Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, the trio--Krista Deady, Lauren Pedersen and Andrea Gregorio--met as young dance students. Together, they not only nurtured an appreciation for the performing arts, but became the closest of friends. The Willows dazzle crowds with their close-harmony nostalgic style and unique set list, incorporating synchronized dance steps to add an element of theatricality with a modern touch. They have performed at venues across the country, including the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Danforth Music Hall, Virgin Mobile Mod Club, International Beaches Jazz Festival, Lula Lounge, Lilac Festival and Blue Chair Café.
In October, the ladies teamed up with nationally acclaimed bassist and multi-instrumentalist George Koller, to produce their new holiday album This Is Christmas.
Even though the group travels extensively, they are loyal to their Toronto favourites, like these places below.
Breakfast
Hibiscus Cafe in Kensington Market: It's just plates full of tastiness. The buckwheat savoury or sweet crepes satisfy all of our morning preferences, and they're a healthy and filling start to the day.
Lunch
Bannock: We like the take on Canadian comfort food. It offers great service and seasonal foods, it's convenient, and you can sit down or get something from the grab-and-go section. The Sunday brunch is really good.
Bolt Fresh Bar: It has the yummiest salads and juices! It offers healthy make-your-own salads and it is always updating its menu with new ingredients. It's our instant fuel when we’re on the go.
Dinner
Carbon Bar: Located in a refurbished historic space, it's good for groups or for sitting at the bar. It has innovative flavours and the best beef brisket in town. Our go-to cocktails are the Ten Dollar Smokin Manhattan and Black Mamba margarita.
Union: The new menu changes everyday depending on what’s fresh and available. The ingredients are sourced from local farms, supporting Southern Ontario farming. Overall, brilliant chefs and cool vibes.
Drinks
Fat City Blues: The live blues band is situated close to tables so it's great for dancing later in the evening. The place feels like New Orleans. There are amazing cocktails, including those with Absinthe. The owners are really rad, offering complementary late-night grilled cheese sandwich suprises. Krista won Blue Jays' tickets from a twist dance off this summer, so we’re pretty loyal now.
