By Angela Walcott
The Dance Music Comedy (DMC) Expo is unique to Canada. Not only will it showcase young up-and-coming artists in dance and music, on September 10 this talent competition will feature a category for comedy, a $750 cash prize and studio recording time for the lucky winners in each category.
Executive producer Brian Francis started the DMC Expo after three years of research. “I’ve seen many trade shows in the US and Canada, but none of them touched on a variety of entertainment,” says Francis. “I wanted to provide artists with an opportunity to showcase their craft,” says Francis who was a trade show manager for many years. It was his entrepreneurial spirit, which eventually led to producing shows.
Combining dance, music and comedy under one show came not out of necessity to fill a niche market but a more personal need. He wanted to expand on his love for both dance and comedy. Francis began his comedy career doing stand-up at Yuk Yuk’s when he was 27 years old. He participated in the Nubian Nights that provided black, Caribbean-Canadian influenced comedians with a platform. The events often played to sold-out crowds.
“The biggest misconception about comedians is that they are dirty or vulgar,” Francis points out. Francis has a strict policy for DMC Expo where he does not allow vulgar content or profanity of any kind in his show. Competitors who break this rule will be disqualified from the competition. Brian Francis will be headlining the comedy portion of the competition and he will ensure that you don’t necessarily have to use profanity in order to be funny.
Long before Francis was cracking people up with his dry sense of humour, quick wit and impeccable sense of comedic timing, he was dancing. “I was so into break-dancing. There was a time that was all I ever did,” he reflects. In the ‘80s he was part of the “Break Patrol” crew that managed to place 14th out of 1500 competitors in the Crunchy Break Challenge at the CNE.
Francis says he is a good judge of talent and has a good ear for music. Musicians are composed mainly of R&B contestants and while a good ear for music is an essential quality to have as a judge, he was looking for the entire package: entertainment value, a level of professionalism, the ability to interact with the audience, natural talent, commitment and punctuality.
While this is the first year for the expo, Francis would like to see this become an annual event, and he has already mapped out in his mind how he would do things differently and where he would focus more of his efforts and how to learn from his experiences. Overall, Francis wants people to walk away feeling entertained and inspired to live their dreams.
Exhibitors will also be on hand at the Expo offering many products and services for the arts and entertainment community not to mention exhibitors focusing on clothing, studio recording services , vocal coaching services and much more.
Those who will be attending the DMC Expo on September 10th will be in for a special treat as Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Glenn Lewis will be the headline performer. Many fans will remember Lewis for his mega-hit “Don’t You Forget It”.
Brian Francis, his wife and a close friend who serves as the production assistant are the three key players in the planning of this event. Plus there is the assistance of countless volunteers. In lieu of sponsors, Francis has chosen cross promotion for this venture. While the task of organizing this event has presented some minor challenges along the way, Francis remains upbeat, “If you have your health, you can do anything.” This is exactly what Brian Francis is doing.
The event will be held at The International Centre in Mississauga on September 10. To order tickets in advance, email [email protected] for a discount and quote promo code SWAY-DMC.
Tickets can also be purchased in advance at the Rehearsal Factory for $30 or $40 at the door at the International Centre on the day of the performance.
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By Tendisai Cromwell
Indulge in an African cultural experience at the Toronto Zoo. Transforming the African Savanna section of the zoo, the African Arts & Culture Festival features dance performances and art workshops. For the remainder of the festival, browse through a marketplace of authentic African goods including sculptures, hand woven textiles, handcrafted wooden masks, traditional African musical instruments and more.
Featured artists include Josephine, a West African textile artist who inherited the craft from her family members as a child. She makes batik and tie dye products to be sold at the marketplace. Thomas and Juli create West and Central African products including jewelry and hand carved wooden art. Other artists and art dealers are listed on the Toronto Zoo website.
The festival, which began July 2, will run until September 5.
For more information about artists and marketplace schedule visit: www.torontozoo.com/events/AfricanArtsCultureFestival.asp
Photo courtesy of www.torontozoo.com
Lester McLean/ANDREW LEE
By Angela Walcott
Lester McLean’s new self-titled CD Lester McLean 4,3,2,1 is easy listening. After 10 years of playing the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, he is gearing up for yet another performance on June 29th at the Distillery District.
Over the 25-year history of the festival, McLean says the festival has changed. He notes, that it is open to different groups and the “notion” of jazz and its parameters are expanding. Drinking a coffee at the Traders Bar and Grill, McLean looks relaxed.
