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Hidden in plain sight is an ordinary backyard that transforms into a live-music venue right here in Toronto.<\/p>\n
In a city where rent is sky-high, groceries are a burden, and the cost of living is becoming overwhelming, musicians in Toronto are struggling to find venues that let them pay enough to survive and to make a name for themselves.<\/p>\n
Many venues and promoters exploit musicians, according to singer-songwriter Rebekah Wise<\/a>. From that, she decided to create Veiled Garden<\/a>, a trusting space for local artists to perform and get paid fairly for their time.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to create a space for artists where we have all the control over everything and we\u2019re able to control the narrative\u2026 Not wait for the opportunities to come to us \u2014 and make them ourselves,\u201d Wise told Now Toronto.<\/p>\n The 22-year-old artist hopes to create a \u201cVeiled Garden, a space meant to capture the feeling of stepping into a hidden, whimsical world where art, music, and community come together, creating an intimate and immersive experience that breaks down the walls between performers and guests,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n Wise\u2019s mom suggested she host backyard concerts in 2025 \u2014 and she has been doing so ever since.<\/p>\n In the early days, Wise needed to rent equipment, made posters, and promoted the event with a limited budget.<\/p>\n Initially, there were just a few chairs and couches set up, and little sound and lighting equipment.<\/p>\n She also set up a tent in case of rain.<\/p>\n After posting a few TikTok videos, Veiled Gardens went viral \u2014 and many musicians resonated with the initiative.<\/p>\n \u201cHey \u2013 this is such an awesome concept!! I\u2019d love to play at a show this summer \u2013 let me know if there\u2019s anything I could do!\u201d one TikTok user commented.<\/p>\n \u201cLOVE THISSSS are you looking for artists?\u201d another asked.<\/p>\n Other Torontonians who aren\u2019t looking to perform are just as excited to possibly attend the event.<\/p>\n \u201cOmg, how can I get an invite!!?\u201d one user wrote.<\/p>\n \u201cI need more details, this looks so sick!!!\u201d another added.<\/p>\n \u201cAmazing, keep the scene alive, love you,\u201d praised another.<\/p>\n Veiled Gardens events are priced at $15 a ticket, and all proceeds are split equally among performers.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not a popularity contest. You\u2019re not having one artist who has more followers who makes more money. It kind of helps support everyone equally,\u201d Wise explained.<\/p>\n For anyone wishing to further support local artists, there\u2019s an option to donate.<\/p>\n Previously, Wise and her friends made up the lineups. Now that Veiled Gardens is gaining popularity, Wise reviews inquiries from interested performers, too.<\/p>\n Wise said the audience that shows up the most are people in an arts college or creatives of all ages.<\/p>\n She hinted that future events might include art vendors, but she\u2019s still looking into it.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m trying to create a really nice community in the arts because I think I\u2019ve noticed such a huge gap in third spaces. I\u2019m 22 years old, and it seems like there\u2019s not much for people my age to do besides go to bars and clubs,\u201d Wise said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt just seems like there\u2019s all these people super hungry to get involved in something like this,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n The May 17 event runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., offering multiple performances while adhering to noise bylaws.<\/p>\n This time, the venue\u2019s moving to Sotto Voce\u2019s patio on College St for five band performances.<\/p>\nWhat goes into organizing these events?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How does this initiative help the artists?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How is the lineup chosen?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What should you expect?<\/strong><\/h2>\n