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A few brief notes before the weekend:

• Tonight's "big" show is the rare (and free) performance by the Serbian band Goran Bregovic and his Wedding and Funeral Orchestra, 8pm, Yonge-Dundas Square, part of the Luminato Festival.
• However, for those who like their music a bit "smaller", a reminder that the great Cuban acapella group, Grupo Vocal Desandann is holding their CD release tonight at Ellington's Cafe. It's their first CD in 10 years, although they were a big part of Jane Bunnett's 2009 Juno-winning CD, Embracing Voices. They'll be touring with Jane soon, however this is a good chance to see them performing on their own.  805 St. Clair W., between Christie and Oakwood. 9pm.
• And among other shows, note Saturday's free Luminato "Brazilian Guitar Marathon" with Grammy winners Sérgio and Odair Assad (cited by many as the best classic guitar duo in the world), Celso Machado, Badi Assad, Romero Lubambo and Yamandu Costa. Village of Yorkville Park, 1pm.
• Some shows to note in the next week: Alejandro Escovedo, Joanna Moon. Next weekend features a CD release by Njacko Backo; "King Bombo Habana" at the Lula; and Franco Fête at Harbourfront.
• Also note, a unique -- and free -- concert by the Czech band Cechomor June 17 at the Phoenix. Catch a video taste here. Their first Canadian performance.
• Looking well down the road, Hugh's Room announced their fall lineup a week ago. Within a few days of the official announcement, the Oct. 3 show by the wonderful American singer Iris DeMent was half sold out. I recommend checking her out -- and consider booking for the show. (See below).
• The annual Afrofest is now a month away. Check out Music Africa's new website (more pages to come). The list of performers at all three stages is also posted on my event page.

More event info:

• As always, see www.to-music.ca/events.htm for details on these and other shows
• Also, see www.to-music.ca/events2note.htm for more info & video on Grupo Vocal Desandann, Iris DeMent, and next month's solo acoustic concert by Steve Earle in tribute to the late Townes Van Zandt.