His willingness to take more risks as a solo artist has paid off. The single “One Day At A Time”, has a distinct melody and lyrics that remain with the listener long after the tune plays. A timely song, it speaks volumes about the good that exists despite the ugliness of the world that we are presented particularly via the media.
McLean sings with a sense of urgency and honesty. The inspiration for the song came from a friend who was making a documentary about fundraising efforts to combat child poverty. During the song-writing process, the music almost always comes first, followed by the lyrics for McLean. Every waking moment presents an opportunity when composing for the talented artist. “There was a time when I would get an idea for a song and have to leave constant voicemail reminders for myself,” says the singer-songwriter.
A saxophonist as well Lester McLean formed The Color of Soul with younger brother, a successful drummer, Mark McLean. Lester McLean kept praying for a baby brother to come along when his mother was expecting. “I wanted someone to play hockey with”, says the athletic musician. The McLean brothers, who are very close, did play hockey together and they also started playing music at home and then in clubs across town.
During the formative years of his career, Lester McLean minored in music at York University when he formed a jazz quartet. And then came The Color of Soul. “There was no mandate,” says musical director and broadcaster Andrew Craig, who was a member of The Color of Soul band. “We wrote a brand of hybrid jazz-funk.” They did well, managing to fill rooms at popular venues in the city. “Lester is a consummate showman. The stage loves him and he loves the stage.” McLean, put out three records with the group before embarking on a solo career.
Years ago, Craig and McLean discussed working on a duo project together that they dubbed Slick ‘n Slammin’. And as the two prepare for their upcoming performance at the Toronto Jazz Festival, Craig says the audience will see a wonderful musical contrast from two artists who have grown musically.
A self-taught singer, with the exception of singing in a choir and taking one workshop, McLean delivers beautiful falsettos on the CD. McLean’s version of the Neil Young hit Harvest Moon is daring and wonderfully bold. Lester McLean had no trouble reworking the melody to create something that was his own.
One of his musical influences was the popular 80’s band Level 42 whose classic mix of styles included jazz, rock, funk and disco. Although executive producing his own album was a tedious process, McLean says that he would consider producing other artists one day. He stresses that he would have to believe in the artist’s talent and direction first and foremost.
He describes being absorbed in the moment during his performances as a “controlled out-of-body experience”. While there is a certain amount of vulnerability for musicians, Lester McLean says nothing else matters when he performs. He gives it everything –this is obvious when you hear him sing.
Visit www.lestermclean.com for more on Lester. Photo courtesy of www.andrewleecreative.com
Mark McLean/RON SCHUSTER
By Angela Walcott
A drummer’s only responsibility is to keep time, right? Wrong. There is a lot more than tapping sticks, banging skins and brushing cymbals involved, and after listening to seasoned drummer Mark McLean play at the 25th TD Toronto Jazz Festival, you begin to hear and appreciate the instrument in a whole new way.
No stranger to the festival, Mark McLean performed for the first time back in 1997. “A drummer doesn’t always have to take the lead,” McLean explains. “Sometimes it is about initiating– not always reacting,” he says.
International piano sensation Andy Bey, whom McLean worked with, once described the drummer as an “intelligent, immensely talented musician with a curious mind and a listening ear.” McLean smiles and explains, “Good drummers can create tension and release without playing a lot of notes and by listening.” He has performed with the likes of Macy Gray, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Jane Bunnett, the late Oscar Peterson and Molly Johnson, to name a few.
McLean, a gifted classically-trained pianist, made the switch to drums. Coming from a long line of musicians, McLean honed his skills with lots of practice. Practice came in the form of his high school band and the competitive U of T Jazz Performance School (he was accepted to the prestigious Berklee College in Boston, which he declined).
Practicing at home alongside his brother Lester McLean, who is an exceptionally talented saxophonist/vocalist, helped, too. The McLean brothers formed the acid jazz and funk band “The Colour of Soul” which also included multi-talented pianist, radio and TV broadcaster Andrew Craig.
Although inspired by classical music, “Jazz came easily,” the New York-based musician says. “There was an immediate freedom.” Interestingly, McLean mentions that some of the popular James Brown beats evolved from jazz. Major musical influences for the drummer include Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder who he says he would like to perform with one day.
