Community Celebration & PASI Photo Exhibition Unveiling 

WHEN | Friday, May 8 from 6 PM to 8 PM 

WHERE | 6 PM: At Jarvis & The Esplanade | 6:30 PM: Across from Market Lane Public School in David Crombie Park 

PASI photo exhibition unveiling along The Esplanade | Live music by Aline Morales, Rudy Ray, Joaquín Núñez & Habana Safari | Dance performance by Artists in Motion | Facepainting by Linda Epp | Henna by Krishna Patel | Stiltwalking by Caitlin Morris-Cornfield | Soccer-inspired craft for kids 

Joy in the Park returns to David Crombie Park with an evening of live music, dance, family activities, and the unveiling of PASI, Jamii’s newest outdoor photo exhibition along The Esplanade.

Created as part of Toronto’s The World in a City theme during this summer’s major international soccer tournament, PASI brings together about 100 people representing home countries taking part in the games. Through large-scale portraits displayed along The Esplanade, the exhibition celebrates the many places, stories, and connections that shape our city.

The evening begins at 6 PM at Jarvis and The Esplanade, where the community will gather for a walkabout along The Esplanade to unveil PASI together. The walk will be accompanied by Brazilian drummer and singer Aline Morales and Ghanaian-Canadian trumpeter Rudy Ray, bringing rhythm, brass, and joyful energy to the exhibition opening.

At 6:30 PM, the celebration continues near Princess and The Esplanade, across from Market Lane Public School in David Crombie Park. Joaquín Núñez & Habana Safari, led by multi-Juno Award-winning Cuban-Canadian percussionist Joaquín Núñez Hidalgo, will fill the park with Cuban, Latin, Brazilian, jazz, and folk sounds. Artists in Motion, founded by Shameka Blake-Green, will present Ashes, a dance performance rooted in ancestry, resilience, memory, and the beauty born from struggle.

Families and young ones can take part in a soccer-inspired craft activity by creating their own “My Football Flags Booklet,” with flags from countries participating in the summer tournament. Linda Epp returns with her much-loved facepainting, Krishna Patel will offer henna, and Caitlin Morris-Cornfield will bring the playful magic of stiltwalking back to Joy in the Park.

This free outdoor event invites people of all ages to gather, stroll, listen, move, make, and celebrate the community we share on The Esplanade.

Support free community arts 

Jamii keeps programs and events free so everyone can take part, without financial barriers. If you’re able, you can support our $15 for 15 Years campaign and help us reach $15,000 by December 15 for Jamii’s future programs at The Jamii Hub. Your donation moves the goal forward and is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate here now.

Jamii’s Joy in the Park events are sponsored by Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Metcalf Foundation Booster Fund, Rama Gaming House & Charitable Gaming, and supported by Canadian Stage.