriters that both offer comfort and ask questions. Focusing on Canada’s vast selection of artists and their contemporaries they will weave together a sweet and raw mixture of duets and stories. Having worked together at The Musical Stage Company (UNCOVERED), Soulpepper (Spoon River, Blood Wedding, Concert Series), and most recently in the award winning production of GHOST QUARTET (Crow’s/Eclipse) these virtuosic performers now offer you songs that reflect on every moment, big and small.
HAILEY GILLIS
Most Recent Credits: GHOST QUARTET (Crow’s Theatre), ROSE, STEINBECK THROUGH SONG (Soulpepper Theatre); THE INVISIBLE (Catalyst/Vertigo Theatre). Elsewhere: ONEGIN (National Arts Centre/ The Arts Club/The Musical Stage Company); HEDDA GABLER (Necessary Angel/Canadian Stage); ROMEO AND JULIET, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (Bard On The Beach); SPOON RIVER, THE DYBBUK, MARAT/SADE, BLOOD WEDDING, THE CRUCIBLE, THE THIRST OF HEARTS, THE DEAD, ALLIGATOR PIE, IDIOT’S DELIGHT (Soulpepper Theatre); UNCOVERED: DYLAN & SPRINGSTEEN, UNCOVERED: JONI MITCHELL & CAROLE KING (The Musical Stage Company); JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR, ON THE ROAD WITH DUTCH MASON (The Confederation Center For The Arts); GREASE, EVITA, THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL (Theatre Aquarius). Other: Triple Sensation Season 2 Top 6 Competitor (CBC), Soulpepper Academy Graduate, BA Honours Degree University Of Toronto, Diploma In Acting Sheridan Institute Of Technology.
ANDREW PENNER
Andrew is an award-winning musician and performer who can be heard on over 50 albums of various styles and has performed across North America and Europe. He is a member of the Harrow Fair, with Miranda Mulholland (JUNO nominated) and the group, Sunparlour Players. Andrew has worked in theatre at The Stratford Festival, Soulpepper, Canadian Stage, Crows, Obsidian Theatre, Native Earth, Musical Stage Company and many others. He is a founding member of Kitchenband (BOBLO – Dora Award for Best Composition & Sound Design, REESOR, PELEE, PETRICHOR, DETROIT TIME MACHINE, DRIVE). Andrew has created music for several films including, “Small Town Murder Songs”, “Cooking With Stella”, “One Week”, “This Beautiful City”, “Eadweard” and the television series, “Lost Girl”. Most recently, Andrew was composer/sound designer for SERVING ELIZABETH (Western Theatre/Thousand Islands Playhouse), FOOL FOR LOVE (Soulpepper), performed/music directed for GHOST QUARTET (Crow’s Theatre/Eclipse Theatre – Toronto Critic’s Theatre Award “Best Ensemble”, Dora Nominated, “Best Musical Director”) and released Harrow Fair’s sophomore album, which he also produced. www.andrewpenner.ca
SONGBIRD SERIES
In addition, for anyone who cannot access a PORCHSIDE SONGS concert, The Musical Stage Company is presenting Fiona Sauder & Jordan Laffrenier’s SONGBIRD SERIES for the summer months.
SONGBIRD SERIES OVERVIEW:
The songs we cherish are deeply personal, and our relationship to their significance has the ability to move us, comfort us, and connect us to others. In this time, we need more than ever to carve out new avenues for connection.
The Songbird Series connects people through music, offering personalized performances, recorded by musicians from around the world, sent to those who have little access to personal connection in this time of isolation.
Express your need to connect. Nominate someone you know, someone you love, someone who deserves a connection. Through this nomination, you have the opportunity to gift your chosen recipient with a video message of a song they cherish, recorded by an artist from our roster.
Our hope is that these video recordings will conjure a bit of light in these dark times and offer a reminder that we remain in one another’s thoughts, for those most in need of a little love.
Send a personalized song by visiting Songbird Series online.