Mark McLean says a common misconception about drummers is that they have no knowledge of musical theory. He admits, “I think melodically and use musical notes to bring out certain colours that imply the harmony.”
His words are true poetry and phrasing it so beautifully, curiosity took hold. The need to explore the jazzy drum sounds for myself, drove me to the Festival headquarters at Metro Hall the next day where McLean was set to perform.
Dressed casually in jeans, a blue t-shirt and sports jacket, he soon had me understanding what the life of a drummer was all about. There’s an ongoing dialogue between his band members. And so with Andy Bey’s comments about McLean’s curious mind and listening ear, I too began to grow more curious and listen more carefully.
A hypnotic rendition of “I Am Calling You” from the movie Bagdad Café struck a chord with the audience. His final song, “Wheelhouse”, from his new CD, Mark McLean’s Playground offered mind-boggling tempo changes from beginning to end. Teasing the audience with quick-slow beats intermingled with major pauses, are the curve balls that keep his band and the audience on their toes.
So what else is on the horizon for the drummer? Animation. He is working on a script for an animated feature.
While McLean insists that a drummer doesn’t always take the lead, as far as things go, he is a leading musician.
From June 24th- July 15th Mark McLean’s Playground will be touring across Canada.
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By Tendisai Cromwell
Toronto’s very own Tré Armstrong is a passionate force on and off stage.
She has taken her craft from sweaty dance studios to choreograph for the likes of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Missy Elliot, Ludacris and other high-profile clients, making her one of the most sought after choreographers in the entertainment industry.
If she isn’t choreographing or celebrity judging on So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Tré is acting, mentoring and placing herself at the service of others through her not-for-profit Tré Armstrong Give Back Foundation established in 2007.
On July 10th, at the prestigious Canada’s National Ballet School, Tré is giving back to the community that helped actualize her dancing aspirations. The Tré Armstrong Give Back Foundation, presented by Tré’s dance company A New DAEI, is hosting a free one-day event to cultivate the creative potential of aspiring dancers.
Tré will be instructing along side 20 of Canada’s finest dance talent from So You Think You Can Dance Canada including finalist and runner-up Amanda Cleghorn. Dance instruction will be offered for an array of dance styles including Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, the increasingly popular Bollywood, Salsa and Cha Cha to name a few.
Donations from the event will go to the foundation and proceeds will be given to various dance performing arts programs nationwide.
For more information about the event, visit A New DAEI’s website: www.anewdaei.com
Tendisai Cromwell is a freelance writer and editorial intern for swaymag.ca.
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Thursday, June 23
What’s Your Forte presents Soul Food
The cooking collaborative consisting of culinary artist Adrian B.Forte (Whats Your Forte?) and Bryan Butler (Massive Catering) brings to you a southern style gourmet dining experience accented with the right ambiance and soothing sounds orchestrated by some of Toronto’s elite DJ’s playing the best in 90?s R&B.
Tota Lounge.1st Seating 6:30– 8:00pm | 2nd Seating 8:00– 9:30pm | 3rd Seating 9:30 -11pm. $40. Call 647.783.1066 or [email protected].
Friday, June 24
TD Toronto Jazz Festival
The TD Toronto Jazz Festival has grown into one of North America’s biggest and celebrity-packed venues since its inception in 1987. The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin gets the party started right with a FREE performance at Metro Square on June 24 at 8:30 pm. Other highlights include, The Roots, Bootsy Collins with opener Saidah Baba Talibah, Average White Band and more.
Check out www.tojazz.com for the full lineup.
Remembering Dudley Laws: A Poetic Tribute
A Different Booklist hosts An Evening of Resistance Poetry and Musical Entertainment, Featured performers include, Michael St. George – dub poet, multi-media recording artist; True Daley – spoken word poet, journalist, singer/songwriter; Jesse Andrews – poet, panthologist; and Diane Liverpool- poet, community radio host. Plus a Community Update from the Black Defence Committee and Open Mic segment.
Hosted by Osaze Dolabaille
A Different Booklist. 7:30pm. Suggested Donation $5
For more information: 416.707.8397 or 416.603.9858 www.poetryofresistance.org www.adifferentbooklist.com
Saturday, June 25
COBA presents SheReHe 2011
Students from the COBA’s Children’s Dance and Drum Program perform in SHEreHE: Legend of the Pitch Lake, a folk theatre production of dance and music.
COBA’s mission is to preserve the cultural traditions of Africa and the African diaspora through education, research and public performance.
