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Some event notes and reminders, including bicycle-powered Afrobeat, and the annual Worlds of Music workshops.

Tough choice tonight (Sep. 18):  The opening of two music festivals, both kicking off with some great traditional African music. The Gladstone & the Lula aren't so far apart that you couldn't check out both...

More details on these shows (and more events) are posted at http://www.to-music.ca/events.htm or on the sites linked below.

The Small World Music Festival

... needs no introduction to world music fans, and is always one of the year's highlights. All details are posted at www.smallworldmusic.com

However, as mentioned in the last newsletter, a special recommendation for an artist not yet widely known who opens the festival tonight at the Lula Lounge: Chiwoniso. Born in the US, the daughter of an ethnomusicologist and musician, she grew up -- and until recently still lived in -- Zimbabwe. She plays the mbira, and her music is rooted in traditional Zimbabwean sounds and rhythms but with other influences reflecting the places and cultures she's experienced.

The show opens with Toronto's Valu David, a native of Angola whose music mixes jazz, soul, R&B and African beats.

 

Mandingue Summit: West African Dance & Drum Festival"

On the same night, the first Mandingue Summit opens, featuring performances and workshops of the traditional music and dance originating in the Mandingue/Mandinga people of the Ancient Empire of Mali, an area that in the 13th century was as large as present-day Canada.

The opening night features the "Djeli Kunda - Griot Summit" at the Gladstone Hotel, with many of Canada's top griots, including Cheka Dioubaté, Tapa Diarra and others.

Sep. 19 highlight is the "Mandingue Foli" a showcase -- and likely jam -- of all the artists who will be participating or instructing during the festival. At George Brown College (Casa Loma Campus).

Sep. 20-21: Extensive dance and drum workshops at George Brown.

See http://baobabafrikanarts.org/ for details.

 

A few other shows:

Sep. 19: Ruth Mathiang with Waleed Abdulhamid at the Trane Studio

Sep. 19: Electric Gypsyland with DJ dunkelbunt at the Supermarket, with Roula Said and the Roulettes. Gypsy funk, dub, electroinica & bellydancing. (Small World Festival).

Sep. 19 Latin Afro-Fest continues at the Lula Lounge. Tonight with  Quasi Poema, Nicholas, Guillermina Buzio, Alejandro Freeland, Jesus Mora, Mata Dance group, Animafa, Las Gatas (Tango), Njacko Backo, Sambalanso, and DJ Mario Rivas. Cover: $5
 

Sep. 20(&21): Mr. Something Something, Toronto's top Afrobeat band will put on "Canada's first pedal-powered, live music dance party at the beautiful Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto's Don Valley." Green generating stations will be set up; hook your bicycle up, and pedal away to keep the music going. Environmentally and kid-friendly, this is part of the Conservation & Sustainability Fair at the Brick Works. The Farmer's Market will be open as it is all Saturdays.

Mr. S.S, along with Evalyn Parry will "premiere a musical performance piece revolving around a bicycle as metaphor and prop". Cycling groups will be present. You can cycle there, or take free shuttle buses from Broadview station.  10am-1pm. See http://www.evergreen.ca/en/events/csfair.html

And on Sep. 21, Mr. S.S. as part of International Car Free Day, will play some pedal-powered sets outside Igor Kenk's infamous bike shop. Queen West, across from Trinity Bellwoods Park, 3-5pm.

 

Sep. 23: Art for AIDS Orphans Auction at the Drake Hotel
Photographs and paintings by internationally acclaimed artists including Annie Liebovitz, Robert Bateman, Nick Brandt and the late Herb Ritts will be auctioned to support over a million South African children, orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

100% of the proceeds will go to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (Canada). The event is part of the 90th birthday celebrations of Mr. Mandela.  See http://www.artforaidsorphans.com/ for details.
 

Jason Wilson CD Release, Hugh's Room, Sep. 25 & 26.
His new CD, The Peacemaker's Chauffeur, four years will be released. Unfortunately, Brinsley Forde, previously announced as a guest performer is unable to play, but guests Ernest Ranglin and Pee Wee Ellis will play. Ticket prices have been revised: $30adv, $32.50 door.

Daniel Nebiat, CD Release, Sep. 26 at the Tranzac Club
 

John Leeson
www.to-music.ca