Markham Village Music Festival

01/13/2025

This WEEK is the official unveiling of the Indigenous Public Art Legacy Project.

🗓Unveiling Reception: Friday, January 17, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
📍Location: Fireside Lounge, Markham Village Public Library.
🪶First Nations Welcome: Multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Maracle, 3:05 pm
🎨Artist Talk: 3:40 pm

The Indigenous Public Art Legacy Project, commissioned by the Markham Village Music Festival, features vibrant banners by Indigenous artist Naomi Peters. Installed along Main St. South near a historically significant site, the installation—titled Wiijishimotaw mashkiki (Ojibwe for "dance with medicine")—celebrates the First Nations people of Markham with depictions of drumming, singing, dancing, and symbols like the Medicine Wheel and Four Sacred Medicines.

The project highlights the Festival’s commitment to reconciliation, celebrating Indigenous culture and diversity. By placing art in a familiar public space, it fosters understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and invites reflection on the role of art in shaping public spaces.

Naomi Peters, a Potawatomi and Chippewa member of the Caldwell First Nation, was selected through an Open Call to Indigenous Artists and has also contributed to the Gordie Howe International Bridge mural.

The project is supported by the My Main Street Activator program, the Canadian Urban Institute, and FedDev Ontario. With additional support from the City of Markham,and the Markham Village BIA.
Join us to celebrate with the artist, Mayor Scarpitti, Council members, and the community!

Canadian Urban Institute FedDev Ontario City of Markham Main Street Markham

01/10/2025

View this new public art installation of banners displayed on light poles by Indigenous artist, Naomi Peters, located in Markham Village on Main St South on the east side. The installation is situated near a site of historical significance where Indigenous communities thrived since time immemorial.

🪶Naomi Peters, a Potawatomi and Chippewa (Ojibwe) member of the Caldwell First Nation with Swiss heritage, and the artist chosen to create the public art installation of banners was commissioned by the Markham Village Music Festival.

This project honours the First Nations peoples of the Markham area and is funded by the My Main Street Activator Program and FedDev Ontario. Naomi’s work aims to educate viewers about the history, traditions, and future of First Nations in North America, celebrating their enduring culture and Markham’s diverse community.

📅 You’re Invited! Join artist Naomi Peters, Mayor Scarpitti, Members of Council and the community for the official unveiling on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Fireside Lounge, Markham Village Public Library. Celebrate this new art installation and connect with the local community.

12/30/2024

Who’s letting the dogs out again?! We are with Markham Dog Alliance! Come
Join us for dog-friendly artists playing, dog-related vendors, and fun for the whole family!

Follow Markham Village Music Festival 2025 for updates on performance, vendor, and volunteer opportunities!

10/18/2024

‼️EXTENDED DEADLINE: October 27, 2024 at 4 P.M - Call for Indigenous Artists: Public Art Banner Project @ Markham Village‼️

The Markham Village Music Festival invites Indigenous artists and Indigenous artist-led teams to submit concept proposals for original banner artwork. This artwork will be displayed on light poles in various locations throughout historic Markham Village in the City of Markham. The first display location holds historical significance, as it is situated near the site where Indigenous communities thrived thousands of years ago.

The commissioned artist(s) or artist team will create four banner art designs, each measuring 28" W x 76" H. The Festival will handle all fabrication and installation. The Festival invites concept proposals for artwork that reflects the strength, resilience, and culture of Indigenous peoples.

🪶Artist Fee : $4,400 + HST for four banner art designs (no fabrication and installation required) �🪶Extended Deadline: October 27, 2024, at 4 PM ET

📷
Image 1: Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley storytelling at the 47th edition of the Markham Village Music Festival.

Link in bio for more details!

10/11/2024

📢 Call for Indigenous Artists: Public Art Banner Project @ Markham Village 📢

The Markham Village Music Festival invites Indigenous artists and Indigenous artist-led teams to submit concept proposals for original banner artwork. This artwork will be displayed on light poles in various locations throughout historic Markham Village in the City of Markham. The commissioned artist(s) or artist team will create four banner art designs, each measuring 28" W x 76" H. The Festival will handle all fabrication and installation.

The Festival welcomes concept proposals for artwork that reflects the strength, resilience, and culture of Indigenous peoples.

The selection panel will consist of representatives from the arts and culture sector as well as Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The panel will recommend up to one artist or one artist team to be commissioned for the project.

🪶Artist fee: $4,400 + HST for four banner art designs�
🪶Deadline: October 21, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET

Link in bio for more details!

📷
Image 1: Anishinaabe Grandmother Kim Wheatley storytelling at the 47th edition of the Markham Village Music Festival.

10/09/2024

We are happy to announce that our Indigenous Cultural Gathering hosted at the Main St. Markham Farmers' Market was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator! This support allows us to celebrate Indigenous cultures and foster connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.🧡💜

Thank you FedDev Ontario and Canadian Urban Institute for supporting local communities and revitalizing main streets.

