TTC subway musicians’ auditions kick-off on Friday

What:

31st  Annual TTC Subway Musicians’ Auditions official kick-off.

Who:

TTC Commissioner Suzan Hall, CNE President Jim McMillen and TTC United Way Idol Claire Mineque

Where:

Exhibition Place, just outside the northwest corner of the Food Building.

When:

Friday, August 21, at 12:30 p.m. (auditions begin at 10 a.m.).

The 31st  annual TTC Subway Musicians’ Auditions get under way tomorrow, Friday, August 21, with the official ribbon cutting by TTC Commissioner Suzan Hall and CNE President Jim McMillen, as well as a special appearance by TTC Russell Division Streetcar Operator Claire Mineque, the fourth TTC United Way Idol.

This year, 193 musicians (or 175 acts) have signed up to audition for one of the 74 coveted licenses. A three-judge panel will assess each musician during a seven-minute audition performance.

Subway performers come from all walks of life and some have played underground for decades. Each year for the past 30 years, these musicians have entertained hundreds of thousands of subway riders daily with a wide range of musical styles and instruments – everything from guitars to didjeridoos, bassoons to violins to kalimbas.

The TTC has been auditioning musicians since 1979. A detailed fact sheet and background material will be available to the media at the kick-off.

The auditions will be held on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The public is welcome to take a seat and enjoy the marathon show.