About this Event
The Appalachian Mountains stretch across eastern North America and are home to one of the region's most distinctive musical traditions: bluegrass. Rooted in a rich blend of influences, including folk music, Irish and Scottish dance traditions, gospel, spirituals, and country music, bluegrass is known for its high, lonesome sound, close vocal harmonies, and virtuosic instrumentation.
Popularized in the 1950s and introduced to new audiences through the Coen Brothers' film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000), bluegrass continues to resonate today. In an era dominated by technology-driven music, it offers a powerful connection to community, storytelling, tradition, and the natural landscapes that shaped its development.
Join Dr. Giulio Leghissa for an engaging exploration of the origins, history, and diverse sounds of bluegrass music. Through discussion and live performance, he will showcase a selection of traditional bluegrass tunes on guitar and banjo, accompanied by acclaimed Toronto-based singer-songwriter Les Armstrong, whose music is grounded in folk, roots, and rock traditions.
Official Festival Hub of 2026 Ontario Culture Days.
Bio:
Giulio Leghissa
Giulio Leghissa is a PhD from University of Toronto. He plays banjo and sings in a Toronto-based bluegrass band called The Don Valley Drifters. Together with his band he has played widely across Toronto and the GTA area and participated in the River Valley Country and Bluegrass Festival 2025. He is currently working on his first EP with The Don Valley Drifters.
Event venue & nearby stays
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre, 901 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, Canada
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