Isabel Bader Theatre. 6:30pm. $25. www.cobainc.com
Sunday, June 26
I Need to Know my Father
Marcia Brown Productions presents I Need to Know my Father, a comedy-drama that examines the critical role a father plays in a child’s life. Starring: Marcia Brown, Naggo Morris, Letna Allen, Kayla McLaughlin and more.
The Ukranian Church of the Resurrection, Hamilton ON. 8pm. $35. www.marciabrownproductions.com
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Tuesday, June 14
World for Change – A World Music Concert
UforChange presents World for Change A special concert where east meets west featuring professional jazz and world music performers Jim Heineman Quintet, Victor Ghannam and Jacco Muller and Jazz Flutist David Blackmore, joined by members of the St. James Town-based youth project.
Glenn Gould Studio. 8pm. Business Casual attire. uforchange.org
Acoustic Soul Tuesdays
Black Lotus Media presents Acoustic Soul Tuesdays: An Urban Open Mic event. The nite always showcases an array of performances: Uplifting Poets, Soulful Vocalists, Dope Emcees & Live Band. All-Star band features: HAJILE KALAIKE (host, spoken word), JEF KEARNS (flute), DANIEL COWANS (keys), STEVIE GEE (guitar), ANTHONY LEWIS (bass) & PAUL NANUWA (drums).
Music by: DJ BLACK LOTUS (Afrofest, Yoruba Records) *Black Lotus Lounge mix CDs available at the door
Trane Studio. 8pm. Cover $10. Dinner Menu Available til 10pm
Thursday, June 16
XL Faith Meet & Mingle
XL Faith presents Meet & Mingle, the Christian networking event. The place for new Business, Connections and Possibilities. www.xlfaith.com
Trane Studio. 7pm. $15
Power Ball: Thirteenth Floor
More than 1,700 partygoers will step into a world where reality is disrupted by delusions at Power Ball: Thirteenth Floor. The Power Plant, Canada’s leading contemporary gallery, invites Torontonians back to the most notorious art fundraiser of the year.
Part social extravaganza, part art exhibition, the event will transport guests to a place untouched by time, an enigmatic environment housed on the thirteenth floor.
The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery. 8:30pm. $165 / $155 for members. www.thepowerplant.org
Friday, June 17
A Creole Cultural Evening with Emeline Michel & Toto Laraque
Emeline Michel, renowned singer and performer, known as the Haitian Queen of Song along with guitarist Toto Laraque will be in Toronto on Friday. Both will share with the audience, their experience of the Creole culture and how it has influenced their music and what it means to them culturally.
Toula’s Lounge -Westin Harbour Castle. 8pm. $50 adults, $20 children. Contact: 416-388-8086
Saturday, June 18
Private Pain In Public Pews
Back by popular demand, Private Pain in Public Pews, a stage play based on the popular selling book by Dr. Elaine A. Brown Spencer.
The Music Hall Theatre. 6pm. $30 – $45. drelainespencer.com
Sunday, June 19
The Sickle Cell Association of Ontario – World Sickle Cell Day
Come help The Sickle Cell Association of Ontario celebrate the 3rd Anniversary World Sickle Cell Day on Father’s Day. Guest speakers Dr. Lee Ford-Jones, Hospital for Sick Children and World Renowned Sickle Cell Researcher Dr. Graham Sergeant, MD, PhD from U.W.I of Jamaica.
Sts. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall. 3:30pm. $55, $25 for 12 and under. www.sicklecellontario.com
The Hottest Post MMVA After Party in the City!!
MAC Viva Glam PresentsThe Official Universal Music Canada 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards After Party. Brought to You By Flare. Powered by Metrolyrics
This is London and Red Square. 10pm. 19+. Dress code in effect.
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RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR
By Erica Phillips
Jazz, rock, blues, country: new school, old school, it’s music festival season; time to dance under the stars, in the sunshine, soaking up that heavy beat.
Don’t let festival names fool you. They tend to be driven by history; to draw new audiences they have expanded their offerings: Stevie Wonder and Joe Cocker have appeared at jazz festivals. The Funk Brothers and the Average White Band have played jazz and blues affairs— all put on high energy shows that leave you dancing long after the encore.
Music festivals are a great way to see bands normally off your radar. However some big stars can be seen at great prices. Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Macy Gray, and Trooper appeared at TD Toronto Jazz Fest, Luminato and the Port Colborne Canal Days festivals last year.
