Anya M. Wassenberg's Blog: Art & Culture Maven, page 112
May 30, 2015
Montreal's Wesliband Releases TWO full-length albums, ImmiGrand and Ayiti Étoile Nouvelle in 2015 & Summer Tour
With material from a release:
Montreal's Wesliband Releases TWO full-length albums, ImmiGrand and Ayiti Étoile Nouvelle in 2015 & Summer Tour
• Buy Immigrand
• Buy Ayiti Étoile Nouvelle
Hardworking Haitian/Canadian musician Wesli and Wesliband have released two full-length CDs this year.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wesli (Wesley Louissaint) built his first guitar out of an old NGO- provided oil can and nylon shoe lace when he was just eight years old. Coming from a family of 8 children where music was a daily food for the soul, it became second nature to him, a unique and vital way out of the violence and misery found in the surrounding ghetto. Wesli’s musical journey started in the gospel choir of his local church and then he adopted the guitar as his main instrument.Now he's giving back that opportunity to a new generation. Proceeds from the acoustic album Ayiti Étoile Nouvelle will raise money for the music school Wesli founded in Haiti.
Free EPK from ReverbNation.com
He's played with and opened for many of the greats of West African music, including Tiken Jah Fakoly (who guested on his last CD,) Alpha Blondy and Sekouba Bambino and played with many high profile Quebec artists like Lorraine Klaasen, Lilison Di Kinara, Gage, Inword and Nathalie Choquette.
For the last several years, Wesli and the band have kept up a tour schedule that has included more than 50 appearances on the stages of Canada's major music festivals and they've made many appearances on TV and radio. The band has had a busy touring schedule across Canada through 2014 and into this year and the newalbums have gotten great reviews in the media.
This summer 2015, the band will be partying it up on another Canadian tour. Among others, here are some of the highlights to put in your calendar:June 30, 2015, 8pm, at the Montreal Jazz Festival, Bell Tropics Stage
July 15, 2015, 1pm, at the Toronto Pan-Am Games, Panamania Park
July 17, 2015, 7pm, at the Hamilton World Music Festival, Gage Park
...and many more. For the full listing of shows, check out his website.
The band is currently working on videos and singles that will be released through the summer but in the meantime here's a recent unplugged clip of Wesli solo:
GRIDLOCK A Larchaud Dance Project Production June 11-13 & 18-20 2015 in Toronto
From a media release:
GRIDLOCK
A Larchaud Dance Project Production
A DanceWorks CoWorks Series Event
Choreography: Jase Cozmic, Jennifer Robichaud, Raoul Wilke
Collaborators: Patrizia Ferlisi, Amy Hampton, Ryan Lee
Rehearsal Direction: Marie France Forcier, Jesse Dell
Lighting Design: Siobhan Sleath
Stage Management: Gillian Lewis
When: June 11-13, 2015 and June 18-20, 2015 at 9pm
Where: Artscape Youngplace - 180 Shaw St., Toronto
Please Note: This is a site-specific performance that will travel throughout the building. Box Office will be inside the main entrance to the building.
ONLY 30 TICKETS A SHOW!! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Tickets: $22 in advance, $25 at the door (cash only)
$20 students/seniors/CADA
Tickets are sold through TO TIX.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the TO TIX Booth in Yonge Dundas Square or online at www.totix.ca. T.O.TIX online accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Interac Online. The T.O.TIX Booth accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Interac.
Is it our instinct to attack, or are we conditioned to think that? Would we surrender in order to survive? Gridlock is an exploration of why and how people fight. Physically electric, intelligent, and relevant - this is a mustsee Larchaud production!
This production was generously supported by Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council.
"...the kind of neck bending breakdance that will have chiropractors rubbing their hands in gleeful anticipation..." Michael Crabb
larchaud dance project
Founded in 2004, Larchaud Dance Project combines breakdance aesthetics with contemporary technique to create repertoire based on strength, agility, and gravity-defying movement. Pioneers of this hybrid dance form; their highly stylized partnering is now recognized as Larchaud Technique. This Toronto based company guarantees to captivate audiences with high voltage athleticism, compelling presence, and a unique approach to dance art. Under the Artistic Direction of Jennifer Robichaud, a dynamic performer, choreographer, and educator, Larchaud Dance Project has been recognized for its vibrant workshops, cutting edge choreography, and multimedia performances.
GRIDLOCK
A Larchaud Dance Project Production
A DanceWorks CoWorks Series Event
Choreography: Jase Cozmic, Jennifer Robichaud, Raoul Wilke
Collaborators: Patrizia Ferlisi, Amy Hampton, Ryan Lee
Rehearsal Direction: Marie France Forcier, Jesse Dell
Lighting Design: Siobhan Sleath
Stage Management: Gillian Lewis
When: June 11-13, 2015 and June 18-20, 2015 at 9pm
Where: Artscape Youngplace - 180 Shaw St., TorontoPlease Note: This is a site-specific performance that will travel throughout the building. Box Office will be inside the main entrance to the building.
ONLY 30 TICKETS A SHOW!! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Tickets: $22 in advance, $25 at the door (cash only)
$20 students/seniors/CADA
Tickets are sold through TO TIX.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the TO TIX Booth in Yonge Dundas Square or online at www.totix.ca. T.O.TIX online accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Interac Online. The T.O.TIX Booth accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Interac.
Is it our instinct to attack, or are we conditioned to think that? Would we surrender in order to survive? Gridlock is an exploration of why and how people fight. Physically electric, intelligent, and relevant - this is a mustsee Larchaud production!
This production was generously supported by Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council.
"...the kind of neck bending breakdance that will have chiropractors rubbing their hands in gleeful anticipation..." Michael Crabb
larchaud dance project Founded in 2004, Larchaud Dance Project combines breakdance aesthetics with contemporary technique to create repertoire based on strength, agility, and gravity-defying movement. Pioneers of this hybrid dance form; their highly stylized partnering is now recognized as Larchaud Technique. This Toronto based company guarantees to captivate audiences with high voltage athleticism, compelling presence, and a unique approach to dance art. Under the Artistic Direction of Jennifer Robichaud, a dynamic performer, choreographer, and educator, Larchaud Dance Project has been recognized for its vibrant workshops, cutting edge choreography, and multimedia performances.
May 26, 2015
ARTISANworks Gallery in Rochester NY Debuts Art or War Collection by Canadian Artist Viktor Mitic
From a media release:
NEW YORK ART GALLERY, ARTISANWORKS,
ACQUIRES CONTROVERSIAL COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS FROM
CANADIAN ARTIST VIKTOR MITIC
ARTISANworks in Rochester to Debut Art or War Collection
Toronto, ON – Rochester, NY May 26th, 2015: Canadian contemporary visual artist Viktor Mitic’s painting series Art or War makes its U.S. debut in Rochester, New York after the acquisition of fifty
eight pieces of the series, including his much talked about ‘Incident’, the shot up school bus sculpture which toured Washington DC in April of 2013 during the height of the U.S. gun debate.
Mitic is best known for his controversial approach to art, firing live ammunition at images he has painted of celebrities and iconic personalities. His bullet-riddled paintings offer an acerbic commentary on society’s attitudes towards guns and violence and its obsession with fame. Moved by the destruction of the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan - ancient sculptures created in the 6th century –Viktor Mitic started exploring the symbiotic relationship between aesthetics and violence.
“Viktor’s work has always caught my attention and with Art or War I was moved by the spectacular series that resonated very well with me in what I like in contemporary art forms fusing unique perspectives on
contemporary issues,” says Louis Perticone, Founder of ARTISANworks. ARTISANworks will launch their new Mitic collection this month. The exhibition will open to the public on May 17th, (1:00-4:00 pm) at ARTISANworks, 565 Blossom Road, Rochester, NY.The dates for the exhibit is: May 17th, 2015 through August 23rd, 2015.
“I am very pleased about this acquisition of Mitic’s work, in my opinion the entire series of paintings included in the Art or War book plus Mitic’s controversial ‘Incident’ sculpture which caught the attention of numerous U.S. collectors could have an estimated evaluation of around $450K,” stated Corrado Deluca of Toronto's Deluca Gallery.
Co Founder, ARTISANworks Kimberly Trenholm stated, “The exhibit will offer an opportunity for visitors to join in the visual commentary on his often controversial entire body of work, while viewing
the extensive 58 piece series that is being exhibited together for the first time ever in the U.S.”
