Dee Dee Bridgewater: Memphis … Yes, I’m Ready
2019-11-28 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Toronto) | Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
In honour of her Memphis roots, 2017 NEA Jazz Master, three-time Grammy and Tony Award winner, and UN Ambassador Dee Dee Bridgewater brings the city’s rich musical history to life with a collection of blues, R&B and soul classics on Thursday, November 28 at Koerner Hall.
For tickets, go to rcmusic.com.

Estonian Music Week presents Laila Biali & Kadri Voorand
2019-11-29 - 2019-12-01
Two multi-award winning singer-songwriters from opposite sides of the world join forces for two amazing evenings of music. Canada’s Laila Biali and Estonia’s Kadri Voorand.

Friday, November 29 at The Westdale in Hamilton
Saturday, November 30 at The Royal Cinema in Toronto

For tickets, visit thewestdale.ca or eventbrite.ca.

Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
2019-11-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
In the seven decades since the Blind Boys of Alabama first began singing together, America has witnessed a World War, the civil rights movement, and the Summer of Love; the moon landing, Vietnam, and the fall of the Berlin Wall; JFK, MLK, and Malcolm X; the invention of the jukebox, the atomic bomb, and the internet “Gospel titans.”
The Blind Boys of Alabama have risen to fame with their thrilling vocal harmonies and roof-raising live show. This concert brings you songs from the Talkin’ Christmas! album, the band’s Grammy Award-winning Christmas recording, Go, Tell it on the Mountain, and other Gospel classics.
For tickets, go to rcmusic.com.

Emilie-Claire Barlow: Winter Lights
2019-11-29 20:00 - 23:00 | Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, Ontario, Canada
Emilie Claire Barlow – Winter Lights
Flato Markham Theatre
Friday, November 29 • 8PM
Elements of both jazz and pop feature prominently in Winter Lights, a Christmas holiday show to see a top “Canadian jazz chanteuse display an impressive vocal range.” (Latin Jazz Network). Emilie-Claire Barlow is an award-winning, critically-acclaimed jazz singer, arranger, record producer and voice actress. Known for her treatment of both classic pop and jazz songs delivered with a relaxed, polished demeanor, charming humour, and a voice of unforgettable beauty, “she adds newfound depth to such varied selections…” (jazztimes.com). A highly engaging performer with a warm, lithe vocal style and a knack for tackling urbane jazz standards, Emilie-Claire is back to Markham with an eclectic mix of holiday favourites, wintry tunes and classics from her own repertoire.
Tickets at flatomarkhamtheatre.ca.

PAMA Paints: Landscape Workshop
2019-12-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Peel Art Gallery, Museum + Archives, 9 Wellington St E, Brampton, ON, Canada
PAMA Paints: Landscape Workshop
Thursday, December 5, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, Brampton
Explore the serenity and beauty of landscape artworks inspired by George Paginton using basic painting techniques in a fun and social artistic environment. This special landscape workshop is hosted by local artist Tamara Thompson and includes a guided tour of the George Paginton: Painting a Nation exhibit. Painting materials are provided.
Tickets are $15 for the general public, members $12.75.
Reserve your spot now.

Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes
2019-12-31 - 2020-02-03 | Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
An author and star professor, wracked with self-loathing after a third divorce, catches himself admiring a student – a girl in a red coat. Turns out the girl is a huge fan of his work. She also lives just down the street and gets locked out one afternoon…
Hannah Moscovitch takes an archetypal scenario, the student-teacher romance, and turns it on its head, re-envisioning it for our post-#MeToo era.
Tickets available now at tarragontheatre.com.

Danilo Pérez’s Global Messengers with the Allison Au Quartet
2020-01-25 20:00 - 22:00 | Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
Panamanian jazz pianist and composer, Danilo Pérez, serves as a UNESCO Artist for Peace, Cultural Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, Founder and Artistic Director of the Panama Jazz Festival, as well as Founder and Artistic Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in Boston’s Berklee College of Music. In this concert, he leads musicians from Palestine, Greece, Jordan, and Panama, with varied musical traditions and instrumentation to match.
Juno Award-winning saxophonist Allison Au opens the evening with her quartet and special guest vocalist Laila Biali.
The Royal Conservatory has commissioned both Pérez and Au to write new pieces, with Pérez’s work, titled Fronteras (Borders), receiving its Canadian premiere and Au’s, called Migrations, a world premiere.
Please stay and enjoy a beverage after the concert and enjoy the postlude performance with Andrew McAnsh Quartet.

