Beaches Musicfest continues today with performance by Mark Cassidy

Beaches Musicfest at the Starbucks on Queen Street East continues today with a performance by Mark Cassidy.

The Sunday, Oct. 12, concert takes place at the Beaches Starbucks, 1960 Queen St. E., and begins at 2:30 p.m.

The Beaches Musicfest is a free music festival taking place on Sunday afternoons until Nov. 2. Performances are free to attend and everyone is welcome.

Featuring acoustic-based singer/songwriters from the Beach and East Toronto, the first concert in the festival series took place on Oct. 5 featuring Melanna Orr.

Damon de Szegheo, head of Oak Artist Management and organizer of Beaches Musicfest, said the decision to feature local artists is what sets the event apart from other music festivals in the city.

“The Beaches has always been very supportive of music and culture and is such a special place to live and work. We felt that it is time for the people who live in this community to see what exceptional musical talent is happening right here,” said de Szegheo in a news release.

Today’s performer, Cassidy, has deep roots in the city going back six generations.

“Writing in the tradition of celebrated wordsmiths such as Paul Simon, Neil Young and Bob Dylan coupled with vocals reminiscent of 1990s British fold rock acts like Coldplay and Travis, Mark’s music captures the experiences of everyday life, with Toronto as both muse and backdrop,” said the Beaches Musicfest of Cassidy in a note to Beach Metro Community News.

“He weaves stories of love, struggle and resilience into soulful and compelling acoustic based melodies.”

Other artists slated to perform at the Beaches Musicfest are Beach native and Nashville singer-songwriter Kate Gillespie on Oct. 19; indie rock performer Dan Hendrik on Oct. 26; and sharp pop and alternative songstress Sam Casey on Nov. 2.

All shows will be hosted by award winning singer/songwriter and Beach resident Kristy Hagerman.

“We have so much talent here that it’s time they had their own platform to let the community know,” said Hagerman.

For more information, please visit https://www.instagram.com/beachesmusicfest