Go alone and make new friends— there’s something free-spirited about dancing with strangers, connecting over the familiar beats— or go with friends and create new memories. Pack a camera and extra batteries, you’ll be surprised at how close you can get to the stage at some of these shows— or how close the artists will get to you.
Indulge your sweet tooth: there are plenty of just-for-summer foods at the festivals: deep fried snacks, candy apples, cotton candy, corn dogs, or take a cooler with your favourite fruits and veggies and pack a picnic so you’ll have the energy to last longer.Wear comfortable shoes, platform sandals may look stylish, but you’ll regret them around midnight. Folding lawn chairs are handy too.
There are scores of festivals throughout Ontario and Quebec, so why not make it a road trip, driving along listening to some of the bands you’ll be enjoying.
Pull out your calendar
Until June 19 Luminato – Toronto
Luminato has dozens of free events and features a different theme each year: there’s also visual arts, theatre, film, food, dance, literature and fashion from around the world. Some of the acts scheduled this year include Ron Sexsmith, k.d. lang, and The Sultans of Swing. The venues are all over the city. Visit www.luminato.com.
June 13 to 19 NXNE –Toronto
The North by Northeast Music Festival and Conference focused on the indie music scene. Hundreds of performers and thousands of fans, plus industry representatives converge on Toronto. You may not recognize many of the acts now, but bands have to start somewhere. Artists such as K’Naan, Feist, Broken Social Scene and De La Soul, Blue Rodeo, have played at NXNE in the past. NXNE Film features music-themed films, plus the festival has parties, contests and panels.
For more information, visit nxne.com.
June 16 to 19 Sound of Music Festival Burlington
This festival takes place in downtown Burlington: bands play on the street and in the park, which is right on Lake Ontario. Some of the acts scheduled for this year: Bedouin Soundclash, The Nylons, Men Without Hats and Monkey Junk.
Visit www.soundofmusic.ca.
June 17 to 19 Mississauga Waterfront Festival
This festival in Port Credit will have Spirit of the West and Steven Page, The Beatles Experience, plus the Heritage and Multicultural stage and plenty of activities for children. Visit www.themwf.com.
June 24 to 29 TD Toronto Jazz Festival
One of the highlights this year will be the Aretha Franklin show on June 24 at the Toronto Star Stage in Metro Square— free. There are more than 30 venues including: bars, inns and concert halls with a variety of acts from around the corner and around the world at various price points: Bootsy Collins with Saidah Baba Talibah, Robert Cray Band, Average White Band plus Stax! featuring Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn & Eddie Floyd, Jackie Richardson with the Russ Little Trio, Branford Marsalis, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Jessye Norman, Quincy Bullen and Rob Christian and so many more. Visit www.torontojazz.com.
June 23 to July 3-Ottawa Jazz
Some of the artists scheduled to perform at this festival include: SHAD, Youssou N’Dour, Robert Plant & the Band of Joy, Elvis Costello & the Imposters, James Cotton, and Béla Fleck & The Flecktones. Visit ottawajazzfestival.com.
June 25 to July 4 – Montreal Jazz Festival
This is the 32nd edition of the festival, which takes place in downtown Montréal. The stellar line up includes: Sade with John Legend, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Angélique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves, Ben Harper, Miriam Makeba, Steel Pulse, Laila Biali Joshua Redman, Hugh Masekela, Kellylee Evans, Colin James, Return to Forever IV featuring Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Frank Gambale and Jean Luc Ponty and so many more legends, plus up and coming performers.
Visit www.montrealjazzfest.com.
July 1 Red White and Vinyl Festival – Toronto
This Canada Day party takes place in Woodbine Park and this year it will feature Dan Hill, Brass Transit, Alannah Myles, Andy Kim and Lighthouse. The evening finishes with a disco dance party and fireworks. Visit www.vinyl953.com/Events/RedWhiteVinyl.aspx.
July 5 to 17 Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
Again, don’t let the name mislead you. Some of the acts scheduled to rock this festival are: Stephen Marley, Erykah Badu, Kirk Franklin, Soundgarden, Tegan and Sara, Peter Frampton, John Fogerty, Joe Satriani and The Roots. Visit www.ottawabluesfest.ca.
