Stella Chiweshe in town

It’s a big deal when the Zimbabwean mbira player/singer/healer is here.  Last time she was in Toronto was 2007. (See my photos of her concert at the Berkeley St. Church). She’s back in town this month, and to date has the following appearances scheduled: Sat. Aug. 13: a solo performance at the Trane Studio Sat. Aug. 20: A workshop & solo performance at Earthsong Village Sun. Aug. 21: Performance, with a band featuring some of Toronto’s top Zimbabwean musicians at the Lula Lounge Press release from Batuki Music Society: The remarkable Stella Rambisai Chiweshe, known worldwide as the ‘Queen of … Continue reading

Trane Studio struggling for survival

The following note comes from the Trane Studio, the great small music club on Bathurst which is a great booster of music and art, focusing in particular on jazz plus African, Latin, world & urban musics. It temporarily lost its liquor license last year, and has been fighting its way through a bureacratic mess to try to get it restored.  Everyone knows that the business of live entertainment means that small venues need liquor sales to make any profits. Read their note below: Dear Trane Studio family, friends and supporters, It has been nearly 1 year (July 2010) since the … Continue reading