A few upcoming shows of note. Details of these, and many more (going into the new year) are posted at www.events.to-music.ca

 

Nov. 27: Bassekou Kouyaté & Ngoni Ba

West African music fans around Toronto have been looking forward to this Sunday’s concert for some time:

Bassekou Kouyaté and Ngoni Ba make their second Toronto appearance at the Great Hall (Queen W & Dovercourt). Anyone who saw this band — the only all-ngoni band in the world! — last year at Luminato will definitely be back for more. For my tastes, the group is one of the top live performances I’ve seen for a long time. Bassekou’s wife Ami Secko is also a superb singer.

If you didn’t see them last year, don’t miss them this time. Check www.batukimusic.com for details.

A video taste from a concert earlier this year in Munich:

Nov. 26: Still Black & Still Proud: “An African Tribute to James Brown”

At Toronto’s best concert venue, Koerner Hall. With two of Brown’s key band members, Pee Wee Ellis and Maceo Parker,  the performance also features Senegalese guitarist/singer, Cheikh Lo. I believe it’s been over 13 years since he played Toronto. (Vusi Mahlasela, originally scheduled on the bill will not be perforrming)

For a recent article from Minnesota Public Radio, click here. The tour’s website is http://www.stillblackstillproud.com/

 

Also watch for:

Nov. 25: Naseer Shamma & The Magnificent Strings at the Toronto Centre for the Arts: Sitar, oud & flamenco guitar from Pakistan, Iraq & Spain. A Small World Music concert

Nov. 26: Pura Fé at Walter Hall

Nov. 26: Toronto Blues Society’s 25th Annual Women’s Blues Revue at Massey Hall

Dec. 1: “Jazz for Mara” at the Al Green Theatre
A multi-media, multi-generational take on the novel Mara written by Lilly Barnes. The show features readings by her as well as music by her two sons, Micah (vocals) and Daniel with his band. (Local Ethiopian music fans also know him for his drum work with many local and touring Ethiopian bands and singers). http://jazzformara.com/
And various concerts coming up at the Musideum, recently re-focusing itself as an intimate live music venue.