Mitic’s paintings are being shown at the prestigious Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in New Brunswick, Canada since May 2nd at the front entrance of the exhibit. Mitic’s painting joins this exhibit of iconic paintings currently showing after spending two years touring North America augmented of some of the world’s most prominent artists – Turner, Carr, Sargent, Constable, Delacroix, Gainsborough, Copley, Sisley, Matisse, Freud, Dali, and many, many more – which will once again grace the walls of the Gallery in a spectacular blockbuster presentation occupying the main floor of the Gallery.
About Viktor Mitic:
Mitic’s highly regarded work has been featured in galleries world-wide, with exhibitions including the New York Armory, Toronto’s Gallery Moos ,the prestigious Art Chicago and Muramatsu Gallery in Tokyo. Notable Collections include: Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada; Hon. Jean Chrétien, Former Prime Minister of Canada; Beaverbrook Art Gallery, New Brunswick where Mitic's
portrait of the founder of the gallery, Lord Beaverbrook, is currently a part of Masterworks exhibition.
About ARTISANworks:
ARTISANworks is a unique, 15year-old 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization founded by Louis Perticone and Kimberly Trenholm. ARTISANworks is located in a previously abandoned factory building and integrate art of all kinds, events and entertainment. Not government funded, but on generous support from both personal and corporate members, donations of artworks and memorabilia, income from events arranged by its for-profit affiliate (Artisan Events, Inc.), and the sale and rental of art and other objects from our extensive collection of over a half-million items. We are quite satisfied that our model can be successfully duplicated elsewhere. Items from our collection can be used to seed similar facilities in other cities. Over 60% of our visitors are from other cities across the U.S. and around the world. 565 Blossom Road, Suite L, Rochester, New York 14610
NEW YORK ART GALLERY, ARTISANWORKS,
ACQUIRES CONTROVERSIAL COLLECTION OF PAINTINGS FROM
CANADIAN ARTIST VIKTOR MITIC
ARTISANworks in Rochester to Debut Art or War Collection
Toronto, ON – Rochester, NY May 26th, 2015: Canadian contemporary visual artist Viktor Mitic’s painting series Art or War makes its U.S. debut in Rochester, New York after the acquisition of fifty
eight pieces of the series, including his much talked about ‘Incident’, the shot up school bus sculpture which toured Washington DC in April of 2013 during the height of the U.S. gun debate. Mitic is best known for his controversial approach to art, firing live ammunition at images he has painted of celebrities and iconic personalities. His bullet-riddled paintings offer an acerbic commentary on society’s attitudes towards guns and violence and its obsession with fame. Moved by the destruction of the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan - ancient sculptures created in the 6th century –Viktor Mitic started exploring the symbiotic relationship between aesthetics and violence.
“Viktor’s work has always caught my attention and with Art or War I was moved by the spectacular series that resonated very well with me in what I like in contemporary art forms fusing unique perspectives on
contemporary issues,” says Louis Perticone, Founder of ARTISANworks. ARTISANworks will launch their new Mitic collection this month. The exhibition will open to the public on May 17th, (1:00-4:00 pm) at ARTISANworks, 565 Blossom Road, Rochester, NY.The dates for the exhibit is: May 17th, 2015 through August 23rd, 2015.“I am very pleased about this acquisition of Mitic’s work, in my opinion the entire series of paintings included in the Art or War book plus Mitic’s controversial ‘Incident’ sculpture which caught the attention of numerous U.S. collectors could have an estimated evaluation of around $450K,” stated Corrado Deluca of Toronto's Deluca Gallery.
Co Founder, ARTISANworks Kimberly Trenholm stated, “The exhibit will offer an opportunity for visitors to join in the visual commentary on his often controversial entire body of work, while viewing
the extensive 58 piece series that is being exhibited together for the first time ever in the U.S.”Mitic’s paintings are being shown at the prestigious Masterworks from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in New Brunswick, Canada since May 2nd at the front entrance of the exhibit. Mitic’s painting joins this exhibit of iconic paintings currently showing after spending two years touring North America augmented of some of the world’s most prominent artists – Turner, Carr, Sargent, Constable, Delacroix, Gainsborough, Copley, Sisley, Matisse, Freud, Dali, and many, many more – which will once again grace the walls of the Gallery in a spectacular blockbuster presentation occupying the main floor of the Gallery.
About Viktor Mitic:
Mitic’s highly regarded work has been featured in galleries world-wide, with exhibitions including the New York Armory, Toronto’s Gallery Moos ,the prestigious Art Chicago and Muramatsu Gallery in Tokyo. Notable Collections include: Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada; Hon. Jean Chrétien, Former Prime Minister of Canada; Beaverbrook Art Gallery, New Brunswick where Mitic's
portrait of the founder of the gallery, Lord Beaverbrook, is currently a part of Masterworks exhibition. About ARTISANworks:
ARTISANworks is a unique, 15year-old 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization founded by Louis Perticone and Kimberly Trenholm. ARTISANworks is located in a previously abandoned factory building and integrate art of all kinds, events and entertainment. Not government funded, but on generous support from both personal and corporate members, donations of artworks and memorabilia, income from events arranged by its for-profit affiliate (Artisan Events, Inc.), and the sale and rental of art and other objects from our extensive collection of over a half-million items. We are quite satisfied that our model can be successfully duplicated elsewhere. Items from our collection can be used to seed similar facilities in other cities. Over 60% of our visitors are from other cities across the U.S. and around the world. 565 Blossom Road, Suite L, Rochester, New York 14610
Acclaimed Estonian National Male Choir Tour Hits Toronto & Southern Ontario May/June 2015
From a media release:
Six Cities, Seven Concerts: Ontario Tour May 20-June 1 2015
ACCLAIMED ESTONIAN NATIONAL MALE CHOIR TOURS CANADA
Hamilton: May 27; Toronto – Downtown: May 28; Toronto – Scarborough: May 30; Exeter: May 31; Guelph: May 31
• See details below for tickets
The Grammy Award winning Estonian National Male Choir, one of Europe’s leading professional choral ensembles, tours Ontario this May as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.
Between May 20 and June 1, the R.A.M Koor (Eesti Rahvusmeeskoor as it is known in Estonia) will perform seven concerts and give workshops in six Ontario cities, presented in co-operation with Choirs Ontario, Estonian Federation of Singers in North America, and the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. This is its first Canadian visit in about 20 years.
Estonian Choir for release.jpgUnder the direction of its chief conductor and artistic director Mikk Üleoja, the choir will begin its tour May 23 at Dominion-Chalmers United Church in Ottawa. On May 28, it will perform at SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival, at Christ Church Deer Park. A second Toronto concert sees the choir joining the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Estonian Male Choir and conductor Norman Reintamm at the P.C. Ho Theatre in Scarborough, May 30.
Maestro Reintamm lauds the Choir as “one of the crown jewels of Estonian culture. Its performances and recordings reflect Estonian music both centuries old and contemporary, as well as the great choral repertoire of the Baltic region and further afield.”
The Canadian premiere of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s Da Pacem Domini, in a new version for string orchestra and male choir highlights the May 30 orchestral concert with the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. Also on the program are Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody – with Canadian mezzo-soprano Christina Campsall – and works by other Estonian composers.
The other performances feature a capella works by Estonia’s Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis, Ukrainian composer Galina Gregorjeva, and Italy’s Giovanni Bonato and Giovanni Gabrieli.
This Canadian tour of the Estonian National Male Choir is generously sponsored by The Estonian Cultural Foundation, Estonian Ministry of Culture, Estonian Foundation of Canada, and the Ontario Arts Council. Alexanian Carpet and Flooring is the headline tour sponsor in Canada.
ESTONIAN NATIONAL MALE CHOIR – Known in Estonia as the R.A.M. Koor, the Estonian National Male Choir celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. It was formed in 1944 by conductor Gustav Ernesaks, considered a founding father of choral music in Estonia. The choir, which originally sang a cappella, is now a world-renowned professional choir noted for its renditions of large-scale choral works. The choir has regularly recorded with Deutsche Grammophon, Sony, Finlandia, Alba Records, Virgin Classics and GB Records. In 2004, RAM won a prestigious Grammy award for Sibelius: Cantatas performed together with the Ellerhein Girls' Choir, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Paavo Järvi. RAM has performed more than 6,000 concerts in Estonia, in major cities of the former Soviet Union and in countries across Western Europe as well as in Israel, Canada and the United States. During its anniversary season, the choir will give concerts at several venues in Estonia as well as in Israel, Canada, France (Festival de la voix de Chateauroux) and Germany (Hanover). Since 2011, its chief conductor and artistic director has been Mikk Üleoja.