10/03/2024

Have you tried cedar tea🍃? Did you know that it’s an amazing evergreen green that has been an ancient Indigenous medicine. You can sample soothing cedar tea this Saturday, Oct 5th at the Indigenous Cultural Gathering hosted at the Main St Farmers’ Market.

While sipping cedar tea, you must try the complimentary freshly-made bannock with homemade wild blueberry jam🫐. Bannock is the traditional bread of the First Nations of North America. All freshly-prepared by the beloved Tea N Bannock. Don’t miss out on this delicious experience on Saturday, while quantities last!

Presented by the Markham Village Music Festival in collaboration with the Indigenous Action Committee, Main Street Markham and Destination Markham

🫛 9am to 1pm Main St Farmers’ Market
🪶 10am to 1pm Indigenous Cultural Gathering
📿 10am to 1pm Indigenous Vendors

MUSIC CREDIT: The top hit song in 1974, “Come and Get Your our Love”, is by Redbone, a commercially successful rock band, whose members were of First Nation and Mexican heritage. Did you know their heritage was heavily reflected in their music, stage costumes, and album art? “Come and Get Your Love” received revival success as it featured as the opening song for the Marvel movie, Guardian of the Galaxy in 2014.

09/30/2024

Get ready to experience Indigenous cultures and learn about their histories at the Indigenous Cultural Gathering on Oct 5th hosted at the Main St. Farmers' Market.

You can expect a traditional welcome by Obijwe Elder Shelley Charles of Georgina Island First Nation, energizing sounds of the First Nations drumming circle, contemporary music by Indigenous artists, and Indigenous arts & craft vendors.

Be sure to try the complimentary tastings of Indigenous foods and connect with Matt & Ashley Bergman, founders of the Indigenous Action Committee of York Region. Don't miss out on this special event this Saturday.

9am to 1pm Main St Farmers' Market
1 am to 1pm Indigenous Cultural Gathering
10am to 1pm Indigenous Vendors

Presented by the Markham Village Music Festival in collaboration with the Indigenous Action Committee, Main Street Markham and Destination Markham

09/16/2024

Join us on October 5th to learn about the histories and cultures of Indigenous people. Welcome by Ojibwe Elder Shelley Charles of Georgina Island First Nation. Enjoy First Nations Drumming Circle and Contemporary Indigenous musicians. Taste and sample Indigenous foods. Browse the Indigenous vendors and meet the Indigenous Action Committee of York Region. Presented by the Markham Village Music Festival in collaboration with Main Street Markham and Indigenous Action Committee

CREDIT: With permission music by Nimkii Osawamick of the JUNO-nominated band, Nimkii & The Niniis

🫛 Farmers Market 9am - 1pm
🪶 Indigenous Cultural Gathering 10am -1 pm
📿 Indigenous Vendors 10 am - 1pm

07/09/2024

🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT 🎉

It takes a village 🙌 A huge THANK YOU to all our fantastic government funders, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for helping to make the 47th Markham Village Music Festival a success 🎶 To say thank you to our amazing community we will be awarding ONE (1) lucky Instagram follower a $150 Longo's Gift Card.

ENTER TO WIN: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9NcL3JueHv/

06/24/2024

Let us know your feedback about the Markham Village Music Festival 2024 here:

Thank you for visiting the Markham Village Music Festival 2024. We would like to invite you to fill out this short survey. If you provide your email address, you will be entered in a draw to win one of two (2) gift cards from a local Markham business

06/15/2024

Thank you to everyone who came out to Day One of Markham Village Music Festival! We look forward to seeing you all today for another amazing day 🎶

📍 Main Street Markham
🎸 Music Festival - June 14 & June 15
🍔 Village Market – June 14 & June 15
🐕 Barkham - June 15th 11am to 7pm
🤹‍♂️ Kidz Zone - June 15th 11am to 5pm

06/14/2024

Markham Village Music Festival is finally here! Click the link to discover all the amazing performances you can see for FREE this weekend: https://www.markhamfestival.com/performance-schedule

📍 Main Street Markham
🎸 Music Festival - June 14 & June 15
🍔 Village Market – June 14 & June 15
🐕 Barkham - June 15th 11am to 7pm
🤹‍♂️ Kidz Zone - June 15th 11am to 5pm

06/13/2024

Want to celebrate the Markham Village Music Festival 2024 a little early? Join us at The Duchess Of Markham TONIGHT for Markham’s longest running weekly music event- The infamous Markham Village Open Mic. The official pre-party for Markham Village Music Festival starts at 8:00pm!

Epidemic Music Group

06/13/2024

Pony Girl is a kaleidoscope of pop unlike any other, turning everyday life into mesmerizing melodies, rock and electronic production. Experience the magic at Markham Village Music Festival!📍 Main Stage South🎶 June 15th 5:45pm – 6:45pm