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Chris McKhool to Receive KEY TO THE CITY of BURLINGTON!
This is totally nuts, but true! Burlington Mayor Meed Ward each year chooses a resident whose hard work, talent, efforts and passion have made Burlington a better place to live.
And this year she picked ME to receive the KEY TO THE CITY!
I am completely knocked out by this, and so very grateful to the city, as well as everyone that I have had the opportunity to work with here in the last few years! To everyone I have had the honour to meet and work with, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
This is open to the public, come celebrate with me, details below!
CHRIS MCKHOOL TO RECEIVE KEY TO THE CITY OF BURLINGTON
Internationally Acclaimed Artist and Cultural Leader to Be Honoured
Burlington, ON – The City of Burlington is proud to announce that acclaimed musician, cultural changemaker, and community advocate Chris McKhool will be presented with the Key to the City on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM
The honour recognizes McKhool’s extraordinary contributions to the city and beyond through his internationally celebrated artistic projects such as Walking Through the Fire and The Refuge Project. Both productions were deeply rooted in Burlington while resonating across Canada, spotlighting Indigenous voices, refugee stories, and diverse communities through music, film, and live performance.
McKhool’s commitment to equity, access, and the performing arts has had a transformative effect on Burlington’s cultural landscape. He has worked to remove barriers for youth in underserved neighbourhoods, collaborated with educators and presenters across the region, and created opportunities for meaningful dialogue through artistic expression.
In 2024 alone, McKhool was inducted into the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Hall of Fame, and his work with Sultans of String has garnered multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, a Cannes World Film Festival win, and national acclaim for his efforts to build inclusive communities through music. His projects have been featured in both local venues and international festivals, bringing Burlington’s name to the world stage while nurturing the arts at home.
Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate Chris’s achievements alongside family, friends, and community supporters. Special acknowledgment is extended to Burlington Indigenous artist Kate Dickson, who nominated Chris for this recognition.
Chris McKhool’s decades-long dedication to the arts is a model of civic leadership through creativity. From producing award-winning visual albums to creating the world’s largest bicycle bell orchestra, his imaginative approach to community building continues to inspire and uplift audiences of all ages.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Burlington Performing Arts Centre Lobby
440 Locust St, Burlington, ON L7S 1T7
Admission: Free. No registration required. All are welcome.
City Contact: Roman.Drobot@burlington.ca
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
Office of the Mayor, City of Burlington
Website: mariannemeedward.ca
Learn more about Chris’ projects at https://sultansofstring.com and https://fiddlefire.com
AND COME CELEBRATE WITH ME AT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS!
Saturday April 12 is Walking Through the Fire in Toronto, the not-to-miss event of the season with incredible collaborating artists joining us including Dr. Duke Redbird and Two-time World Hoop Champion Lisa Odjig!
Saturday April 26 we bring the show to Collingwood, and May 2 come celebrate our film in Waterloo!
On Sunday May 4, 2025 in Burlington, Port Nelson United Church will be hosting a special event for the community. “Pizza and Pajamas” is a celebration for kids and families, featuring my Earth, Seas & Air concert with musical friends Kevin, Drew and Ernie! This is a free event, with pizza supper provided at 5:30 pm (please register in advance at https://portnelson.ca/earth-seas-and-air-may-4) The concert begins at 6.00pm, and is particularly geared to children aged 4 to 10, but all are welcome!
And if you are a teacher in Halton region, remember to sign up for our Refuge Education shows at Burlington Performing Arts Centre on May 6!
Thanks so much!