Info on the R.A.M. Koor`s recordings may be found at http://www.concert.ee/recordings.
ESTONIAN NATIONAL MALE CHOIR: DETAILS FOR TOUR DATES
Wednesday, May 27, Hamilton; Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 260 Herkimer St. Tickets $25 at: https://secure1.tixhub.com/cathedralbluffs/online/index.asp
Thursday, May 28, Toronto; Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 8:00 pm in cooperation with SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival. TIckets $40 at: https://secure.ticketpro.ca/achat_MUC28ES15.html?lang=en&aff=tvaf
Saturday, May 30, Scarborough; P.C. Ho Theatre 5183 Sheppard Ave. E. with the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Toronto & Estonian Mens’ Choir. Tickets $53/$33 at www.cathedralbluffs.com or 416-879-5566.
Sunday, May 31, Exeter; Trivitt Memorial Church, 264 Main Street South, 2:00 pm. Tickets via www.bachfestival.ca/events/national-estonian-male-choir-visits-exeter
Sunday, May 31, Guelph; Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St., 7:30 pm. Tickets: $35/20 students or $40/25 at the door http://gymc.ca/gymc_music2015_EstonianNationalMaleChoir.html
More information on the tour is at www.facebook.com/estotour, or may be obtained by e-mailing ramtour@artset.net.
Six Cities, Seven Concerts: Ontario Tour May 20-June 1 2015
ACCLAIMED ESTONIAN NATIONAL MALE CHOIR TOURS CANADA
Hamilton: May 27; Toronto – Downtown: May 28; Toronto – Scarborough: May 30; Exeter: May 31; Guelph: May 31
• See details below for tickets
The Grammy Award winning Estonian National Male Choir, one of Europe’s leading professional choral ensembles, tours Ontario this May as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.
Between May 20 and June 1, the R.A.M Koor (Eesti Rahvusmeeskoor as it is known in Estonia) will perform seven concerts and give workshops in six Ontario cities, presented in co-operation with Choirs Ontario, Estonian Federation of Singers in North America, and the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. This is its first Canadian visit in about 20 years. Estonian Choir for release.jpgUnder the direction of its chief conductor and artistic director Mikk Üleoja, the choir will begin its tour May 23 at Dominion-Chalmers United Church in Ottawa. On May 28, it will perform at SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival, at Christ Church Deer Park. A second Toronto concert sees the choir joining the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Estonian Male Choir and conductor Norman Reintamm at the P.C. Ho Theatre in Scarborough, May 30.
Maestro Reintamm lauds the Choir as “one of the crown jewels of Estonian culture. Its performances and recordings reflect Estonian music both centuries old and contemporary, as well as the great choral repertoire of the Baltic region and further afield.”
The Canadian premiere of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s Da Pacem Domini, in a new version for string orchestra and male choir highlights the May 30 orchestral concert with the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. Also on the program are Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus, Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody – with Canadian mezzo-soprano Christina Campsall – and works by other Estonian composers.
The other performances feature a capella works by Estonia’s Arvo Pärt and Veljo Tormis, Ukrainian composer Galina Gregorjeva, and Italy’s Giovanni Bonato and Giovanni Gabrieli.
This Canadian tour of the Estonian National Male Choir is generously sponsored by The Estonian Cultural Foundation, Estonian Ministry of Culture, Estonian Foundation of Canada, and the Ontario Arts Council. Alexanian Carpet and Flooring is the headline tour sponsor in Canada.
ESTONIAN NATIONAL MALE CHOIR – Known in Estonia as the R.A.M. Koor, the Estonian National Male Choir celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. It was formed in 1944 by conductor Gustav Ernesaks, considered a founding father of choral music in Estonia. The choir, which originally sang a cappella, is now a world-renowned professional choir noted for its renditions of large-scale choral works. The choir has regularly recorded with Deutsche Grammophon, Sony, Finlandia, Alba Records, Virgin Classics and GB Records. In 2004, RAM won a prestigious Grammy award for Sibelius: Cantatas performed together with the Ellerhein Girls' Choir, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Paavo Järvi. RAM has performed more than 6,000 concerts in Estonia, in major cities of the former Soviet Union and in countries across Western Europe as well as in Israel, Canada and the United States. During its anniversary season, the choir will give concerts at several venues in Estonia as well as in Israel, Canada, France (Festival de la voix de Chateauroux) and Germany (Hanover). Since 2011, its chief conductor and artistic director has been Mikk Üleoja.Info on the R.A.M. Koor`s recordings may be found at http://www.concert.ee/recordings.
ESTONIAN NATIONAL MALE CHOIR: DETAILS FOR TOUR DATES
Wednesday, May 27, Hamilton; Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 260 Herkimer St. Tickets $25 at: https://secure1.tixhub.com/cathedralbluffs/online/index.asp
Thursday, May 28, Toronto; Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 8:00 pm in cooperation with SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival. TIckets $40 at: https://secure.ticketpro.ca/achat_MUC28ES15.html?lang=en&aff=tvaf
Saturday, May 30, Scarborough; P.C. Ho Theatre 5183 Sheppard Ave. E. with the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Toronto & Estonian Mens’ Choir. Tickets $53/$33 at www.cathedralbluffs.com or 416-879-5566.
Sunday, May 31, Exeter; Trivitt Memorial Church, 264 Main Street South, 2:00 pm. Tickets via www.bachfestival.ca/events/national-estonian-male-choir-visits-exeter
Sunday, May 31, Guelph; Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St., 7:30 pm. Tickets: $35/20 students or $40/25 at the door http://gymc.ca/gymc_music2015_EstonianNationalMaleChoir.html
More information on the tour is at www.facebook.com/estotour, or may be obtained by e-mailing ramtour@artset.net.
May 25, 2015
Live from the Annex (Toronto) - June 2 2015 Comedy & Music Line-up
From a media release:
‘LIVE FROM THE ANNEX’ ANNOUNCES ITS JUNE 2 COMEDY & MUSIC ARTISTS
Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) Annex
720 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Future shows July 7; August 4; September 1; October 6; November 3; and, December 1, 2015
Toronto, ON – ‘Live from the Annex’ is pleased to announce its Tuesday, June 2 line up. Guest artists include Rick Miller and Steph Baptist (Comic Artists), 2-MAN NO-SHOW (Sketch), Mia Sheard (Music) and The Concerned Kids (CSI member profile) with hosts Brunswick Stew (Improv) and Brian
G. Smith (MC). Shows run 8 p.m. – 10 p.m., and take place in The Garage, at the Centre for Social Innovation - Annex location, 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto. $15 tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis at www.livefromtheannex.com. Follow on Twitter #LFTAnnex and Facebook. For information, call (416) 619-4621 or send an email to livefromtheannex@gmail.com. The comedy and music show is broadcast live to the world-wide web via Dailymotion.com/YouAndMedia.
Rick Miller and Steph Baptist are treating the audience to a glimpse of his solo show, BOOM, and her poetry in the style of Dr. Seuss (for grown ups). Having loved the cabaret scene in Montreal “back in the day,” they are thrilled to have this new option in Toronto. Together 20 years, Rick and Steph have been sharing stages since they met. Starting with Shakespeare-in-the-Park and cross-country tours of Fringe Festivals, they now play with a community-based party band, TRAINWRECK, and have workshopped Rick's new play, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, which will premiere this summer at the TO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.
2-MAN NO-SHOW (2012 & 2014 Canadian Comedy Award and NOW Magazine Best-of-Toronto Nominees) are otherwise widely known as the absurd and unpredictable tag-team duo of Isaac Kessler and Ken Hall. About playing on June 2, Kessler says, “We can't wait to play! We're working on new material so who knows what might happen!”
Mia Sheard launched into a career as a singer/songwriter after discovering her voice in a musical sketch comedy piece for Second City's Master Class. She has since logged over twenty years of performing and touring, and has released four albums of her own material. She created "Songs Are Like Tattoos," a tribute to Joni Mitchell, which she hosts every year at Hugh's Room, and she performs regularly with Classic Albums Live. Mia also maintains a busy practice as a Psychotherapist. “I love improv,” Sheard says, “The best performances occur in the moment without thought. I plan on not thinking at Live from the Annex.”
Not only a cabaret series promoting Toronto comedy and music artists, ‘Live from the Annex’ also showcases the work of social innovators. On June 2, The Concerned Kids is being profiled from the stage. It is a non-profit organization based out of the Centre for Social Innovation Annex location that educates and empowers children and youth, ages 6 - 12, through educational and interactive puppet presentations about relevant social issues that are faced by children and are of concern to them.
Rounding out the program is Brunswick Stew, Annex Improv’s Performance Ensemble. This group will be featured in a live-on-stage Improv lesson - a ‘visible classroom’ led by Smith. Performers include members of the Performance Ensemble classes and surprise guests from the professional Improv community.
‘Live from the Annex’ shows take place the first Tuesday of the month (July 7; August 4; September 1; October 6; November 3; and, December 1, 2015); doors open at 7:30 p.m., with curtain at 8 p.m. Refreshments are offered for sale before, during and after intermission. Hummus and chips are provided gratis.
The series is produced by Sasha Wentges (Mea Culpa), Laurie Murphy (MARRAM Mktg & PR) and
Brian G. Smith (Annex Improv) with support from sponsors and partners including Dailymotion, CSI and Analytical Engine Interactive.
‘Live from the Annex’
Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) Annex
720 Bathurst Street, #500c, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4
(416) 619-4621
livefromtheannex@gmail.com
www.livefromtheannex.com
'Live From The Annex' : May 5 [Opening Night... by YouAndMedia
‘LIVE FROM THE ANNEX’ ANNOUNCES ITS JUNE 2 COMEDY & MUSIC ARTISTS
Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) Annex
720 Bathurst Street, Toronto
Future shows July 7; August 4; September 1; October 6; November 3; and, December 1, 2015
Toronto, ON – ‘Live from the Annex’ is pleased to announce its Tuesday, June 2 line up. Guest artists include Rick Miller and Steph Baptist (Comic Artists), 2-MAN NO-SHOW (Sketch), Mia Sheard (Music) and The Concerned Kids (CSI member profile) with hosts Brunswick Stew (Improv) and Brian
G. Smith (MC). Shows run 8 p.m. – 10 p.m., and take place in The Garage, at the Centre for Social Innovation - Annex location, 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto. $15 tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis at www.livefromtheannex.com. Follow on Twitter #LFTAnnex and Facebook. For information, call (416) 619-4621 or send an email to livefromtheannex@gmail.com. The comedy and music show is broadcast live to the world-wide web via Dailymotion.com/YouAndMedia.Rick Miller and Steph Baptist are treating the audience to a glimpse of his solo show, BOOM, and her poetry in the style of Dr. Seuss (for grown ups). Having loved the cabaret scene in Montreal “back in the day,” they are thrilled to have this new option in Toronto. Together 20 years, Rick and Steph have been sharing stages since they met. Starting with Shakespeare-in-the-Park and cross-country tours of Fringe Festivals, they now play with a community-based party band, TRAINWRECK, and have workshopped Rick's new play, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, which will premiere this summer at the TO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.
2-MAN NO-SHOW (2012 & 2014 Canadian Comedy Award and NOW Magazine Best-of-Toronto Nominees) are otherwise widely known as the absurd and unpredictable tag-team duo of Isaac Kessler and Ken Hall. About playing on June 2, Kessler says, “We can't wait to play! We're working on new material so who knows what might happen!”
Mia Sheard launched into a career as a singer/songwriter after discovering her voice in a musical sketch comedy piece for Second City's Master Class. She has since logged over twenty years of performing and touring, and has released four albums of her own material. She created "Songs Are Like Tattoos," a tribute to Joni Mitchell, which she hosts every year at Hugh's Room, and she performs regularly with Classic Albums Live. Mia also maintains a busy practice as a Psychotherapist. “I love improv,” Sheard says, “The best performances occur in the moment without thought. I plan on not thinking at Live from the Annex.”
Not only a cabaret series promoting Toronto comedy and music artists, ‘Live from the Annex’ also showcases the work of social innovators. On June 2, The Concerned Kids is being profiled from the stage. It is a non-profit organization based out of the Centre for Social Innovation Annex location that educates and empowers children and youth, ages 6 - 12, through educational and interactive puppet presentations about relevant social issues that are faced by children and are of concern to them.Rounding out the program is Brunswick Stew, Annex Improv’s Performance Ensemble. This group will be featured in a live-on-stage Improv lesson - a ‘visible classroom’ led by Smith. Performers include members of the Performance Ensemble classes and surprise guests from the professional Improv community.
‘Live from the Annex’ shows take place the first Tuesday of the month (July 7; August 4; September 1; October 6; November 3; and, December 1, 2015); doors open at 7:30 p.m., with curtain at 8 p.m. Refreshments are offered for sale before, during and after intermission. Hummus and chips are provided gratis.
The series is produced by Sasha Wentges (Mea Culpa), Laurie Murphy (MARRAM Mktg & PR) and
Brian G. Smith (Annex Improv) with support from sponsors and partners including Dailymotion, CSI and Analytical Engine Interactive.‘Live from the Annex’
Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) Annex
720 Bathurst Street, #500c, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4
(416) 619-4621
livefromtheannex@gmail.com
www.livefromtheannex.com
'Live From The Annex' : May 5 [Opening Night... by YouAndMedia
EP Release: A Tribe Called Red - Suplex (May 19 2015)
From a media release
A TRIBE CALLED RED
RELEASE SUPLEX EP MAY 19 2015
PREMIERE VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK (VIA THE FADER)
• Buy the EP
New York, NY – May 19, 2015 – Recently, A Tribe Called Red (ATCR) finished their US tour that saw them play Coachella, Gathering Of Nations (biggest powwow in the world) and the reopening of the
Whitney Museum back to back. That series is very telling about the kind of people A Tribe Called Red is touching with their music and the communities they are visiting.
For the last few years, this all-indigenous Canadian band has been THE success story in their country, winning the 2013 Juno for Breakthrough Band of The Year (equivalent of Grammy) as well as critical praise (two years in a row nominated to the Polaris Music Prize). The band became known for their collaboration with Das Racist and Angel Haze and their performances at top festivals like Bonnarroo, Made In America, New Orleans Jazz Fest, AfroPunk fest, Movement Festival and Electric Forest.
Today, the group dropped their new EP, Suplex – available now on iTunes. The four-song EP features the group’s signature unique style of traditional Pow Wow music mixed with club sounds. With guest performances by Aboriginal hip-hop veteran, Hellnback, and past Tribe collaborators, Northern Voice, the EP also features a remix of the track Bodyslam by Canadian duo, Smalltown DJs. Tribe premiered the video for the title track today on FADER. The video follows the story of a Native youth, who after growing up with no role model of his own, becomes one when he turns into a wrestling champion. Check it out here.
"Growing up in a world where indigenous people are so under-represented in the media, you tend to identify with what's available to you," comments Bear Witness. “The connection between the indigenous communities of the Americas, and professional wrestling, is really heavy. In North America we had pros like Chief Jay Youngblood and Wahoo McDaniel who where indigenous, but had to dress in headdress and tassels to compete. In my generation, we all loved the Ultimate Warrior and hated Tatanka. Even if nothing about the Warrior was indigenous, we made some kind of cultural connection to him. More recently, The Rock has shown us how a proud indigenous man can make it as a wrestler on his own terms. The idea of the video was to show that connection we made to these people beyond stereotypes, but also to see an indigenous character make it, without needing the stereotype."
Named after the notorious wrestling move, the Suplex EP channels the 80s aesthetic. The album cover image depicts an 8-bit wrestler character wearing a headdress – as Tribe continues to touch on questions regarding the representation of Indigenous peoples (or lack of) in mainstream media, stereotypes in sports, and the need of indigenous role models.
About Hellnback
Hailing from the Samson Cree Nation (Hobbema, AB), Karmen James Omeasoo, aka Hellnback, is considered one of the aboriginal hip-hop scene's biggest and brightest. As co-founder for memorable groups such as Warparty and Team Rezofficial he just released his newest solo project, #FOE = #FAMILYOVEREVERYTHING.
About Northern Voice
Northern Voice represents a new generation of northern style Pow Wow singers from the Atikamekw territory of Wemotaci, located deep in the forests of the province of Quebec. Their original songs are inspired by their spiritual relationship with the Timber Wolf, which is never far from the Atkamekw experience.
About Smalltown DJs
The infamous Smalltown Djs are a house & club production duo out of Canada, with releases on Fool's Gold, Main Course, No Brainer & Top Billin. They also own & operate the Hifi Club, one of North America's most renowned & revered clubs.
