Canadian children’s musician and 2026 JUNO Award nominee Chris McKhool has released “Party in the Street,” the second single from his forthcoming album Global Dance Party!, which is scheduled to arrive Nov. 6.
Inspired by Carnival and Mardi Gras traditions and filmed at Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the new song combines blues, reggae, folk and world music influences. The project continues McKhool’s long-running focus on introducing children and families to musical traditions from different cultures through accessible performances and interactive songwriting.
The release comes after McKhool’s latest full-length album, Little Leaf, received a 2026 JUNO nomination for Children’s Album of the Year and helped support a 50-show Canadian tour.
‘Party in the Street’ Celebrates Music and Community
Built around upbeat rhythms, prominent horns and audience-friendly choruses, “Party in the Street” encourages children and families to participate through singing and dancing.
The song draws inspiration from the atmosphere of public celebrations, including Toronto Caribbean Carnival, while incorporating elements associated with New Orleans music and Carnival traditions.
McKhool said the track was designed to establish the broader theme of his forthcoming album.
“We recorded Party in the Street to set the tone for an album that celebrates the universal language of music, and invites children to explore the sounds, rhythms, and traditions that connect communities all around the world. It’s a reminder that when people sing, dance, and celebrate together, everyone belongs!”
Canadian Musicians Join the Recording
McKhool assembled a group of established musicians for the recording, including Kevin Laliberté on guitar, Saskia Tomkins on fiddle, Drew Birston on bass and Marito Marques on drums.
The track also features a horn section comprising Doug Banwell, Kevin Turcotte and William Carn, adding to the song’s parade-inspired arrangement.
McKhool and Laliberté produced the track alongside Grammy-winning engineer John “Beetle” Bailey. The recording was also mixed in Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive audio format designed to place musical elements throughout the listening environment.
The combination of harmonies, interactive choruses and instrumental arrangements is intended to make the song suitable for family concerts, classrooms, festivals and at-home listening.
‘Global Dance Party!’ Arrives in November
“Party in the Street” forms part of a broader rollout for Global Dance Party!, with another single, “On Halloween,” scheduled for release Oct. 9.
The full album will follow on Nov. 6, continuing McKhool’s approach of using music as an introduction to different cultures, instruments and rhythmic traditions.
Three-Decade Career Reaches Young Audiences Across North America
McKhool has spent approximately three decades performing music for children and families. Over that period, he has performed for more than one million children across North America and appeared on Canadian television programs and networks including Mr. Dressup, YTV’s Treehouse and CBC.
His career honours include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, two JUNO nominations and multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards.
His earlier album FiddleFire! received a JUNO nomination, while Little Leaf earned another nomination in 2026, reinforcing his position within Canada’s children’s music sector.
Fall Tour Includes Ontario and Alberta Performances
McKhool will support his new music with several Canadian appearances through the remainder of 2026.
Scheduled performances include the Burlington Performing Arts Centre in Burlington, Ont., on Sept. 26 and the Folk Canada Showcase on Oct. 17. A Halloween-themed album celebration is scheduled for Oct. 30 at Kingston Road Village Arts Centre in Toronto.
The tour will continue with a Nov. 29 appearance at artsPlace Canmore in Alberta before returning to Ontario for a Dec. 13 performance at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre.
With “Party in the Street,” McKhool is offering an early look at an album centred on participation, cultural exploration and the shared experience of music, extending a Canadian children’s entertainment career that has connected performance and education for three decades.