George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Summer Sounds at George Brown Polytechnic
Wednesday, August 12 & Thursday, August 13, 2026
11 a.m. – 7 p.m
Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences at the Waterfront Campus
51 Dockside Dr., Toronto
Enjoy two days of live music, delicious food, our alumni vendors’ marketplace, and family-friendly activities at our community celebration on Toronto’s waterfront.
Whether you’re a neighbour, student, employee, alumnus, donor, or visitor, everyone is welcome to experience the energy of Summer Sounds.
Main Summer Sounds Events
The heart of Summer Sounds takes place outdoors 51 Dockside Drive, during our signature festival sessions. These events are open to everyone, and no registration is required.
What you can expect
Whether you stop by over lunch or after work, these outdoor celebrations are not to be missed and are open to the entire community. Enjoy a vibrant outdoor setting overlooking the waterfront, perfect for relaxing, connecting with friends and colleagues, and enjoying great music.
- Live performances by local bands
- Complimentary barbecue and ice cream (while supplies last)
- DJ entertainment
- A caricature artist
- George Brown Polytechnic Athletics and Recreation-led games and activities
- George Brown Polytechnic merchandise available for purchase
Vendors' Marketplace
Wednesday, August 12 & Thursday, August 13
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
51 Dockside Dr.
No registration required, open to all
Visit the Alumni Marketplace inside the Waterfront Campus Atrium at the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences and shop from a variety of alumni-led businesses. Meet local entrepreneurs, discover unique products, and support members of our alumni community.
George Brown Alumni Programming
Special Alumni & Friends Reunion
Wednesday, August 12
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration required, open to George Brown alumni
George Brown Polytechnic alumni are invited to exclusive programming inside the Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences at Waterfront Campus.
Programming includes:
- Indigenous Fusion Cooking Demonstration by Chef David Wolfman
- Career Readiness Workshop facilitated by David Mendoza from HIKEE
- 'Life After Graduation' alumni panel, hosted by Melonie De Guzman from the Career Strategy Lab
Following the panel and reunion, alumni are invited to join the Summer Social Networking event, Celebrating Milestone Years, with the Summer Sounds live band from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (open to all).
Performace Schedule
August 12
Souls of Steel Orchestra — 12:00p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Souls of Steel, a dynamic 5-piece orchestra of skilled musicians, began in 2007 as a community band at Holy Name School in Toronto's Danforth community. Originally comprised of parents, teachers, and local members, they significantly enhanced the school's steel pan music program. Recognizing their profound impact, in 2009, Souls of Steel transformed into a nonprofit steel orchestra dedicated to teaching and performing the steel pan. Their evolution from community roots to a polished ensemble showcases their commitment to musical excellence and community enrichment.
Website: sosotoronto.com
The Giant Steppas — 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Giant Steppas is a 13-piece reggae band based in Toronto, delivering a powerful blend of roots reggae infused with soul, RnB, funk, and jazz influences. Known for their infectious grooves, rich harmonies, and tight horn lines, the group creates a sound that is both timeless and fresh. Drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Marley, Barrington Levy, Chronixx, Buju Banton, The Heptones, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations, The Giant Steppas bring a dynamic energy to every performance. Their live shows are uplifting, deeply musical, and guaranteed to get audiences moving. With the recent release of their single “Be Here With Me,” the band is excited to continue sharing original music and connecting with audiences across Toronto and beyond.
August 13
The Shop — 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Shop is a Toronto-based jazz quintet carving its path in Canada’s jazz scene. The Shop’s sound is a cross-pollination of seemingly opposite genres. The band subtly combines influences of gospel, pop-punk, R&B, and African music with the band’s mutual foundation in jazz.
Website: theshopfamily.net
Ethan Tilbury Trio — Private Foundation Donor Event
Ethan Tilbury is a professional musician based in the Greater Toronto Area. He has been teaching, performing, and writing in his field for the past 10 years. Ethan strives to be a creative and fearless voice on the upright bass, and in the music that he helps create. His enduring passion for the art of music performance is evident in his playing, which you can find in many different formats and bands. He is a diverse and adaptable artist who is always looking for new challenges and looking to bring the same fresh energy to the people he performs with. Ethan attended Humber College, where he honed his musical skills and had the privilege of playing with jazz luminaries such as Donny McCaslin and Joe Lovano. He also learned from some of Toronto's top musicians, who helped shape his unique style and approach to playing the bass. Today, Ethan continues to play with up-and-coming songwriters and is a top call to fill in for various bands around town. He is known for his technical proficiency and his ability to improvise on the fly. He has a deep understanding of jazz theory and can play a range of jazz standards and modern jazz tunes.
Website: ethantilbury.com
Both Dates: Aug 12 & 13
DJ Lee
A Toronto-based female DJ known for her infectious "feel good music" style and seamless transitions between melodic tracks. Drawing inspiration from musical legends like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Bob Marley, DJ Lee embodies the quote "Music is Love" through her distinctive mixing signature. DJ Lee guarantees an unforgettable experience that will have you dancing and grooving all day long.
Website: iamdjlee.com
Caricature Artist