NEW CULTURAL EVENTS
Speducci Summer Festa
- Sunday, July 26, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Join us for our summer community event to enjoy some delicious Speducci , pasta, dancing and live musical entertainment.
In the event of rain, the event will be moved indoors.
Price:
$10.00
Location:
Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard,
Columbus Centre
Ferragosto
- Sunday, August 16, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Celebrate the height of summer and commemorate Ferragosto, the annual Italian summer holiday! Enjoy an afternoon filled with family-friendly fun featuring live musical entertainment, children’s activities, raffle prizes, authentic Italian foods including traditional porchetta, pasta and fresh pizza, and a licensed patio at Caffe Cinquecento.
Plus, shop our new Market Square featuring a variety of local vendors.
Price:
$10.00
This is an outdoor event. We encourage you to bring your own chair.
Location:
Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard,
Columbus Centre
Presented in partnership with CIBPA Toronto.
Searching for the Italian Language
- Tuesday, August 25, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Leading up to our annual celebration of Italian dialects, L’eco dei Dialetti, Dr. Giulio Leghissa takes us on a fascinating journey through the linguistic landscape of medieval Italy, guided by one of its greatest figures: Dante Alighieri. Drawing on Dante’s influential treatise “De vulgari eloquentia”, this talk explores the rich variety of regional languages spoken across Italy in Dante’s time and his quest to identify a language worthy of great literature.
Along the way, participants will discover how Dante’s work became a cornerstone for understanding medieval Italian dialects and shaped centuries of debate about the origins, evolution, and identity of the Italian language.
Price:
$5.00
Location:
Columbus Room,
Columbus Centre
Jazz at the Columbus Centre
- September 11, October 29, December 3
Back by popular demand, Jazz at the Columbus Centre returns with five unforgettable concerts celebrating the richness, diversity and enduring appeal of jazz. This curated series brings together outstanding Canadian musicians and vocalists to explore iconic recordings, global jazz influences, beloved composers, and seasonal favourites—all presented in an intimate and elegant concert setting.
From jazz’s greatest hits and Brazilian bossa nova to the timeless music of George Gershwin, festive holiday swing, and Italian classics reimagined, this series invites audiences to discover the music they love—performed with artistry, imagination, and style.
Whether you’re a devoted jazz fan or a curious first‑time listener, this series offers a welcoming and richly rewarding journey through the sound, history, and spirit of jazz.
- Friday, September 11, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Acclaimed Brazilian vocalist Fernanda Cunha brings her warmth, elegance, and authenticity to an intimate evening of classic bossa nova. Known for its intimacy, sophistication and gently hypnotic rhythms, this beloved genre comes alive through timeless works by Antonio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto, Luiz Bonfá, and others.
Backed by a stellar ensemble, Cunha’s expressive voice transports audiences to sun‑soaked evenings and the romantic heart of Brazil. A lush, elegant concert that is both relaxing and deeply expressive.
Fernanda Cunha – Vocals
Reg Schwager – Guitar
Tom Szczesniak – Piano
Paul Novotny – Bass
Daniel Barnes – Drums
- Thursday, October 29, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Pianist and composer Anthony D’Alessandro brings his signature swing, scintillating technique, and irresistible showmanship to a celebration of one of the most influential composers in jazz and American popular music: George Gershwin.
Featuring beloved selections from Gershwin’s vast catalogue — spanning jazz standards, musicals, and concert works — this performance honours a monumental figure whose music continues to define the Great American Songbook. Joining D’Alessandro are trumpet virtuoso Kevin Turcotte, bassist Paul Novotny, and drummer Daniel Barnes in a truly star‑studded ensemble.
Anthony D’Alessandro – Piano
Kevin Turcotte – Trumpet
Paul Novotny – Bass
Daniel Barnes – Drums
- Thursday, December 3, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Beloved vocalist John Alcorn, joined by the ever‑elegant Daniel Barnes Trio, brings swing, warmth and swagger to musical favourites of the holiday season.
The weather outside may be frightful, but inside it’s beginning to look — and sound — a lot like a holly jolly Christmas. From festive classics to jazzy seasonal gems, this joyful concert ushers in the holidays with style, sophistication and plenty of cheer.
John Alcorn – Vocals
Daniel Barnes – Drums
Paul Novotny – Bass
Anthony D’Alessandro – Piano
- Thursday, April 30, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Celebrate International Jazz Day with an exceptional evening of music as drummer and arranger Daniel Barnes leads an all‑star ensemble of JUNO Award–winning musicians—saxophonist Richard Underhill and bassist Paul Novotny—alongside rising star pianist Evan Miles. Together, they pay tribute to some of the most popular and influential recordings in jazz history.
Featuring music made famous by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, Stan Getz, and more, this concert honours the jazz tradition of re‑imagining beloved works. Expect familiar melodies, bold improvisation, and fresh perspectives from some of Canada’s finest jazz artists as they join the global celebration of jazz’s enduring legacy.
Daniel Barnes – Drums
Richard Underhill – Saxophone
Evan Miles – Piano
Paul Novotny – Bass
- Thursday, May 28, 7:30 – 9:00pm
Vocalist Alyssa Giammaria lends her rich, expressive voice to nostalgic Neapolitan favourites such as “Volare,” “O Sole Mio,” and music from “The Godfather” — all reimagined in stylish jazz arrangements.
