The Birdsong Kensington Sound Salon Showcase will begin May 11th 2026

Canadian charity Birdsong New Music Foundation has partnered with Kensington Sound to continue producing new Birdsong artists in Kensington Market. The collaboration brings together Birdsong’s mission-driven support for musical artists living with mental illness with Kensington Sound’s state-of-the-art production facilities.

Kensington Sound owner Vezi Tayyeb says: “this is about more than just music — it’s about changing the narrative. By providing our studio, production expertise, and access to our performance space, Birdsong Artists will get a creative home right here in Kensington Market under this partnership. And perhaps we are confronting the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders and replacing it with visibility, talent, and social engagement with the thing we know best - music.”

Birdsong New Music Foundation founder Margaret Konopacki calls the partnership a transformative step forward. “Joining Vezi Tayyeb and his team at Kensington Sound in this vibrant market area in Toronto is an exciting evolution for our recording artists.”

Beginning this spring, five new Birdsong artists will record in the studio and debut their work in Kensington Sound’s intimate salon setting, bringing their music directly to the community in a series of five bi-monthly concerts held on the first Monday of the month. Our first concert will take place on May 11, 2026. Circle your calendar for these new Concert dates dubbed the Birdsong-Kensington Sound Salon Showcase which will be introduced by legendary promoter Richard Flohil; Music Directors Vezi Tayyeb and Bryant Didier; Executive Producer Margaret Konopacki and Producers Steve Raiman and Su Alexanian.  

About Birdsong New Music Foundation: Founded in 2018 by music and television industry veteran Margaret Konopacki, Birdsong New Music Foundation has produced 35 original songs in professional recording studios and released its first album (21 original songs) and 9 singles and supported 25 artists and counting.

Inspired by the vital role music played in her son David Martin’s (1987-2017) mental health journey, Margaret Konopacki established Birdsong Foundation to provide more accessible music production and concert production outlets for artists who struggle with mental health, as part of their recovery. Birdsong Foundation board of directors include Mae Martin, who was also the host for the last 2 annual Christmas fundraisers held at Lula Lounge in Toronto to a sold-out audience.

About Kensington Sound: Located in the heart of Kensington Market, Kensington Sound has been a professional recording studio and creative production space since 1972. Under the leadership of Vezi Tayyeb, the studio is committed to supporting innovative artists and community-driven projects. With state-of-the-art facilities and an intimate small concert venue, Kensington Sound provides a dynamic environment for recording, performance, and cultural engagement.

Together, Birdsong New Music Foundation and Kensington Sound are not only producing new music — they are reshaping the narrative around the role of creativity in mental health.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information please contact: Liz Nowak or Margaret Konopacki
Tel: (623) 341-0726
birdsongnewmusic@gmail.com    
mkmkpersonal@yahoo.com
Steve Raiman • Kensington Sound  steveraiman@gmail.com