July 15-24 Beaches International Jazz Festival- Toronto
Some of the acts you can see at the 23rd edition of the festival include: Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, Marc Jordan and Amy Sky and the Rockit 88 Band. There will also be workshops and dance lessons, plus the Beaches Streetfest, July 21 to 23 from along Queen Street East between Woodbine Avenue and Beach Avenue. Visit www.beachesjazz.com.
July 21 to 24 Collingwood Elvis Festival 2011
Collingwood has quite the live music scene. This festival draws Elvis fans and impersonators from around the world. It features pub crawls, parties, a street dance, a gospel brunch competitions and other events. Visit www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com.
If you can’t see a band at one festival, fear not, it may be playing at another one on the circuit in the next city such as Ottawa or Montreal.
This list is by no means exhaustive. For more festivals visit www.ontariofestivalsvisited.ca/top_100.htm. You can stay abreast of these festivals by visiting artists’ and radio station websites.
So many bands so little time: enjoy the sweet sounds of summer.
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Compiled by Shaundra Selvaggi
Monday, June 6
Rihanna: Loud Tour
Pop Diva Rihanna hits the road again for the LOUD Tour. Demand for tickets was so high, the Bahan beauty added a second date to the Toronto stop (June 7). LOUD, the singer’s fifth studio album, has produced the #1 hits, “Only Girl” “What’s My Name” and most recently, “S&M.”
Special guests B.O.B and J Cole will open.
Air Canada Centre. 7:30pm. $26.75 – $115.50. www.ticketmaster.ca
Open Jam Night
The jam is over 2 years old, busy, and still going strong! Hosted/created by Carolyn T www.carolyntband.com. This is a COMMUNITY EVENT for musicians and spectators that provides an excellent opportunity for full-time & part-time musicians to shed, network, collaborate, promote gigs and show off their talent! Many gigging/working bands have started because of the jam!!!
Harlem Restaurant. Every Monday (except long weekends) 8pm.
Saturday, June 11
AfroChic Two-Day Festival
AfroChic evolves old school ideologies into new-age motivation through the vehicles of art and open dialogue to provide a transformative and enlightening space for creativity and solidarity within underserved Canadian arts and business groups.
June 11: Twist Gallery hosts the 2ND Annual AfroChic Cultural Arts Exhibit
This year’s exhibit incorporates visual displays by mixed media artists and visual artists Le’vi Lingwabo, Sabrina Moella, Colanthony Humphrey, Adajee Odousanya, Bishara Mohamed, Camille Lauren, Quentin Vercetty, Nana Bediako and more. Vendors include the Toronto Natural Hair & Beauty Show, Alter Ego Clothing, Reflections Clothing, Love Me As I am, Shay Chin Jewelry and Earthstrong Livity.
June 12: Trane Studio hosts the 1st Annual Community Voices Brunch!
AfroChic hosts an interactive afternoon with the essentials: good food, good conversation and exceptional company. Brunch will be enjoyed in the first hour, followed by an engaging discussion by leaders in our community: Amanda Parris, Nation Cheong, Nneka Elliot, Dion Walcott, Dr. Njoki Wane, and Lincoln Anthony Blades. The event will be mediated by the charming and well spoken Akil D.
afrochic.ca
88 Days Of Fortune Presents: Wylin On The Island!
88 Days Of Fortune is a grass roots, queer and straight integrated, youth run, music and multi-media collective. With 21 active members, we are based in Toronto, but have members branching out as far as Seattle and Japan. The group celebrates its 2-year anniversary with a party and performance in collaboration with Artscape Gibraltar Point on the Toronto Island. Music. Live painting. Workshops. Sky Installations. Photo Booth. LLBO. Food. Vendors and more
Toronto Island Park. 12pm – 12am. $12. Chlidren under 10 FREE. www.clubzone.com/events/353750/toronto/toronto-island/wyling-on-the-island
The Toronto Children’s Concert Choir Presents: Music in the Air
Toronto Children’s Concert Choir and Performing Arts Company (TC3) is a program of The HopeWorks Connection, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering urban youth aged seven to 18 years through the performing arts and relieving poverty.
Over the past decade, TC3 has reached over five hundred Toronto youth. To celebrate the ten-year landmark, the group will be hosting a series of 10th Anniversary Concerts, featuring special guests. The second, will take place at Pickering Pentecostal Church (1920 Bayly Street, Pickering, Ontario). The concert will feature Errol Lee, Keysha Fresh and various TC3 Alumni/Past Members. The Covenant Award-winning choir’s presentation will also feature various genres of dance and Afro-Caribbean drumming.