Suplex EP Tracklisting:
1. Suplex ft. Northern Voice
2. The Peoples Champ ft. Hellnback
3. Bodyslam
4. Bodyslam (Smalltown DJs remix)
Upcoming Tour Dates:
06/19 | Indian Beach | Fort McMurray, BC (FREE)
06/20 | Malkin Bowl | Vancouver, BC (Tickets)
06/23 | Neumos | Seattle, WA (Tickets)
06/24 | Doug Fir Lounge | Portland, OR (Tickets)
06/27 | Muscogee Creek Festival | Okmulgee, OK (FREE)
07/12 | PanAM Park – Echo Beach | Toronto, ON (FREE)
07/17 | GrassRoots Festival | Trumansburg, NY (Tickets)
07/18 | Aboriginal Pavilion – Fort York | Toronto, ON (FREE)
07/24 | Brandon Folk, Music & Arts Festival | Brandon, MB (Tickets)
07/31 - 08/02 | Osheaga Music & Arts Festival | Montreal, QC (Tickets)
08/07 | Indian Summer Showcase – Smithsonian Museum | Washington, DC (FREE)
08/12 | Parapan American Games – Nation Phillips Square | Toronto, ON (FREE)
08/15 | Up Fest | Sudbury, ON (Tickets)
A TRIBE CALLED RED
RELEASE SUPLEX EP MAY 19 2015
PREMIERE VIDEO FOR TITLE TRACK (VIA THE FADER)
• Buy the EP
New York, NY – May 19, 2015 – Recently, A Tribe Called Red (ATCR) finished their US tour that saw them play Coachella, Gathering Of Nations (biggest powwow in the world) and the reopening of the
Whitney Museum back to back. That series is very telling about the kind of people A Tribe Called Red is touching with their music and the communities they are visiting.For the last few years, this all-indigenous Canadian band has been THE success story in their country, winning the 2013 Juno for Breakthrough Band of The Year (equivalent of Grammy) as well as critical praise (two years in a row nominated to the Polaris Music Prize). The band became known for their collaboration with Das Racist and Angel Haze and their performances at top festivals like Bonnarroo, Made In America, New Orleans Jazz Fest, AfroPunk fest, Movement Festival and Electric Forest.
Today, the group dropped their new EP, Suplex – available now on iTunes. The four-song EP features the group’s signature unique style of traditional Pow Wow music mixed with club sounds. With guest performances by Aboriginal hip-hop veteran, Hellnback, and past Tribe collaborators, Northern Voice, the EP also features a remix of the track Bodyslam by Canadian duo, Smalltown DJs. Tribe premiered the video for the title track today on FADER. The video follows the story of a Native youth, who after growing up with no role model of his own, becomes one when he turns into a wrestling champion. Check it out here.
"Growing up in a world where indigenous people are so under-represented in the media, you tend to identify with what's available to you," comments Bear Witness. “The connection between the indigenous communities of the Americas, and professional wrestling, is really heavy. In North America we had pros like Chief Jay Youngblood and Wahoo McDaniel who where indigenous, but had to dress in headdress and tassels to compete. In my generation, we all loved the Ultimate Warrior and hated Tatanka. Even if nothing about the Warrior was indigenous, we made some kind of cultural connection to him. More recently, The Rock has shown us how a proud indigenous man can make it as a wrestler on his own terms. The idea of the video was to show that connection we made to these people beyond stereotypes, but also to see an indigenous character make it, without needing the stereotype."
Named after the notorious wrestling move, the Suplex EP channels the 80s aesthetic. The album cover image depicts an 8-bit wrestler character wearing a headdress – as Tribe continues to touch on questions regarding the representation of Indigenous peoples (or lack of) in mainstream media, stereotypes in sports, and the need of indigenous role models.About Hellnback
Hailing from the Samson Cree Nation (Hobbema, AB), Karmen James Omeasoo, aka Hellnback, is considered one of the aboriginal hip-hop scene's biggest and brightest. As co-founder for memorable groups such as Warparty and Team Rezofficial he just released his newest solo project, #FOE = #FAMILYOVEREVERYTHING.
About Northern Voice
Northern Voice represents a new generation of northern style Pow Wow singers from the Atikamekw territory of Wemotaci, located deep in the forests of the province of Quebec. Their original songs are inspired by their spiritual relationship with the Timber Wolf, which is never far from the Atkamekw experience.
About Smalltown DJs
The infamous Smalltown Djs are a house & club production duo out of Canada, with releases on Fool's Gold, Main Course, No Brainer & Top Billin. They also own & operate the Hifi Club, one of North America's most renowned & revered clubs.
Suplex EP Tracklisting:
1. Suplex ft. Northern Voice
2. The Peoples Champ ft. Hellnback
3. Bodyslam
4. Bodyslam (Smalltown DJs remix)Upcoming Tour Dates:
06/19 | Indian Beach | Fort McMurray, BC (FREE)
06/20 | Malkin Bowl | Vancouver, BC (Tickets)
06/23 | Neumos | Seattle, WA (Tickets)
06/24 | Doug Fir Lounge | Portland, OR (Tickets)
06/27 | Muscogee Creek Festival | Okmulgee, OK (FREE)
07/12 | PanAM Park – Echo Beach | Toronto, ON (FREE)
07/17 | GrassRoots Festival | Trumansburg, NY (Tickets)
07/18 | Aboriginal Pavilion – Fort York | Toronto, ON (FREE)
07/24 | Brandon Folk, Music & Arts Festival | Brandon, MB (Tickets)
07/31 - 08/02 | Osheaga Music & Arts Festival | Montreal, QC (Tickets)
08/07 | Indian Summer Showcase – Smithsonian Museum | Washington, DC (FREE)
08/12 | Parapan American Games – Nation Phillips Square | Toronto, ON (FREE)
08/15 | Up Fest | Sudbury, ON (Tickets)
May 7, 2015
Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC)Returns to New York City July 2015
From a media release:
Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC)
Returns to New York City
Public Performances July 7, 8 & 11 2015
• Tuesday, July 7th - St. Mary's Park, Da Bronx - Our Latin Thing / DJ Afro
• Wednesday, July 8th - Central Park SummerStage - Compass / Systema Solar / Helado Negro
• Saturday, July 11th - Central Park SummerStage - Vicentico / Ximena Sariñana / No Te Va Gustar
• Early-bird Conference Registration For Only $99 Is Now Open At LatinAlternative.com
• Discounted hotel rates now available at the link
The Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) returns to New York this summer for a special 16th anniversary celebration, including free concerts at Central Park SummerStage featuring Systema Solar,
Helado Negro, and Compass on July 8 and Vicentico, Ximena, and No Te Va Gustar on July 11. Plus, we’re returning the LAMC to the Bronx with a showcase at St. Mary’s Park with Our Latin Thing and DJ Afro on July 7th.
Join thousands of musicians, entrepreneurs, DJs, journalists, marketers, managers, programmers and all kinds of music lovers in New York City to celebrate LAMC’s Sweet Sixteen at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
Now in its 16th year and called the "Sundance of Latin music", the LAMC features free concerts at SummerStage in Central Park and Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park, plus intimate private concerts at various venues around the city. The LAMC also includes industry panels and Q&A’s with special guests, showcases and other events that are soon to be announced.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015 - St. Mary’s Park, Bronx
Our Latin Thing / DJ Afro
Born in Caracas, DJ Afro (aka José Luis Pardo) is a Brooklyn based guitarist, DJ, composer and producer, and was a founder of Los Amigos Invisibles. A Grammy award winner and six-time nominee, Pardo began his DJ career in Caracas, where club owners quickly took notice of his eclectic musical tastes and natural ability to move any dance floor, and began booking him in the hottest spots all over town. Through his studio recordings, remixes, compilation albums, mixtapes, and live performances, Pardo has amassed a stellar body of work rich with soul and flavor. He now has over 50 remixes under
his belt, for a wide variety of musicians including The Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Devendra Banhart, Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, and Basement Jaxx. DJ Afro's latest project is Orquesta Discotheque, recently releasing “Musica Moderna,” which features modern interpretations of classic Latin pop, reimagined with a funky nu-disco bounce.
