Get Out!

Places to go, People to see

City of Tribes

This spring, Toronto's Collective of Black Artists (COBA) and Britain's Tavaziva Dance collaborate on a sensational new piece of dance theatre entitled City of Tribes. This new production is an exhilarating exchange of choreographic expressions between two companies based in a contemporary Africanist aesthetic. Co-choreographed by Trinidadian-born BaKari E. Lindsay and Zimbabwe-born Bawren Tavaziva, City of Tribes features six high-octane dancers from Canada and the UK. Says COBA Co-Artistic Director BaKari E. Lindsay: "City of Tribes brings together two continents and two cities, creating a work that explores the existence of tradition in an urban environment." City of Tribes runs May 28 to 30 at the Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West. To find out more about City of Tribes, visit: harbourfrontcentre.com.

St. Lucia Toronto Association 30th Anniversary

SAT MAR 28
Under the patronage of the Consul General of St. Lucia, Toronto celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the island's independence. Evening includes dinner and dance. Ella's Banquet Hall, 35 Danforth Rd. 7:30pm. $75. For ticket info contact Beverley Compton-Bradshaw at 647-293-6743.

Gza (The Genius)

FRI APR 3
The "Genius" of the Wu-Tang Clan returns to Toronto and brings 'da pain to the GTA's hip-hop fans. Expect old school beats and a few new selections from this wordsmith. Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne. 10pm. $24.50. ticketmaster.ca.

Seal

SAT APR 4
Velvet-voiced balladeer (and celebrity husband) Seal brings his soulful artistry to Toronto in a special one-night- only performance. Expect old and new favourites from this debonair British import. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St. $39.50-$67.50. 8pm. ticketmaster.ca.

Reelworld Film Festival

APRIL 15-19
As one of Toronto's most anticipated spring events, Reelworld connects Toronto audiences with the most dynamic producers, actors and films from around the globe. The lineup this year will also feature seminars and workshops aimed at assisting emerging talent. Rainbow Cinemas Market Square, 80 Front St. E. reelworld.ca

Congo 101: The V-Day Teach In

Sun APR 19
CONGO 101 is designed to inform audiences of the history and the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where women are bearing the brunt of the war-consumed the region. Designed to inform, activate and motivate real change, it is inspired by the very women whose incredible perseverance and strength allow them to rise above the turmoil. These women protect and nurture their children and communities, all the while staring the constant threat of danger and death in the eye. Learn more of their plight and how you can help. Centre For Social Innovation, 215 Spadina Ave. 1:30pm. $10. ticketbreak.com.

Buddy Guy

THU APR 23
The blues are back — and no, we're not talking about the recession. Blues legend Buddy Guy visits his favourite Canadian city as a part of his most recent concert tour. Get ready for the Grammy-winning riffs of this guitar legend. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St. $49.50-$69.50. ticekmaster.ca.

Love 'N Movement

SAT APRIL 25
"Vignettes of Black Love in dance," featuring choreography by Kevin A. Ormsby and Kay Ann Ward, tells an intergenerational story that spans 50 years, exploring the challenges, the strength and the beauty of all kinds of love in the black community. 8pm, Betty Oliphant Theatre, $20-$25. For more info email loventickets@gmail.com or visit lovenmovement.weebly.com.

Seed of Life Gala

SAT May 16
This annual hope and awards fundraising gala for Sickle Cell disease not only helps reach the community via educational campaigns, but this philanthropic organization also reaches out to the unemployed, those in financial distress and many living with diabetes. 5pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel (near Toronto Airport), 33 Carlson Ct. Tickets $100, 416-745-4267, seedoflifepo.org.

And Still We Sing — Nathaniel Dett Chorale

WED MAY 27 AND SAT MAY 30
The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is Canada's first professional choral group dedicated to Afrocentric music. It has gained international acclaim through impressive forays into classical, spiritual, gospel, jazz, folk and blues. These 21 classically trained, outstanding vocalists have shared the stage with internationally-recognized artists, including opera diva Kathleen Battle and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. With And Still We Sing the Nathaniel Dett Chorale builds bridges of understanding, appreciation and acceptance between communities. Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front St. W. $35-$39.50. glengouldstudio.cbc.ca.

TV On The Radio

TUE JUN 2
In the past decade, TV On The Radio has made a name for itself as one of the most critically-acclaimed bands in North America. Their latest release, Dear Science, was named Album of the Year by Rolling Stone; the band brings their infectious sound to Toronto for what is sure to be a sell-out show. Sound Academy, 11 Polson St. $22.50. 8pm. ticketmaster.ca.

Russell Peters

FRI JUN 12 AND SAT JUN 13
Russell Peters is back! Canada's best-selling funnyman returns to his home and native land celebrating 20 years as a stand-up comic by remixing some of his greatest hits of the past two decades with all new material. Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay St. 8pm. $52.50+. tickemaster.ca.

Barbados Charity Ball

SAT JUNE 13
The 6th annual Barbados Charity Ball will treat guests to the sensual island sway of romantic Barbadian culture and cuisine. Guests will dine and dance under the stars, accompanied by authentic Caribbean music and entertainment. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W. barbadosballcanada.com.

Ballet Creole

The gravity-defying dancers of Ballet Creole bring you TRANS-formation � a testament to the transcendent power of drums, and a mesmerizing union of contemporary dance and polyrhythmic African and Caribbean music. Performances include a trio of duets by Milton Myers, formerly of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Company, a premi�re of a new work by Patrick Parson and Gabby Kamino; and a ballet by Canadian dance icon Danny Grossman. April 2�4 at 8pm at the Fleck Dance Theatre, part of Harbourfront Centre's Next Steps Series. For more information visit balletcreole.org or harbourfrontcentre.com.