Join us for ExtravaBandza, a full day of incredible live music, arts activities, dancing, karaoke, vendors, raffles, and more, presented by LBMX and the London Arts Council! Proudly sponsored by LBMX (a London based b2b e-commerce company), ExtravaBandza is the showcase event of the 2026 LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program. A celebration of London's vibrant band scene, arts, and culture, this event is sure to be one to remember! The event will feature performances by three local bands from this year's program: Lindsey and The Lonelies, Omri Kash, and Aidan Hough. The event will also feature one of our 2025 LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program bands, Pot is Drugs! All of our local bands will be opening for this year's headliner Tyler Shaw. Bring your friends and family for a day filled with music, art, vendors, and lots of fun on September 12 from 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Dundas Place between Ridout & Talbot Streets! ExtravaBandza is also supported by the City of London (Dundas Place), the Paul Seed Fund through London Community Foundation, London Police Service, Downtown London, Oak View Group and Canada Life Place, Ontario Arts Council, and Canada Life. Performance Schedule Event Duration: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Dundas Place between Ridout and Talbot Streets Band Performances: Lindsey and The Lonelies 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Opening Ceremony: 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM Band Performances Cont'd: Pot is Drugs 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM Omri Kash 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM Aidan Hough 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Tyler Shaw 8:00 PM - 8:45 PM Karaoke / DJ Party Schedule: Event Duration: Location: Karaoke/DJ Stage (will be on the Talbot St. side of the event block) Note: Karaoke will be closed during performances and the opening ceremony 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM 4:45 PM - 5:30 PM 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM 8:45 PM - 10:00 PM **This is a FREE, family friendly event** Performer Information Lindsey and The Lonelies Lindsey & The Lonelies formed eleven years ago in London, Ontario, rooted in a shared love of alternative country, cinematic spaghetti‑western textures, Americana, and what we call “cactus country.” Over the years, we’ve built a unique identity rooted in strong storytelling, atmosphere, and aesthetic. Our performance history spans festivals, community events, and established venues across London, Toronto, Hamilton, and beyond. Highlights include NXNE, Home County Folk Fest, Gussapolooza, London Indie Week, Pride Toronto, and multiple shows with artists such as Elliott BROOD, Jerry Leger, Boy Golden, and Spencer Burton. Our journey has included intentional pauses (first to record our debut album at Sugar Shack, then for new parenthood and the pandemic), but each return to the stage has strengthened our focus and professionalism. Omri Kash Omri Kash, is a solo artist-producer with a close-knit band for live and session work. Omri has been writing and recording music since 2018 and has been performing live since 2021. Omri Kash's artistic vision has always been to make memorable, catchy and marketable music that has true nuance and sophistication. Stevie Wonder was and still is one of his biggest idols for that very reason. ​ Aidan Hough All 4 members of the Aidan Hough band met and began playing with each other through Fanshawe’s Music Industry Arts program. Through a combination of practice, writing, schooling, and self-discovery, Aidan and his band have created a strong performance of folk-pop music with some of the strongest young musicians in London Ontario. Pot is Drugs Pot Is Drugs, a genre-fluid indie rock band from London, Ontario, was formed in 2021 by four friends. "We probably should have started a podcast but picked up instruments instead." They blend sharp hooks, emotional chaos, and just the right amount of self-awareness into a sound that’s loud, honest, and built for screaming in your car at red lights. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, shout, or just feel something, we’ve probably got a song for that. Tracks like “How To Talk To Girls,” “Darling (Satellites),” and “What’s It Like,” are packed with infectious riffs, shoutable choruses, and lyrics that walk the line between funny and painfully relatable. They pull influence from indie icons and garage greats like The Strokes, The Black Keys, Jack White, and Mac DeMarco. The result is something we call Southern Ontario awkrock. Tyler Shaw Tyler Shaw is a multi-platinum certified artist, music producer, director, and actor. The Chinese-Canadian, originally from Vancouver, rose to prominence in 2012 after winning the MuchMusic Coca-Cola Covers national talent contest, and has since become one of Canada’s most prolific talents. He has been nominated for several JUNO awards throughout his career and toured with Selena Gomez and opened for international artists such as Shawn Mendes and Alessia Cara. In February 2022, Tyler released his viral rendition of GAYLE’s No. 1 hit “abcdefu.” “Love You Still” (abcdefu Romantic Version) has to date over 7 billion views of videos using the song on TikTok; over 20 million views of user generated content videos on YouTube; more than 700,000 videos created using the song; and combined +340 million audio and video streams. The single was certified Gold in India, Singapore, and Malaysia, and Platinum in Canada