We usually rush by without stopping. Not always though, sometimes we stop and listen for a few seconds, and sometimes we even manage to dig some coins out of our pockets. Lowdown Tracks, playing at HotDocs this evening and again on Saturday, takes you on a journey with Lorraine Segato, singer, songwriter and member of the Parachute Club, onto Toronto's streets and through our subway stations to get to know some of the people who serenade us on a daily basis.

Lorraine Segato fins music in the streets, image courtesy of Bishari Films

The life of the typical busker or street musician is not an easy one—even if they are one of those chosen by the TTC for the Subway Musician Program—but as Shelley Saywell's powerful film shows us, there are some remarkable stories there, and some great music. Saywell and Segato introduce us to a half dozen of Toronto's street musicians and the typically tough situations they face, often in the city's inadequate shelter system, sometimes without any social services they can depend upon, and finds a deep well of humanity expressed in eloquently written and passionately performed songs.

Each drawing upon their own expertise and experience, Segato and Saywell become activists, raising awareness about a tide of homelessness in Toronto and offering hope and a hand up to people whose voices should be heard. There were very few in the audience at the Saturday night who didn't leave inspired—and generally far better informed—and now better armed to be able to help as well. This is a Toronto you've probably walked right by, and one that Lowdown Tracks will help you understand so much better. Highly recommended.