André Rieu Fans Urged To Waltz Into Toronto!

André Rieu Fans Urged To Waltz Into Toronto

For Concert Despite G20 Delays

TORONTO - June 23, Getting to a concert by the King of Waltz should be easy as one-two-three if people plan ahead, says a spokeswoman for the downtown Toronto venue.

André Rieu and his orchestra are performing Saturday night at the Air Canada Centre but its close proximity to the G20 security zone has some fans worried.

Police are advising people to avoid the downtown area during the weekend summit and motorists are warned to expect delays on routes in and around the city.

Rajani Kamath, spokeswoman for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, says concert-goers who leave themselves lots of time to get there should be able to waltz right in with little trouble. She says parking is usually available near the centre but with possible road closures in the area, people are encouraged to take public transit.

Both GO Transit and the Toronto Transit Commission are planning to provide service during the summit, although passengers are advised to leave early and bring water and snacks in case of delays. Subway stations, including Union Station just steps from the Air Canada Centre, will be open.

"What we are telling concert-goers for the André Rieu concert is to leave early, have lots of patience and just be prepared for delays in getting into the downtown core," Kamath says. She says the concert's promoter was told ahead of time that the G20 summit would be happening the weekend of the concert.

Rieu is currently on a North American tour and plays Montreal on Friday night. The Dutch born violinist and his orchestra are popular with audiences around the world for performing waltzes by composer Johann Strauss.

Many attractions are being closed for the weekend, including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, the Art Gallery of Ontario and performances of the musicals "Rock of Ages" and "Mamma Mia!" A Blue Jays game has been moved out of town to Philadelphia. However, not all events are cancelled. Toronto's professional soccer team, Toronto FC, is playing the Los Angeles Galaxy at BMO Field on Saturday night, just west of the downtown area.