In August 1971, New York gave birth to a sound that would change the face of Latin Music forever. That evening at the renowned Cheetah Nightclub, Jerry Massucci, president of the legendary label FANIA, presented an ensemble of its best artists- The Fania All-Stars. The show was billed as "Our Latin Thing". In the decades ahead the Fania All-Stars would become the ambassadors and juggernauts of salsa around the world. They became the musical reflection of the times, needs, and struggles of New York's Latino community. Their music was "Salsa Gorda", influenced by American Jazz, Soul, and Rock and Roll. Their music became part of Americana. In 2010 an ensemble of 17 musicians debuted to pay tribute to the legendary group. Billed as "Our Latin Thing", the group performs as an assortment of the All Stars' top hits. This Musical/Theatrical like revue takes the audience on a musical poetic journey. "Our Latin Thing", in it's own right, is an All Star group, made up of lead singers and musicians of New York's top young bands.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015 - Central Park SummerStage
Compass / Systema Solar / Helado Negro
Compass is Camilo Lara (aka Mexican Institute of Sound) and Toy Selectah, who have been mainstays of the Latin American music scene. They have recorded what Toy has dubbed “our PhD thesis on global music production.” Recorded at Red Bull Studios in New York, Los Angeles, London, and São Paulo, amongst other locations, Compass includes collaborations with more than 100 artists, ranging from Boy George to reggae legend Toots Hibbert from Toots & the Maytals. This upbeat hip hop jam boasts contributions from Notch (formerly of Born Jamericans), New York’s Matty Rico and Ohmega Watts, ghetto-techno empress Maluca, legendary Cali dj Kut Masta Kurt and Beastie Boys collaborator Money Mark– block-party vibes a plenty.
Systema Solar is a musical-visual collective from the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Through live
performance, music, video, and theatrical costumes, Systema Solar is a complete, immersive experience, best described as “Tropical psychedelia.” With an innovative approach towards nu-Colombian music, their music is old school cumbia samples partnered with techno fierceness, carnivalesque euphoria with streetwise politics and humor mixed in. Their two albums, the self-titled debut "Systema Solar," and the recent "La Revancha del Burro" have taken the band to new heights within the local scene and internationally, as the band has performed at SXSW, Glastonbury and Roskilde.
A South Florida native, born to Ecuadorian immigrants and based in Brooklyn, Helado Negro aka Roberto Carlos Lange’s upbringing provides essential elements to his songwriting, including his consistently bilingual – English and Spanish– lyrics. While citing the influence of electro and Miami-bass he heard on the radio in his youth, his diverse work as Helado Negro points to shades of kraut rock bathed in his mesmerizing rhythms, loops and hair-raising melodies. Known for his craftsmanship, Lange has cultured his identity, ideology and musical dexterity with constant artistic and introspective development, pouring his heart and full sincerity in his music. His fourth LP Double Youth released in 2014 garnered acclaim with Pitchfork naming it “the boldest and most intricate Helado Negro work to date.”
Saturday, July 11, 2015 - Central Park SummerStage
Vicentico / Ximena Sariñana / No Te Va a Gustar
Vicentico has long been a crucial figure in the history of rock music in Latin America. On top of a significant career as the lead vocalist of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, he is also recognized for being a successful solo artist. With six platinum solo albums under his belt, international tours, and MTV, Gardel, and Latin Grammy awards, Vicentico recently released the album, “Ultimo Acto.” Recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Kingston, and Buenos Aires, “Ultimo Acto” features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Sly & Robbie, Intocable, Vaeria Bertuccelli, Our Latin Thing, and offers new takes
on some of Vicentico’s most beloved and well-known hits.
Ximena Sariñana is a Mexican singer-songwriter and actress. Sariñana received critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for her debut album, "Mediocre," which was also nominated for two Latin Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Song. Sariñana has worked with musicians like Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Jason Mraz. Her second, self-titled album was released in 2011, and her third studio album, "No Todo lo Puedes Dar", was released in November 2014.
Latin Grammy nominated No Te Va Gustar was formed in 1994 in Montevideo, Uruguay. A blend of rock, pop, and reggae, their music mixes heartfelt and intelligent lyrics with a unique sound that blends local and international influences. No Te Va Gustar has released eight studio albums, all of which have gone Gold or Platinum in Uruguay and Argentina, and three live DVDs, No Te Va Gustar originally started as a trio but later expanded and added new styles of music to its repertoire such as reggae, candombe, salsa, ska and murga. With a career spanning over 20 years, No Te Va Gustar has been on tour over the last decade performing to fans worldwide
Watch the recap of last year’s LAMC:
This is the LAMC from LAMC on Vimeo.
Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC)
Returns to New York City
Public Performances July 7, 8 & 11 2015
• Tuesday, July 7th - St. Mary's Park, Da Bronx - Our Latin Thing / DJ Afro
• Wednesday, July 8th - Central Park SummerStage - Compass / Systema Solar / Helado Negro
• Saturday, July 11th - Central Park SummerStage - Vicentico / Ximena Sariñana / No Te Va Gustar
• Early-bird Conference Registration For Only $99 Is Now Open At LatinAlternative.com
• Discounted hotel rates now available at the link
The Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) returns to New York this summer for a special 16th anniversary celebration, including free concerts at Central Park SummerStage featuring Systema Solar,
Helado Negro, and Compass on July 8 and Vicentico, Ximena, and No Te Va Gustar on July 11. Plus, we’re returning the LAMC to the Bronx with a showcase at St. Mary’s Park with Our Latin Thing and DJ Afro on July 7th. Join thousands of musicians, entrepreneurs, DJs, journalists, marketers, managers, programmers and all kinds of music lovers in New York City to celebrate LAMC’s Sweet Sixteen at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
Now in its 16th year and called the "Sundance of Latin music", the LAMC features free concerts at SummerStage in Central Park and Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park, plus intimate private concerts at various venues around the city. The LAMC also includes industry panels and Q&A’s with special guests, showcases and other events that are soon to be announced.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015 - St. Mary’s Park, Bronx
Our Latin Thing / DJ Afro
Born in Caracas, DJ Afro (aka José Luis Pardo) is a Brooklyn based guitarist, DJ, composer and producer, and was a founder of Los Amigos Invisibles. A Grammy award winner and six-time nominee, Pardo began his DJ career in Caracas, where club owners quickly took notice of his eclectic musical tastes and natural ability to move any dance floor, and began booking him in the hottest spots all over town. Through his studio recordings, remixes, compilation albums, mixtapes, and live performances, Pardo has amassed a stellar body of work rich with soul and flavor. He now has over 50 remixes under
his belt, for a wide variety of musicians including The Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Devendra Banhart, Julieta Venegas, Natalia Lafourcade, and Basement Jaxx. DJ Afro's latest project is Orquesta Discotheque, recently releasing “Musica Moderna,” which features modern interpretations of classic Latin pop, reimagined with a funky nu-disco bounce. In August 1971, New York gave birth to a sound that would change the face of Latin Music forever. That evening at the renowned Cheetah Nightclub, Jerry Massucci, president of the legendary label FANIA, presented an ensemble of its best artists- The Fania All-Stars. The show was billed as "Our Latin Thing". In the decades ahead the Fania All-Stars would become the ambassadors and juggernauts of salsa around the world. They became the musical reflection of the times, needs, and struggles of New York's Latino community. Their music was "Salsa Gorda", influenced by American Jazz, Soul, and Rock and Roll. Their music became part of Americana. In 2010 an ensemble of 17 musicians debuted to pay tribute to the legendary group. Billed as "Our Latin Thing", the group performs as an assortment of the All Stars' top hits. This Musical/Theatrical like revue takes the audience on a musical poetic journey. "Our Latin Thing", in it's own right, is an All Star group, made up of lead singers and musicians of New York's top young bands.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015 - Central Park SummerStage
Compass / Systema Solar / Helado Negro
Compass is Camilo Lara (aka Mexican Institute of Sound) and Toy Selectah, who have been mainstays of the Latin American music scene. They have recorded what Toy has dubbed “our PhD thesis on global music production.” Recorded at Red Bull Studios in New York, Los Angeles, London, and São Paulo, amongst other locations, Compass includes collaborations with more than 100 artists, ranging from Boy George to reggae legend Toots Hibbert from Toots & the Maytals. This upbeat hip hop jam boasts contributions from Notch (formerly of Born Jamericans), New York’s Matty Rico and Ohmega Watts, ghetto-techno empress Maluca, legendary Cali dj Kut Masta Kurt and Beastie Boys collaborator Money Mark– block-party vibes a plenty.
