The U of T and community radio station is
in the middle of its semi-annual fundraising week. Most people reading this
newsletter or website appreciate how much stations like CIUT
do for the music scene in Toronto and elsewhere. Whenever I travel in North
America, I always spin the dial to the left, as that end of the radio band is
reserved for community and non-profit stations, and is far more likely to
provide more interesting music than anything in the other 80% of the
band.
Here at home, they are the only stations
outside of the CBC to offer real alternative, wide-ranging roots and world music. I couldn't imagine doing without stations
like CIUT; yet the only way they can keep going is to receive a bit of cash
support from those of us who appreciate what they do.
Please consider supporting the station
this week, to keep that side of the radio band alive & kicking. The campaign
runs Apr. 11-16. Tune in anytime for info, or to pledge. If you call in this
Sunday during either Global Rhythms (3-6) or Karibuni (6-8), I may take your
call. Visit www.ciut.fm for more
information.
I have another reason to like CIUT & its
cousins... Last month I was sitting in a hotel lobby in Benghazi, Libya
listening to some cloying western pop played repeatedly over the hotel
speakers. My wife commented on the absurdity of hearing Céline Dion in a
Libyan hotel. Well, thanks to my radio listening habits -- I had no
idea it was Céline Dion! Yes, by giving up commercial radio (& TV), you
can also live a Céline Dion (or substitute numerous other names here as
needed)-free life.
a) Kenya Bazaar & Soiree, featuring Adam
Solomon & Tikisa - Fri. April 13
A new event just posted: A fundraiser to
send children to Kenya to build schools with "Free
The Children"
This is the world's largest network of
children helping children through education. It was founded by child rights
activist Craig Kielburger, and has involved more than 1 million young people
in programs in over 45 countries.
This event will feature various exhibitors,
artists and performers, along with East African food from the Safari Village
Restaurant. Performances begin at 7:45, and Adam Solomon & Tikisa
will headline. For more information, see
http://www.amandaventures.ca/
6-9:30pm at Humbercrest Public School, 14
St. Mark's Rd. (just west of Jane St., south of Dundas (about 1 1/2 km north
of Bloor).
b) Salif Keita: It doesn't look like
he'll be hitting Toronto this year, but will be playing in Ottawa on Apr.
23, at the Dominion Chalmers United Church (part of the Ottawa Jazz
Festival). He'll also play the Spectrum on Apr. 22
c) A few events of note in town this
month:
Apr. 13-14: Harry Manx & Kevin Breit:
Their CD
Release of In Good We Trust at Hugh's Room should provide some superb
musicianship.
Apr. 13: Fred Eaglesmith at the El Mocambo
Apr. 14: Blind Boys of Alabama with Bettye
LaVette at Massey Hall
Apr. 14: Sultans of Swing with Shakshuka at
the Trane Studio. Flamenco world-jazz / Middle Eastern jazz, funk and hiphop
Apr. 17: Lucinda Williams at Massey Hall
Apr. 19: Mel M'rabet with Victor Nesrallah,
and the CD Release of Parallel Views at the Trane Studio. Featuring a mix of
Flamenco, North African, Turkish music.
Apr. 20:
Shivkumar Sharma & Zakir Hussain "Maestros in
Concert" - a highlight of Small World Music's annual South Asian Music
Festival at the Toronto Arts Centre.
Apr. 24: Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival
announces its full lineup
Apr. 26: Jay Douglas, Sly &
Robbie, Tony Green & Mallory Williams at The Revival
Apr. 27: Fundraiser for Muhtadi's
International Drumming Festival. The festival will be held Jun 1-3 in
Queen's Park. The event this night will feature a Latin Dance with Lady Son
& Articulo Veinte.
And lots more...