and Taiwan. In 2023 “Love You Still” (abcdefu Romantic Version) was nominated for a ‘TikTok JUNO Fan Choice’ award. In 2021, Shaw co-founded the collective artist initiative ArtistsCAN to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross’s COVID-19 initiatives. He has also been active in the non-profit sector, supporting the Pinball Clemons Foundation and the Canadian Chinese Youth Athletic Association (CCYAA) both as a performing artist and participating player in the famous Celebrity Classic. That same year he was invited to participate in a global streaming event to celebrate Asian Heritage Month through Golden House and Amazon Music. He was also highlighted by the Grammy Awards team as a musician of Asian Heritage to celebrate and watch in 2021. Additionally, Shaw is engaged with the Asian Canadian community, performing and co-hosting events during Chinese Lunar New Year for Fête Chinoise, a Chinese-Canadian publication. In 2023, Tyler was named among View the Vibe Magazine’s ‘Power 60: Inspiring Asian-Canadians of Influence. As one of Canada’s most recognized pop music talents, with ten top-ten charting singles, and a slew of movie, TV, feature, and production credits to his name, Tyler Shaw is one of this country’s most enduring artists. ExtravaBandza 2026 Raffle How the Raffle Works: ExtravaBandza will host a series of raffles giving attendees the chance to win Downtown Dollars Gift Cards. Step 1 – Eventbrite RSVP: People who RSVP on Eventbrite prior to the event will receive one raffle ticket on the day of the event. Step 2 – Raffle Ticket Pickup at the Event: All attendees must pick up their raffle ticket(s) at the Raffle Ticket Booth located on Dundas Street between Ridout and Talbot Streets. All attendees who visit the Raffle Ticket Booth will receive one raffle ticket (an additional ticket for those who already pre-registered). Attendees who RSVP’d ahead of time must be verified via the Eventbrite RSVP. Attendees who RSVP at the booth or did not RSVP online receive only one ticket. Step 3 – Raffle Draws: Raffles will be conducted before and after each performance. Winners are drawn from the tickets collected at the booth. Raffle winners must present their half of the ticket in order to receive their prize. Prizes consist of Downtown London Gift Cards, with different denominations raffled before and after each artist’s performance. CLICK HERE TO RSVP! Raffle Disclaimer Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years of age to enter the raffle. No purchase necessary: No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Prizes: Prizes are non-transferable. Sponsors' Rights: The sponsor reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the raffle for any reason, including but not limited to technical malfunctions or fraud. Release of Liability: By entering, participants agree to release and hold harmless the sponsor, its affiliates, agents, and employees from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages of any kind arising from participation in the raffle or use of the prize. Downtown Dollars Gift Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Funds expire 60 days after card activation, non-reloadable and no cash access. For Cardholder Agreement or Customer Service: www.getmybalance.com or 1-833-558-1108. For more information about Downtown Dollars, click here.

Position Summary and Submission Process Coordinator, Arts Education & Exhibition Hours: full-time (35 hours/week) Term: One-year contract, with a mandatory three-month probationary period Compensation: $35,000 - $40,000 (commensurate with experience) Application Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026, 4:30 PM Anticipated Interview Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis prior to the deadline, and selected candidates may be invited for interviews accordingly. Anticipated start date: Monday, September 7, 2026 Note: Please submit your application through the online application form by Friday, August 28 at 4:30 p.m.. No other method of application will be accepted. General office hours are Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; however, this position requires working hours outside of the general office hours and may require working additional hours for certain occasions. Final candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Check from the London Police Services. Only those candidates who are considered for the position will be contacted. Job Description Reporting to the Executive Director and working with the Operating Team, the Coordinator, Arts Education & Exhibition coordinates the planning and delivery of arts education and public exhibition programs for the London Arts Council. The role combines program development, administration, and community engagement responsibilities, ensuring initiatives align with organizational goals and procedures. The successful candidate will be a creative, organized, and proactive professional who supports artists, engages the community, and advances LAC's mission through impactful arts programming. Qualifications and Skills The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of and appreciation for the arts, creativity, the arts sector, and the role of arts service organizations, including nonprofit, arm's-length, and umbrella arts organizations. Recognizing the historical and cultural context of the region, the successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and unlearning regarding Indigenous histories, cultures, and the legacy of residential schools. The candidate will also be committed to expanding their understanding of equity-deserving communities and advancing principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in their work. The successful candidate should demonstrate both a personal and professional connection to the arts and maintain active engagement within the artistic community. They must be able to foster positive relationships while upholding appropriate professional boundaries, both within and outside the organization. Please click the button below to view the full job description:

Artists in Practice Workshop Series cycle one final session on July 2, 2026 at Fanshawe College July is coming to a close but our arts activations and opportunities continue! Of special note, we have an opportunity for Artist-Educators to apply (by tomorrow, July 31 at 4pm) as instructors for the B.R.I.D.G.E. Workshop Series program. As always, we look forward to connecting with you at an upcoming event and sharing what's going on at the London Arts Council. Thank you to our operational partners for your ongoing support. Your funding and partnership provide crucial support for LAC in maintaining and growing capacity for ongoing development, implementation, and delivery of professional artistic programs and services for our community and the local arts sector. We extend our gratitude to our strategic programming partners whose generosity helps us support the local arts community and artists with meaningful programs and opportunities. COMMUNITY ART INSTALLATION PROJECT We Are Still Here (2025) by Mike Cywink Woven Into Myself (2025) by Mackenzie Beirnes-Daniels inspired by the book Jay and Gizmo Learn About Boys with Braids by Kristi White You still have time to visit The Gallery's Indigenous Arts and Stories Exhibition featuring artworks created by Mackenzie Beirnes-Daniels, Kristi White, and Mike Cywink, highlighting stories of Indigenous culture, history, and community. The exhibition is on now until September 3, 2026. For full details, please visit the link below. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MUSICIANS Save the date! The LBMX Musicians Mentorship Program bands—Aidan Hough, Lindsey and The Lonelies, and Omri Kash—will be performing with headliner artist, Tyler Shaw on September 12! Join us for an incredible day of live music, arts activities, dancing, karaoke, vendors, prizes and more! Stay tuned for more details and in the meantime, share this on your socials! Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Artists in Practice Workshop Series cycle two first session on July 9, 2026 at Western University (Credit Allan Lewis) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR VISUAL ARTISTS On July 2, Artists in Practice Workshop Series participants from cycle one had their final session which featured artist studio tours at TAP Centre for Creativity. On July 9, cycle 2 participants had their first instructional session at Western University's Department of Visual Arts. We want to thank Fanshawe College for providing instructional space for cycle one of the program and we look forward to working with the Department of Visual Arts, Western University for cycles two and three of the program! Funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grant, the program responds directly to feedback from local artists seeking accessible, culturally relevant opportunities to strengthen their artistic and professional practices. OPPORTUNITIES B.R.I.D.G.E. Workshop Series Artist-Educators Application Deadline: July 31, 4:30pm The London Arts Council (LAC) invites artist-educators residing in London, Ontario, and the surrounding First Nations (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and Munsee-Delaware Nation) to apply for a paid opportunity to develop and deliver workshops for B.R.I.D.G.E. Workshop Series. B.R.I.D.G.E. (Building Relationships through Intergenerational Dialogue, Growth, and Expression) is a free, intergenerational arts program funded by the Westminster College Foundation and delivered by the London Arts Council in partnership with the London Public Library. The program enhances the well-being of seniors, provides meaningful professional development opportunities for emerging artists, and strengthens community connections across generations. ARTS ACTIVATIONS With performances added to the calendar on an ongoing basis, check out who's performing in our community and support local talent. COMMUNITY ARTS INVESTMENT PROGRAM UPDATE TO APPLICANTS: The Community Arts Investment Program assessment panels are complete and notification letters have been sent out to all applicants. If you have not received your email, please make sure to check your junk/spam folders. NEWS 2025 Artist/Cultural Worker Revenue Survey LAC is collaborating with Culture Works Canada to conduct market research on work and revenues in the cultural sector. In 2025, whether you got paid or volunteered in culture as an artist, a teacher, an administrator, a technical or heritage worker, this survey is for you! Take the survey before August 15, 2026. The survey will take 5 - 25 minutes to complete depending on your number of revenues and volunteering efforts. With 100 or more responses from the LAC network, Culture Works Canada will create a dedicated LAC report! When you take part, you help represent our community’s real experiences and your engagement is deeply valued. For any questions, email info@cwc-coc.ca We would love to have you share our social posts to help spread the word! Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn CONNECT WITH US Never miss a beat by following along on social! Click on the icons below: