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In this issue:
Notice (or reminder) of a big night of music this Friday, May 22. But there is a way to navigate among the shows...

 

1. Friday, May 22: plan your evening

a) First up: Grupo Vocal Desandann at the Lula Lounge

A group that, in my opinion, is much under-appreciated. I highly recommend them.

They are a Cuban (from Camaguey) acapella ensemble, all descended from Haitian immigrants, they make gorgeous music. They performed at last year's Afrofest, but unfortunately because they had an out-of-town gig that evening, had to go on stage as the first act on Sunday in front of a small audience.

I'm hoping their audience will increase both with this tour and the upcoming release of their first CD in 10 years, produced with Jane Bunnett and Larry Cramer. (Desandann were also featured prominently on Bunnett's Juno-winning CD, Embracing Voices released last year).

For a sample of their music:
 - Video from Toronto's Church of the Holy Trinity, Nov. 2007  (photo)
 - Excerpt from a documentary being made by Jane Bunnett, filmed during Desandann's recording session in Banff
 - Samples (on CD Baby) from their first CD, Descendents

For details of Friday's show see the Lula's website. And note, Desandann will also be performing (free) June 6, at 5pm in the Distillery District as part of the Art of Jazz festival.

A great way to start the night... they go on at 8. Then, stick around the Lula for Son Aché at 10pm, or head a little north-west to...

b) Middle Course: "Africa meets First Nations" at Hugh's Room

A unique music mix, the show features African Guitar Summit member Donné Roberts, whose début CD, Rhythm Was Born included a song ("Hira 'n' Taolo") inspired by similarities Donné had noticed between traditional chanting from his native Madagscar and that of North American natives. The show this night is a result of that initial exploration, and will also include First Nations musician Marc Nadjiwan who joined Donné on one of that CD's songs, "Hiira n Taolo". (See photos from a video shoot of the song here).

Other artists on the bill: Native drumming and dance group Morningstar River, poet Kwame Stephens and dancer (Jaivah/Nouvel Exposé) Saba Alemayehu.

Today's Toronto Star carries an article on the show by John Goddard. Show: 8:30. See www.hughsroom.com

The next event should run late enough that you'll have time to head east to Sherbourne...

c) Finish off with: Lulaworld Closing Party with Samba Squad at the Phoenix

The Lulaworld festival official ends tonight at the Phoenix Theatre with Samba Squad who will also be celebrating (loudly, and with great energy!) their 10th anniversary. This show starts at 10, and no doubt will go long enough, that you can catch it even if you've been to one or both of the others.

There will be numerous guests as well. Details on the Lula website. As well, see another piece in today's Star by John Goddard on the show.

2. And around the corner....

a) Lhasa on BBC

A rare event: much acclaimed Canadian/Mexican/American/International singer Lhasa has a new CD released, Lhasa. She is Charlie Gillett's guest on his May 22 BBC Radio 3 show, "World on 3". Charlie's radio shows are always a treat and his guests' appearances never fail to entertain and surprise as he and the guest exchange music selections. Catch the show, beginning Friday here.
 

b) Hot Fun in the Summertime:

Prime-time for concerts and festivals is fast approaching. There will be more news coming soon here and on the website, but some events that are now posted at http://www.to-music.ca/events.htm include:

June 4: Amadou & Mariam at the Phoenix

Jun. 5-14: Luminato Festival includes some jam-packed free concerts.

The June 5 weekend also features the 10th annual free Muhtadi International Drumming Festival at Queen's Park, and the Art of Jazz festival at the Distillery District.

June 19: Njacko Backo & Kalimba Kalimba CD Release of Ou Est L'Amour at the Gladstone

June 19-21: The African Film & Music Festival at Ontario Place

And... late June and early June, centred around Afrofest (Jul. 11-12), always tends to be a great time for music, especially African. This year doesn't seem to be any different. Highlights (so far) include:

June 30: African Guitar Summit at the Lula
July 1: Canada Day at Harbourfront including Somali singer Fadouma Nkrumah
July 2: (to be confirmed): 20th anniversary celebration of Ken Stowar's "Global Rhythms" CIUT FM show at the Lula (Free)
July 3: PapaGroove: real (free) groove at Yonge-Dundas Square
July 4: King Sunny Adé & Femi Kuti: free double-bill at Harbourfront
July 5 (to be confirmed): Umalali (the Garifuna Women's Project) at Harbourfront
July 10: Vieux Farka Touré at the Phoenix
July 11-12:  Afrofest

Pretty good lineup. Take your energy pillls... More to come

More updates & news coming soon.