Tarragon Theatre presents This Was the World
2020-01-28 - 2020-03-02 | Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
“I’m no longer sure what’s allowed.”
John, a 60-something white professor of Constitutional Law and Indigenous Rights is unhappy with a new faculty hire. He seeks to draw a student into his conflict with the Dean’s office, which leads to a complaint, which leads to a reprimand, which leads to a breakdown of the man, his daughter, and their understanding of the world.
A play about old power and new ideas, academia and decolonization, language and authority.
Tickets available now at tarragontheatre.com.

Tafelmusik presents Safe Haven
2020-02-02 20:00 - 22:00 | Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, Ontario, Canada
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir presents Safe Haven, a multimedia creation by Alison Mackay.
This concert of masterworks portrays the influence of migration on the cultural life of Europe and present-day Canada. Featuring works by Vivaldi, Lully, Corelli, Bach and more, Safe Haven explores the influence of refugees on beloved baroque composers and celebrates the cross-pollination of art made possible by a welcoming society.
For tickets, go to flatomarkhamtheatre.ca or call 905-305-7469.

The Rose Brampton presents Africville Stories
2020-02-02 20:00 - 22:00 | The Rose Theatre Brampton, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton, Ontario, L6V 0A3, Canada
Africville Stories is Order of Canada recipient Joe Sealy’s new presentation that expands his 1997 Juno Award-winning recording Africville Suite.
Established in 1847, “Africville” was nestled on the shores of the Bedford Basin at the north end of Halifax and was Canada’s oldest black community, until it was razed in the late 1960s as an “urban improvement” measure. “Africville” overcame a multitude of challenges by pulling from the hearts and souls of its residents in order to survive for more than a century, until the final building was demolished in 1970. The stories surrounding George Dixon, Joe Louis, Portia White and Duke Ellington combine to create the legacy of this unique Canadian community. Africville Stories tells of this legacy in a narrative and musical journey, with guest artists Jackie Richardson and Paul Novotny.
Get tickets at tickets.brampton.ca.

Sonia Johnson CD Launch: Chrysalis
2020-02-02 20:30 - 22:30 | Hugh’s Room Live, 296 Broadview Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M4M 2G7, Canada
Juno Award winner and singer-songwriter Sonia Johnson is revealing herself on her new, acclaimed album Chrysalis.
“…Listening to this music feels like opening an ornate box to reveal hidden gems.” — Raul da Gama, The Whole Note
“…A voice that is pure and silky and a delivery that is polished and timeless…” — Marty Delia, JazzBlog (Australia)
Come share this audacious musical road trip. Poetic and soulful, definitely slowly woven with long silk yarn!
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. To purchase visit hughsroomlive.com.

Maple Blues Awards
2020-02-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
The Royal Conservatory of Music and the Toronto Blues Society present: the 23rd annual Maple Blues Awards on Monday, Feb. 3 at Koerner Hall.
Canada’s biggest celebration of blues music is hosted by Iranian-Canadian Blues singer and bassist Raha Javanfar and features performances by Dawn Tyler Watson, Matchedash Parish, Miss Emily, and Big Dave McLean backed by the Maple Blues Band.
Tickets start at $35. To purchase tickets, visit rcmusic.com/performance.

Black History Month: The Staple Singers, First Family of Song
2020-02-05 19:00 - 20:00 | North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, M2N5N9, Canada
This lecture explores the music of the Staple Singers from their first gospel recording in 1953 to Mavis Staples’ extraordinary solo career, culminating with Mavis being awarded the first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Rock Honors award in September 2019. In addition to exploring the Staple Singers’ transition from gospel music iconoclasts to soul music superstars, attention will be paid to their work as ‘sonic warriors’ during the Civil Rights Movement.
About the speaker: Rob Bowman is a Grammy Award-winning Professor of Music at York University.
Call 416-395-5639 to register for this free program.

Jane Monheit at Samuel’s Grande Manor
2020-02-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Samuel’s Grande Manor, 8750 Main St., Williamsville, NY, 14221, United States
Jane Monheit
Thursday, Feb. 6 • 8 p.m.
Samuel’s Grande Manor, Buffalo, N.Y.
Blessed with “a voice of phenomenal beauty” (Stephen Holden, The New York Times), don’t miss two-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Jane Monheit at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Buffalo, N.Y., on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m.
Tickets start at $35. To purchase, visit samuelsgrandemanor.com.

Keiko Matsui at Flato Markham Theatre
2020-02-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, Ontario, Canada
Acclaimed smooth jazz pianist and composer Keiko Matsui’s transcendent and haunting melodies have long sought to build bridges. Her sonic cultural exchange has reached the hearts and minds of fans throughout the world and has allowed the pianist to work alongside icons Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela and Bob James. A master storyteller, Matsui crafts exquisite compositions replete with lush harmonies and global rhythms to create timeless musical anthems.
For tickets, go to flatomarkhamtheatre.ca or call 905-305-7469.

