TTC subway musicians’ auditions kicks off on Friday

What:      32nd Annual TTC Subway Musicians’ Auditions official kick-off.
Who:       TTC Commissioner Suzan Hall, CNE President Jim Melvin and TTC United Way Idol Elsa Alexander
Where:    Exhibition Park, just outside the northwest corner of the Food Building.
When:     Friday, August 20, at 12:30 p.m. (auditions begin at 10 a.m.).

The 32nd  annual TTC Subway Musicians’ Auditions get under way tomorrow, Friday, August 20, with the official ribbon cutting by TTC Commissioner Suzan Hall and CNE President Jim Melvin, as well as a special appearance by TTC streetcar operator Elsa Alexander, the fifth TTC United Way Idol.

This year, 197 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 31 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 flutes, 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.