With arrangements by acclaimed pianist Anthony D’Alessandro and the distinguished bass work of Paul Novotny, this concert offers a fresh and elegant take on familiar melodies, blending Neapolitan song tradition with the improvisational spirit of jazz.
Alyssa Giammaria – Vocals
Anthony D’Alessandro – Piano
Paul Novotny – Bass
Daniel Barnes – Drums
Price:
$30.00 (Adults) / $25.00 (Seniors/Students) (per concert)
Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,
Columbus Centre
Series sponsored by Aion Law Partners.
Tomato Sauce-Making Festival
Festa del Pomodoro
- Sunday, September 13, 11:00am – 1:30pm
Celebrate this annual Italian tradition with us and enjoy a plate of pasta, live musical entertainment and a complimentary jar of fresh tomato sauce to take home! Plus, shop our new Market Square featuring a variety of local vendors.
In the event of rain, the event will be postponed until further notice.
Price:
$10.00
Maximum 1 jar per person.
Location:
Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard,
Columbus Centre
Festa della Ciambella Verolana
- Sunday, September 20, 11:00am – 1:30pm
Join us for a live demonstration by the Veroli Cultural Society as they showcase the art of making ciambelle, the traditional anise-flavoured bread from the City of Veroli, located in the province of Frosinone in Italy’s Lazio region. The event will also feature musical entertainment by Gianni Mignardi. Wine, biscotti, and light refreshments will be served.
Price:
$10.00
Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,
Columbus Centre
Presented in partnership with Veroli Cultural Society.
Democracy: Origins, Transformations and Global Legacies
- September 22 – November 3, 2026
A four‑part lecture series tracing democracy’s evolution from ancient Greece to today’s political world.
Republican Experiences in Renaissance Italy: Florence between Machiavelli and Guicciardini
- Tuesday, September 22, 6:00 – 7:15pm
Violence, instability, and political upheaval have long shaped the histories of republics and democracies. In Renaissance Florence, these dynamics were central to the turbulent period between 1494 and 1512. During this time, influential thinkers Niccolò Machiavelli and Francesco Guicciardini developed their distinctive views on republicanism and democratic governance.
In his lecture presentation, University of Toronto lecturer and researcher Giulio Leghissa will illuminate Renaissance approaches to republican and democratic ideas through the political experiences and writings of Machiavelli and Guicciardini.
Between Democracy and Republic: The American and French Revolutions
- Tuesday, November 3, 6:00 – 7:15pm
The American and French Revolutions mark watershed moments in the development of modern Western democracy and republican government. In both contexts, the rejection of monarchical rule sparked intense debates about the appropriate form of government for the newly liberated states—democracy or republic? These discussions drew heavily on ancient Greek and Roman political models and intellectual traditions.
University of Toronto lecturer and researcher Giulio Leghissa will lead the audience through a comparative journey across America and Europe to reveal the ancient foundations of modern democratic and republican thought.
Democracy: The Ancient Origin of a Modern Concept
- Tuesday, March 17, 6:00 – 7:15pm
When and where was democracy born, and how did it become the defining political model of the Western world? University of Toronto lecturer and researcher Giulio Leghissa will guide the audience through a journey beginning in Classical Greece, moving through the Renaissance, and concluding in the contemporary United States to uncover the origins and evolution of this influential concept.
Democratic Violence Abroad: Democracy and Regime-Change in Classical Greece
- Tuesday, May 12, 6:00 – 7:15pm
The use of “democracy” as a justification for foreign intervention is not unique to the modern era. From Afghanistan to Venezuela, Western governments have invoked democratic ideals to support military actions abroad—often with contentious results. This practice has deep roots: in Classical antiquity, Athens established democracies across Greece to strengthen its empire, provoking widespread hostility and ultimately contributing to its downfall.
University of Toronto lecturer and researcher Giulio Leghissa will guide the audience through this striking historical parallel between ancient and modern political interventions.
Price:
FREE
Location:
Columbus Room,
Columbus Centre
Grape Pressing Festival
- Sunday, October 4, 11:00am – 1:30pm
Join us for this outdoor community event and experience the Italian tradition of grape pressing with a live demonstration. Learn how fresh grapes are pressed into barrels to begin the winemaking process. Plus, enjoy light refreshments, musical entertainment and raffle prizes.
In the event of rain, the event will be moved indoors.
Price:
$10.00
Location:
Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard,
Columbus Centre
Chestnut Festival
Festa della Castagna
- Wednesday, November 11, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Join us for our annual community festa to enjoy complimentary roasted chestnuts* in celebration of San Martino. This FREE event coincides with our Ballo Liscio night, with social dancing and music.
Price:
FREE
*First-come, first served, while supplies last.
Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,
Columbus Centre
Ballo Liscio
Social Dancing Nights
- Wednesdays, August 5 – October 28
The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues every Wednesday at Villa Charities. Join us for these popular social dancing nights featuring music by popular Italian DJs and musicians.
Price:
A ‘PAY WHAT YOU CAN’ EVENT
(Donations welcome at the door.)
Limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location:
Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,
Columbus Centre
For more information, please contact:
Mirella Tersigni
Cultural Manager, Cultural Programming
Email: mtersigni@villacharities.com