Admission is $10 in advance, $15 dollars at the door. Purchase online at http://tc3.eventsbot.com or contact TC3 at 416-939-1702 or [email protected]
Sunday, June 12
Night of Essence 2011
Over 50 performers from the GTA will take to the stage to show off the amazing female talents of the Entertainment Industry as part Night of Essence 2011 “SHE ROCKS”
Night of Essence brings together dance, music, comedy, spoken word and unique specialty performances to the forefront of the entertainment community, by the industries most talented artists. Featured performers/choreographers are: DJ Lissa Monet, Apolonia Velasquez, Shameka Blake, Lindsay Ritter Productions, Carla Catherwood, POSE Dance Troupe, Elisabeth Magalhaes, Jamie Holmes, Crystal Ferrier, Domanique Grant and many more
6 Degrees. 9pm. www.nightofessence.com
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Compiled by Shaundra Selvaggi
Tuesday, May 31
CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival
The CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF) is the premier venue for the exhibition and promotion of short film in North America. Taking place May 31 – June 5, the WSFF is dedicated to celebrating the quality and creative range of short films.
Visit worldwideshortfilmfest.com for more info on featured films, schedule and locations
Thursday, June 2
COBA presents EMBERS
Collective of Black Artists (COBA) showcases emerging artists from its three-year Professional Training and Apprenticeship Program with Embers.
COBA’s mission is to preserve the cultural traditions of Africa and the African diaspora through education, research and public performance.
Palmerston Library Theatre. 7:30pm. www.cobainc.com
Midnight Junk
Photographer George Dumitru’s latest work depicts the found ‘junk’ in the Mojave Desert. Shot entirely at night, utilizing innovative light painting, life and vibrancy shine through the rust to bring the subjects to life.
Cinnamon Girls Cafe. 7:30pm.
Friday, June 3
Waterfront Blues Festival
The Waterfront Blues Festival is back for lucky #7. Blues lovers can head down to Toronto’s Waterfront for three days of gut-wrenching performances by acts such as, Curtis Salgado, Larry McCray, Teeny Tucker, Johnny Rawls, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, and Gary Kendall & Chuck Jackson of Downchild!
Woodbine Park. June 3 – 5. FREE www.waterfrontblues.ca
Mansa Sissoko with Kassoum Diamoutene
Batuki Music Society and the Gladstone Hotel present Malian kora virtuoso and griot Mansa Sissoko, accompanied by bala player Kassoum Diamoutene, the next in the World Concert Series that takes place on the first Friday of every month. All concerts are free; they feature a diverse lineup of performers with a strong focus on African music. Guest DJ Apollo will spin from his extensive collection of African popular and classic hits. Guest appearance by Zimbabwean mbira players, Mutamba Rainos & Pasi Gunguwo.
Melody Bar. 7pm. FREE
1st Fridays
The 17th Anniversary Celebration will feature GM Canada President Kevin Williams, Trey Anthony (da Kink in My Hair) and Nneka Elliott (former CP24 Reporter) – The Media Huddle, the afterparty and more…Hosted by Warren Salmon & Mesfun Y Haile with music supplied by The Mailman George Fynn. Early Bird Admission is $15 with dinner reservations (Dinner extra), $20 for presentations & afterparty (until May31st)
Kultura. Dinner from 7- 10pm (seating from 7 – 8pm – Reservations Required)
Saturday, June 4
Muhtadi International Drumming Festival
Drummers and musicians come together for Toronto’s annual international drumming festival which will celebrate its 12th anniversary on June 4th and 5th 2011. Toronto will be treated to international drummers representing cultures from Africa, North America, South America, Europe, India, Japan, China, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, South Korea, and the Middle East.
Children’s Play Area, ethnic cuisine, exotic arts and crafts, Workshop programs included.
Queen’s Park North. June 3 & 4. www.muhtadidrumfest.com
African Canadian Achievement Awards
The 26th Annual African Canadian Achievement Awards will feature a spectacular evening of tributes, interspersed with performances by award-winning entertainers. The ACAA recognizes and honours the accomplishments, achievements and excellence of African-Canadians in fourteen categories. It is also intended to offer sparkling testimonies of hope and inspiration to our youth — courageous examples of achievement and “overcoming” which they can emulate and perpetuate.
Jane Mallett Theatre. 7:30pm. $35
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