El Convento Rico is a LEGEND of a nightclub in our city, and they are celebrating a fantastic and impressive milestone.

In 1992 El Convento Rico opened its doors as a safe haven for the LGBT community, and they have been breaking down barriers ever since. In the 25 years since its inception, College Street has become a bustling hub, with El Convento Rico welcoming people from all walks of life to enjoy its amazing drag shows and unique mix of Latin and top 40 music, giving customers an experience like no other and making their special events memorable. The winner of many best of award, this club has made it’s mark on the history of clubbing in Toronto.

To celebrate their 25th Anniversary they are going to be throwing a HUGE bash directly opposite the club at the College Square parking lot. With the support of councilor Mike Layton and the College Street BIA chair Lenny Lombardi, their festivities this year will be bigger than anything they have done before. The celebration will run from 2pm until 11pm on Saturday April 22nd .

Hosted by Sofonda Cox, family friendly and open to the public, guests will be treated to a taste of El Convento Rico that they may have never experienced. Both international and local artists will be performing on a live stage, traditional Latin American cuisine will be served all day, Ecuadorian Artisans will have a booth so the public can learn more about Ecuadorian culture and customs, and they will also have a beer tent so people can relax and enjoy the shows. Afterwards the party will move inside to El Convento Rico for a fabulous night.

“This Saturday makes a quarter of a century!!! 25 years for this ICONIC club. We are celebrating with a bang. It’s a full day of music , shows, drinks and fun inside and outside . Its gonna be INCREDIBLE!!! I am Super Excited. Expect people from all walks of life and the most diverse. You see Rico is a mix, it is a club for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are straight or gay. It’s a party for everyone who loves to have fun and let loose” Sofonda tells theBUZZ.

They also have GREAT headliners. Rupaul’s drag race, Season 6 Runner up and Australian born Courtney Act and Season 8’s Britney Spears Impersonator Derrick Barry. There will be a special performance from their newly crowned Miss El Convento Rico 2017-2018 Mona Moore, and an array of Latin Singers entertaining the crowds all day. The line up of artists include: the winner of “Top Latino Artist of 2013” by CME: Dominican born Bachata singer Carlos Cruz , Toronto born and winner of Latino Magazine’s “youth Latin artist revelation 2016” Natalie Castro, Columbian born Reggaeton singer and recent winner of “Woodbine Latin artist of 2017” : La Firma Santana , & Internationally touring and Ecuadorian favorites Charles y sus Estrellas will be performing as well as Juno nominated international recording artist Joèe, (best know for “Angel”, “If I could” and “Arriba”).

And the fun can’t be complete without some interactive Latin American Dance Lessons for the revelers.

El Convento Rico is located at 750 College Street. For more info please visit their website or their Facebook page.

Sofonda photo by David Hawe

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca