Event listings have been updated. Check out www.events.to-music.ca for information on numerous shows through the summer.
July this year keeps up its tradition of great music. Some shows to check out in the next couple of weeks: Details on the event listings page.
Fri. Jun. 30:
Kabakuwo at the Lula
Mandingue music, featuring dual koras. Among the players: Sadio Sissoko whom many have seen recently wiith Okavango African Orchestra plus Dieli Mori Tounkara, nephew of the great Super Rail Band guitarist Djelimady Tounkara.
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones at the Toronto Jazz Festival
“Hispanic Extravaganza” at the Living Arts Centre, Mississauga
Jul. 1: Sonia “Aimy” Aimiuwu at the Gladstone
Nigerian singer with a remarkable vioice. Backed by some great local African musicians including Pa Joe, & Kwame on drums. Free show, 7-10pm at the Melody Bar
Jul. 3: David Bromberg at Hugh’s Room
guitar, dombro etc master
Jul. 7-10: Sunfest in London, Ont
A massive lineup for the four-day free festival
Jul. 8-10: Corazon de Mexico festival at Harbourfront
Jul. 9-10: Afrofest in Queen’s Park
Needs no introduction. Headliners this year: Thomas Mapfumo & Dizu Plaatjies from South Africa. Many more acts including JP Buse, Femi Abosede, Ruth Mathiang, Tich Maredza Band. Three stages, food, and lots more. All free. What’s not to love about this weekend?
Jul. 11: Thomas Mapfumo again! ... This time at the Lula Lounge
Jul. 12: Omara “Bombino: Moctar at the Lula
Rising young Tuareg guitarist and singer. Remarkable music & life.
Some other shows posted on the events page include:
– Free noontime concerts Wednesdays & Thursdays at Nathan Phillips Square
– Free Friday night world music concerts at Mel Lastman Square
– Columbian, Iranian festivals at Harbourfront
– Jane Bunnett & Hilario Duran CD Release at Hugh’s Room
– Bana Y’Afrique Festival, Jul. 23-24. (details TBA)
– Art of Jazz’s “Brampton Global Jazz & Blues Festival”, Aug 11-14, including “From Mardi Gras to Mambo”, a concert exploring the connection between New Orleans & Cuban music with Dr John & Jane Bunnett
Also, if you’re thinking of Montreal next month, check out Nuits d’Afrique, Jul 12-24: dozens of African concerts including Manu Dibango, Oumou Sangare, Soukous All Stars
And, much, much later this year: Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba are back. Late November. Details TBA