Tartu College’s birthday “week” had all of this and much more, bringing together friends and acquaintances over the course of a fantastic series of events over 5 days; lasting from September 21st to the 25th. The festivities brought stellar local artistic guests as well as renowned Estonian musicians, something you’ll be able to read more about further in the article.. During over two long years in the heart of Covid, Tartu College’s 50th had to be celebrated through Zoom, no one being able to come together physically. But now, this pillar of the Estonian-Canadian and also worldwide diaspora community, a great vision of architect Elmar Tampõld, was able to have a proper celebration in appreciation of its continuing contribution to keeping the Estonian spirit alive and thriving over 50 years later.
The fantastic lineup of festivities was kicked off on September 21st with local “street-jazz” band Big Smoke Brass turning up the heat at the barbecue party for Tartu College family and friends. Jazzy and rhythmic covers of modern, well-known pop songs brought smiles to the faces of the crowd and had everyone grooving along. While all of this was going on, a modern version of the London double-decker buses has pulled up and the Shuffle Demons, local Toronto funk masters who have also visited Estonia twice during their 38 year career, are piling onto the open second level and soon begin to wow curious onlookers and partiers with a set of groovy tunes. When Estonian legends and monsters of funk Lexsoul Dancemachine started their set atop the bus in matching, eye-catching burgundy tracksuits, the crowd went wild; shaking their hips and showing their best dance moves to soaring melodies and catchy rhythms. Along with a few lucky contest winners who were able to catch a ride with the bands on the bus, the Shuffle Demons and Lexsoul set out on a night of taking over Toronto, with 3 pop-up concerts in total all around downtown. What a kickoff night to the celebrations it was.
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