Systema Solar is a musical-visual collective from the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Through live
performance, music, video, and theatrical costumes, Systema Solar is a complete, immersive experience, best described as “Tropical psychedelia.” With an innovative approach towards nu-Colombian music, their music is old school cumbia samples partnered with techno fierceness, carnivalesque euphoria with streetwise politics and humor mixed in. Their two albums, the self-titled debut "Systema Solar," and the recent "La Revancha del Burro" have taken the band to new heights within the local scene and internationally, as the band has performed at SXSW, Glastonbury and Roskilde.A South Florida native, born to Ecuadorian immigrants and based in Brooklyn, Helado Negro aka Roberto Carlos Lange’s upbringing provides essential elements to his songwriting, including his consistently bilingual – English and Spanish– lyrics. While citing the influence of electro and Miami-bass he heard on the radio in his youth, his diverse work as Helado Negro points to shades of kraut rock bathed in his mesmerizing rhythms, loops and hair-raising melodies. Known for his craftsmanship, Lange has cultured his identity, ideology and musical dexterity with constant artistic and introspective development, pouring his heart and full sincerity in his music. His fourth LP Double Youth released in 2014 garnered acclaim with Pitchfork naming it “the boldest and most intricate Helado Negro work to date.”
Saturday, July 11, 2015 - Central Park SummerStage
Vicentico / Ximena Sariñana / No Te Va a Gustar
Vicentico has long been a crucial figure in the history of rock music in Latin America. On top of a significant career as the lead vocalist of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, he is also recognized for being a successful solo artist. With six platinum solo albums under his belt, international tours, and MTV, Gardel, and Latin Grammy awards, Vicentico recently released the album, “Ultimo Acto.” Recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Kingston, and Buenos Aires, “Ultimo Acto” features collaborations with Willie Nelson, Sly & Robbie, Intocable, Vaeria Bertuccelli, Our Latin Thing, and offers new takes
on some of Vicentico’s most beloved and well-known hits.Ximena Sariñana is a Mexican singer-songwriter and actress. Sariñana received critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for her debut album, "Mediocre," which was also nominated for two Latin Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Song. Sariñana has worked with musicians like Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Jason Mraz. Her second, self-titled album was released in 2011, and her third studio album, "No Todo lo Puedes Dar", was released in November 2014.
Latin Grammy nominated No Te Va Gustar was formed in 1994 in Montevideo, Uruguay. A blend of rock, pop, and reggae, their music mixes heartfelt and intelligent lyrics with a unique sound that blends local and international influences. No Te Va Gustar has released eight studio albums, all of which have gone Gold or Platinum in Uruguay and Argentina, and three live DVDs, No Te Va Gustar originally started as a trio but later expanded and added new styles of music to its repertoire such as reggae, candombe, salsa, ska and murga. With a career spanning over 20 years, No Te Va Gustar has been on tour over the last decade performing to fans worldwide
Watch the recap of last year’s LAMC:
This is the LAMC from LAMC on Vimeo.
Southern Italian Trance on Ludovico Einaudi’s Taranta Project (Ponderosa Music; US release: May 4, 2015)
From a media release:
From Salento to the World: The Global Soul of Southern Italian Trance on Ludovico Einaudi’s Taranta Project
(Ponderosa Music; US release: May 4, 2015)
• Buy the CD
Salento is the heel in the boot of Italy, part of the region known as Puglia, kept dry and dusty by the hot wind that crosses the Mediterranean from the Sahara and North Africa. Long before the Roman Empire existed, Salento was a Greek province, and the traditions and culture run deep here. None more so than the taranta, a musical form connected to the tarantula spiders often found in the fields. Their deadly bite could reputedly only be cured by the trance-like dance. All of that forms the heart of Taranta Project, the new album by acclaimed composer, conductor, and pianist Ludovico Einaudi (Ponderosa Music; US release: May 4, 2015).
His aim was to bring the taranta to a more universal level by connecting it with music from West Africa and Turkey. It explores tradition while keeping it firmly of the core of Taranta Project; the unmistakable hypnotic rhythm of the taranta provides the foundation of everything. “In 2010 and ’11 I was invited to direct a concert that’s happened for the last 15 years in Salento,” Einaudi explains. “It drew 100,000 people and we toured it the next year, recording what we did. After that we did more in the studio, and the result is that Taranta Project has a studio sound, but with all the energy of a live performance.”“I started by working with a regional orchestra,” Einaudi recalls. “There was accordion, percussion, and mandola. Then I brought in Ballaké Sissoko with his kora. And on the other side I had Justin Adams on electric guitar and Juldeh Camara on one-string ritti fiddle and vocals.” That was just the beginning. Mercan Dede added electronics, Turkish percussion, and ney flute, while the Roma Film Orchestra brought sweeping grandeur to the piece.
In this music, the sands are constantly shifting: On “Nazzu Nazzu,” desert blues dances with taranta in a fiery mix, powered by a raw guitar riff. The breathtaking “Preludio Nar-I Sehar” builds across 10 minutes, from reflective piano and violin to Arab percussion before resolving into a glorious cascade of notes in a kora improvisation. And everything closes with the quiet gentleness of voice and piano on “Nuvole Bianche.”
From the ancient, otherworldly polyphonic harmonies to the rich orchestral harmonies that climax “Santu Paulu Finale,” it’s a disc of remarkable adventure and breadth, weaving a web between countries and histories while keeping the sensibility of Salento intact. The music of Taranta Project captures not only the head but also the heart.
Einaudi is no stranger to mixing classical and roots music, to finding profound emotion in intellectually complex composition, or to collaborating with people from around the globe. He was a pupil of avant-garde composer Luciano Berio and has written works for modern classical chamber groups and
orchestras as well as recording solo on piano. Knighted in Italy for his music, this is the most ambitious labor he’s undertaken.“After I put the musicians together,” he says, “the big work after the rehearsals and the concerts was to select just an hour of it for the album. I wanted to stay close to the reality of the music without changing too much, to put myself into the music of taranta.”
Certainly those who worked with him feel he succeeded in his aim. “He took the tradition and he gave it a fresh seasoning from the future,” notes Mercan Dede. “He created a perfect balance.”
“It’s less foursquare than most European folk music,” observes Justin Adams. “Repetition is such a big part of it and it goes deep into your soul, both when you’re playing and when you’re listening to it. Ludovico makes it go from the epic to the intimate.”
Past and present come together with beauty and primal force, elegance and passion. And the Taranta Project has changed at least one life – that of Ludovico Einaudi. “Before this experience I thought I was a boy from northern Italy,” he admits with a smile. “After it, part of my heart is in Salento.”
April 30, 2015
Read Me: Short Story in the Spring 2015 issue of Origami Journal
Read Me:
Short Story in the Spring 2015 issue of
Origami Journal
• Check it out at the link
SPRING 2015 - A short story of mine was included in the recent Spring 2015 issue of Origami Journal. The web-based magazine publishes short fiction, poetry and photography on a quarterly basis.My story, entitled 'Happy', was inspired by my first work experience - a part-time job working at a butcher/delicatessen kind of place. I don't mention it in the story but I will here: I couldn't eat eat for five years after six months on the job there.
Enjoy!
- Anya Wassenberg
April 28, 2015
April 28 & 30 at Hot Docs Toronto - They Will Have To Kill Us First:Malian Music In Exile
From a media release:
They Will Have To Kill Us First:
Malian Music In Exile
Canadian Premiere at Hot Docs
www.TheyWillHaveToKillUsFirst.com
Remaining Hot Docs screenings are as follows:
Hart House Theatre - Tuesday 28 April 3.30pm
Hart House Theatre - Thursday 30 April 3.30pm
• Tickets
TORONTO - Together Films and Spring Films are proud to announce the Canadian Premiere of They Will Have To Kill Us First, the debut feature directed by Johanna Schwartz, produced by Sarah Mosses (Together Films), executive produced by Andre Singer (The Act of Killing), and with an original score by
Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), will take place at Hot Docs festival on Sunday 26 April 6.30pm at Scotiabank Theatre 4.
Islamic extremists have banned music in Mali, but its world famous musicians won't give up without a fight. They Will Have To Kill Us First tells the story of Mali's musicians as they fight for their right to sing.
With a specially commissioned soundtrack from some of Mali's most exciting artists, the film follows the stories of musicians: Kharia Arby, Fadimata "Disco" Walet Oumar, Moussa Sidi and introducing Songhoy Blues.
Music is the beating heart of Malian culture, but when Islamic jihadists took control of northern Mali in 2012, they enforced one of the harshest interpretations of sharia law in history and banned all forms of music. Radio stations were destroyed, instruments burned and Mali's musicians faced torture, even death. Overnight, Mali's revered musicians were forced into hiding or exile where most remain, even now. But rather than lay down their instruments, the musicians are fighting back, standing up for their freedoms and identity. Throughout their struggle, they have used music as their weapon against the ongoing violence that has left Mali ravaged.
