What’s Happening: Events for May 16 - 22

What’s Happening: Events for May 16 – 22

16 May 2011 No Comments

Monday May 16

Donald Glover/Childish Gambino IAMDONALD Tour

Actor-comedian-musician Donald Glover of NBC’s Community brings his hugely successful IAMDONALD Tour to Toronto. The multi-talented star began his career as a comedy writer after graduating from New York University with a degree in dramatic writing in 2006. Glover has written for the hit TV show 30 Rock and performs with sketch group Derrick Comedy. His alter-ego, rapper Childish Gambino has released three albums and a pair of mixtapes.

Opera House. 8pm. www.iamdonald.com

Tuesday May 17

TSO – A Night at the Cotton Club

Take a trip to the 1920s for an authentic evening at the Cotton Club featuring music and dance from the bands that made history in Prohibition-era Harlem. From the elegance of The Duke Ellington Big Band to the stylings of Cab Calloway, the sheer joyous energy of this concert makes this an entertaining evening that’s sure to have you on your feet.

Tue May 17 8pm | Wed May 18 2pm | Wed May 17 8pm

Roy Thomson Hall. Tickets: $31 – $109 (evening) $29 – $82 (matinee). www.roythomson.com

Thursday May 19

Congo Classrooms for a Brighter Future

On Thursday May 19, 2011 an array of talented artists including Grammy Nominated and Juno Award Winning R&B Singer Glenn Lewis, Juno Award Winning Performing Producer Slakah the Beatchild, R&B Singer Melanie Durrant and many others will come together at the renowned Revival Bar in Toronto to raise funds and awareness for the Phase II construction of 3 new classrooms for the Kahuzi-Biega Environmental School in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Canadian Ape Alliance helped establish the Kahuzi-Biega Environmental School in 2003 and has been instrumental in its ongoing success ever since. Visit Facebook event page for up-to-date info.

Revival. 8pm. $20

Saturday May 21

Monsters of HipHop Dance Convention

In its eighth year on the road, the Monsters of HipHop all hip-hop dance convention is making its way back to Toronto, Canada this season. Monsters will be conducting a two-day dance workshop instructed by their renowned faculty, plus auditions, seminars, performance opportunities for groups and more – don’t miss it!

Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo | Luther Brown | Jaquel Knight | Lisette Bustamante
Marty Kudelka | Rhapsody James

Westin Harbour Castle. 7:45am. $195. Observer Fee – $35.00. Club Stylz Ticket – $5.00

Visit www.monstersofhiphop.com for details.

Book Signing: Black Empowerment & Minority Issues

Join author Joel Powell for a signing of the NR Entertainment Incorporated book Black Empowerment & Minority Issues. Mr. Powell also will be giving away with each purchase a copy of Ninja Ryders Sound Presents Cultural Mystic 17 Empowerment Disc 3, the Official Mix Tape for the book and Cultural Mystic 22 Empowerment Disc 4 to which Mr. Powell hosts along with special guest DJ: Typhoon Sound.

Knowledge Bookstore. 1pm.

Sunday May 22

Diaspora Youth Forum

Spice Youth Toronto presents a Diaspora Youth Forum, which will aim to bring together youth from all walks of life to discuss the issues facing youth and how they can contribute to the development of the group’s home country, Grenada. Light refreshments will be served. Visit www.spiceyouthtoronto.com for more information on Spice Youth Toronto’s mission, goals and events (past/present).

York Civic Centre. 3pm.

ICON with Pooch Hall

After a brief hiatus, Ian Andre Espinet Entertainment’s ICON returns for the Victoria Day long weekend. Hosted by Marion “POOCH” Hall of BET’s “The Game” with music by Jester (Soul Kitchen) Jason Chambers (Flow 93.5 Midday Mix) Lindo P (Canada’s Top Solo Selector) MC Kid Kut The Voice of the Vibe

Strict style code in effect. This is London. 10pm – 3am.

Visit www.respectthename.com for details