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A brief newsletter, because of a couple of events this weekend. A second part, with some more event notices, and music links should be out in a few days.

Enjoy summer, and enjoy the music!

1. AFRICAN GUITAR SUMMIT: Here, there and everywhere

This weekend marks the opening of a mini (and quite unofficial) "African Guitar Summit Fest" with shows by the JUNO winning group and several of its members happening over the next couple of weeks.

Details and links for these shows are posted at http://www.to-music.ca/events.htm

May 25: Adam Solomon & Tikisa perform as part of the Afro-Latin Fest at the El Mocambo.

May 26: Madagascar Slim plays with Ndidi Onukwulu at Hugh's Room

Jun. 1: Donné Roberts is at the Gladstone Hotel.

Jun. 2: The AGS plays as part of the (free) Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival.

Jun. 7: Mighty Popo makes a rare solo appearance in Toronto, as part of the Afrofest press launch at Lula Lounge. It also marks his Toronto CD Release for Muhazi
 

 

2. 50 YEARS OF ROCK & ROLL IN TORONTO

I have to acknowledge a significant event this week... it marks the 50th anniversary of the appearance of rock & roll radio in Toronto, when CHUM (1050) switched music formats to this new music. And, not co-incidentally, it marks 50 years of my "musical history".

Starting May 27, 1957, every week for decades, the station put out their "CHUM Chart", a listing of the top 50 songs of the week. (Until corporate standardization changed that to the "Top Forty"). Number one that first week was Elvis's "All Shook Up". It wasn't all classic music though... #2 was Pat Boone's "Love Letters in the Sand".

It was just a couple of weeks later, I got my very first record -- for my 7th birthday, my sister bought me a 78 RPM copy of The Tuneweavers' "Happy Happy Birthday Baby". (Scroll down for the actual label).

It was the start of (so far) a 50 year love affair with music. For me, it was a long and winding road from Rock & Roll to African and other music from around the world; from Chuck Berry to King Sunny Adé. It all seems a logical progression from here, and so, "Happy, Happy Birthday CHUM. And thanks".

To mark the 50th anniversary, CHUM is opening the doors of its studios (and this is part of Doors Open) on Saturday, and will also hold a concert at 4pm, Nathan Phillips Square with 60's Toronto bands Little Caesar and the Consuls, and Robbie Lane and the Disciples. Gordon Lightfoot will also appear.

 

John Leeson
www.to-music.ca

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