They Will Have To Kill Us First sees musicians on the run, tells the story of the uprising of Touareg separatists, reveals rare footage of the jihadists, captures life at refugee camps where money and hope are scarce, charts perilous journeys home to war-ravaged cities, and follows our characters as they set up
and perform at the first public concert in Timbuktu since the music ban. A number of internationally renowned Malian musicians were commissioned to write bespoke songs for the soundtrack, including: Vieux Farka Touré, Abdallah AgAlhousseyni from Tinariwen and Afel Boucom. The soundtrack also exclusively contains two unreleaSed duets between Toumani Diabate and Ali Farka Toure, unreleased Songhoy Blues tracks, stunning vocals from newcomer Kankou Kouyate and more.
Andy Morgan, renowned journalist and former manager of Grammy award winning Malian band Tinariwen, co-wrote the film alongside director Johanna Schwartz. A soundtrack album will be released to accompany the film later in the year, Autumn 2015 date tbc.
105 mins
#TheyWillHaveToKillUsFirst @Music_In_Exile / Facebook.com/Music4mali
Key musicians featured:
Songhoy Blues – One of the most exciting new bands in Mali, created when four budding musicians from different corners of Mali fled to exile in Bamako. Writing and performing in response to the conflict, they captured the attention of Damon Albarn, featured on the recent Africa Express album before signing with Atlantic records and embarking on a sold out tour. We follow Songhoy on their rise to fame, from defying the ban by gigging in empty clubs in Bamako during the conflict, to recording their debut album with Nick Zinner and performing onstage at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. But despite their success, all they really dream of is going back home to perform, something which, for the moment,
they cannot do.
Disco’ and ‘Jimmy’ – Disco is a renowned singer, UN recognized humanitarian and outspoken activist. She is married to Jimmy, a leader within the MNLA – the group of Northern Touareg separatists who inadvertently allowed the Islamic militants to hijack their separatist rebellion and ban music. Disco organises gigs from her refugee camp base in Burkina Faso and is a constant support for musicians in exile, who look to her to eventually lead them home. If Disco goes back to Mali, everyone else will follow, but tense race relations within Mali since the conflict have led to violence and Disco is unsure of her safety. A surprise change of heart from Jimmy at the end of the film catapults both of their lives into a new sphere.
Moussa Sidi – Jimmy’s nephew from Northern Mali, Moussa was a relaxed, dreadlocked, jobbing musician and wedding singer before the conflict, but when jihadists took control he quickly adhered to the law they imposed, giving up music. For Moussa, jihadist rule was preferable to that of the Malian government who often targeted the Touareg ethnic groups. But when fighting escalated, and the Malian army rolled back into town, Moussa fled, fearing reprisals on light skinned Touaregs. Leaving his wife behind, he fled to Burkina Faso. His wife consequently spent six months in prison in Bamako for
supposed associations with enemies of the state. Now in exile, Moussa will return home during filming to face his wife and community.
Kharia Arby – The “Nightingale of the North”, internationally renowned and the mother of music in all of Mali. Kharia’s home was raided by Jihadists and her records and instruments destroyed. Her life was threatened on many occasions, yet she remains firm in her criticism of the jihadists, despite the danger. She campaigns tirelessly for democracy and organises the first public concert in Timbuktu since the conflict to prove that musicians will not be silenced. But with Timbuktu still blighted with frequent suicide bombs, and the future of Mali’s musicians on her shoulders, her dream to return music to TImbuktu hangs in the balance.
They Will Have To Kill Us First:
Malian Music In Exile
Canadian Premiere at Hot Docs
www.TheyWillHaveToKillUsFirst.com
Remaining Hot Docs screenings are as follows:
Hart House Theatre - Tuesday 28 April 3.30pm
Hart House Theatre - Thursday 30 April 3.30pm
• Tickets
TORONTO - Together Films and Spring Films are proud to announce the Canadian Premiere of They Will Have To Kill Us First, the debut feature directed by Johanna Schwartz, produced by Sarah Mosses (Together Films), executive produced by Andre Singer (The Act of Killing), and with an original score by
Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), will take place at Hot Docs festival on Sunday 26 April 6.30pm at Scotiabank Theatre 4.Islamic extremists have banned music in Mali, but its world famous musicians won't give up without a fight. They Will Have To Kill Us First tells the story of Mali's musicians as they fight for their right to sing.
With a specially commissioned soundtrack from some of Mali's most exciting artists, the film follows the stories of musicians: Kharia Arby, Fadimata "Disco" Walet Oumar, Moussa Sidi and introducing Songhoy Blues.
Music is the beating heart of Malian culture, but when Islamic jihadists took control of northern Mali in 2012, they enforced one of the harshest interpretations of sharia law in history and banned all forms of music. Radio stations were destroyed, instruments burned and Mali's musicians faced torture, even death. Overnight, Mali's revered musicians were forced into hiding or exile where most remain, even now. But rather than lay down their instruments, the musicians are fighting back, standing up for their freedoms and identity. Throughout their struggle, they have used music as their weapon against the ongoing violence that has left Mali ravaged.
They Will Have To Kill Us First sees musicians on the run, tells the story of the uprising of Touareg separatists, reveals rare footage of the jihadists, captures life at refugee camps where money and hope are scarce, charts perilous journeys home to war-ravaged cities, and follows our characters as they set up
and perform at the first public concert in Timbuktu since the music ban. A number of internationally renowned Malian musicians were commissioned to write bespoke songs for the soundtrack, including: Vieux Farka Touré, Abdallah AgAlhousseyni from Tinariwen and Afel Boucom. The soundtrack also exclusively contains two unreleaSed duets between Toumani Diabate and Ali Farka Toure, unreleased Songhoy Blues tracks, stunning vocals from newcomer Kankou Kouyate and more.Andy Morgan, renowned journalist and former manager of Grammy award winning Malian band Tinariwen, co-wrote the film alongside director Johanna Schwartz. A soundtrack album will be released to accompany the film later in the year, Autumn 2015 date tbc.
105 mins
#TheyWillHaveToKillUsFirst @Music_In_Exile / Facebook.com/Music4mali
Key musicians featured:
Songhoy Blues – One of the most exciting new bands in Mali, created when four budding musicians from different corners of Mali fled to exile in Bamako. Writing and performing in response to the conflict, they captured the attention of Damon Albarn, featured on the recent Africa Express album before signing with Atlantic records and embarking on a sold out tour. We follow Songhoy on their rise to fame, from defying the ban by gigging in empty clubs in Bamako during the conflict, to recording their debut album with Nick Zinner and performing onstage at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. But despite their success, all they really dream of is going back home to perform, something which, for the moment,
they cannot do.Disco’ and ‘Jimmy’ – Disco is a renowned singer, UN recognized humanitarian and outspoken activist. She is married to Jimmy, a leader within the MNLA – the group of Northern Touareg separatists who inadvertently allowed the Islamic militants to hijack their separatist rebellion and ban music. Disco organises gigs from her refugee camp base in Burkina Faso and is a constant support for musicians in exile, who look to her to eventually lead them home. If Disco goes back to Mali, everyone else will follow, but tense race relations within Mali since the conflict have led to violence and Disco is unsure of her safety. A surprise change of heart from Jimmy at the end of the film catapults both of their lives into a new sphere.
Moussa Sidi – Jimmy’s nephew from Northern Mali, Moussa was a relaxed, dreadlocked, jobbing musician and wedding singer before the conflict, but when jihadists took control he quickly adhered to the law they imposed, giving up music. For Moussa, jihadist rule was preferable to that of the Malian government who often targeted the Touareg ethnic groups. But when fighting escalated, and the Malian army rolled back into town, Moussa fled, fearing reprisals on light skinned Touaregs. Leaving his wife behind, he fled to Burkina Faso. His wife consequently spent six months in prison in Bamako for
supposed associations with enemies of the state. Now in exile, Moussa will return home during filming to face his wife and community.Kharia Arby – The “Nightingale of the North”, internationally renowned and the mother of music in all of Mali. Kharia’s home was raided by Jihadists and her records and instruments destroyed. Her life was threatened on many occasions, yet she remains firm in her criticism of the jihadists, despite the danger. She campaigns tirelessly for democracy and organises the first public concert in Timbuktu since the conflict to prove that musicians will not be silenced. But with Timbuktu still blighted with frequent suicide bombs, and the future of Mali’s musicians on her shoulders, her dream to return music to TImbuktu hangs in the balance.
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