Susan Aglukark and Lacey Hill at Koerner Hall
2020-02-07 20:00 - 22:00 | Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
On stage Friday, Feb. 7 at Koerner Hall, three-time Juno Award-winning Inuk recording artist Susan Aglukark and Oneida singer-songwriter Lacey Hill. An evening of traditional and contemporary music, rich with emotional depth and honesty to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
Tickets start at $35. To purchase, visit rcmusic.com/performance.

Culchahworks presents… Fish & Rum
2020-02-14 - 2020-02-17 | Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2J2, Canada
A fictional retelling of the real-life history of illicit trade between the islands of Newfoundland and Jamaica during the Prohibition Era
Newfoundland’s famous “screech” can only be made from Jamaican rum, while ackee and saltfish – the national dish of Jamaica – requires salt cod, and cod is not native to the waters off Jamaica’s shores. So how did this come to be?
Culchahworks examines this question in a riveting new drama, written and directed by Artistic Director Andrew Craig.
Set in 1923 – the height of the Prohibition era – “Fish And Rum” is the story of two families: one in Kingston, Jamaica, the other in a remote Newfoundland outport. Unknown to each other, the families live out parallel lives of struggle, in an uncertain economic climate. But the families become unwittingly connected through barter: the Newfoundlanders send salted cod to Jamaica, in exchange for rum barrels.
John Parsons, head of the Newfoundland family, one day decides to send lesser-grade cod to Jamaica, thinking no one will notice. Unfortunately, Roxroy James, the recipient in Kingston, does notice, and retaliates by sending lesser-grade barrels. Thus begins a race to the bottom that will have serious consequences for both families, and their communities.
All this is set against the backdrop of widespread political corruption, the fight for women’s rights, and of course, rum running. In the end, we see how each individual action has an effect on many. We are all connected.
Told in both Newfoundland dialect and Jamaican patois (with surtitles), “Fish And Rum” offers a fascinating and factual look into life in Newfoundland and Jamaica in the 1920s. Even though the islands are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, their experiences are eerily parallel.
The music in “Fish And Rum” is a brand-new hybrid: a fusion of the traditional music of Newfoundland with the music that would have been popular in Jamaica one hundred years ago – a little-known style called Mento.
Presented in partnership with the Al Green Theatre, “Fish And Rum” is a hybrid theatre/video production unlike any other, that will engage, enlighten, and entertain. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this live studio performance and taping!
Get tickets at fishandrum.ca.

Bravo Niagara! presents Kurt Elling
2020-02-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Partridge Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 50 St Paul St, St Catherines, ON, L2R 3M2, Canada
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, presented by Bravo Niagara! at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines.
Get tickets at bravoniagara.org.

Family Day at PAMA – Free Admission
2020-02-17 10:00 - 16:30 | Peel Art Gallery, Museum + Archives, 9 Wellington St E, Brampton, ON, Canada
Spend a fun-filled Family Day at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum & Archives with free activities and events for the whole family, inspired by our winter exhibitions.

Join Mark Sepic and his band Junkestra for a musical performance using recycled and repurposed items as instruments. Show times: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Space is limited, seating is on first-come, first-seated basis.
Add your mark to our large interactive digital graffiti wall
Create with colour and bring Coco and Wellington to life in our colouring room
Give new life to bottle caps and make your own musical recycled art instruments
Celebrate your family and your own history by creating a fingerprint family tree
Explore sensory activities in our new Quiet Zone

For more information about PAMA’s free, Family Day programming visit pama.peelregion.ca.

B-Jazzed presents The Best of Blue Note Records
2020-02-18 20:00 - 22:00 | The Rose Theatre Brampton, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton, Ontario, L6V 0A3, Canada
The Bernie Senensky Sextet pays tribute to the iconic Blue Note Records label on its 80th anniversary, featuring classic recordings by such artists as Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Art Blakey and more.
Get tickets at tickets.brampton.ca.

TO Live presents… Ears, Eyes, Voice
2020-02-20 - 2020-03-09 | Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M2N 6R8, Canada
TO Live presents Ears, Eyes, Voice, a groundbreaking photography exhibition featuring 41 important visual works by renowned Black Canadian photojournalists Jules Elder, Eddie Grant, Diane Liverpool, Al Peabody and Jim Russell.
The combined archive of these five revolutionary photographers reveals a comprehensive and rare record that visually documents over three decades of stories that tell the important history of Toronto’s diverse Black communities.
Training their lens on politicians, community members, activists, and protesters, as well as entertainers and athletes, the images range from backstage with Peter Tosh and Tina Turner and early Caribana images to documenting farm workers, capturing images of political protests against the Toronto police and local anti-apartheid protests, to local Ebony fashion shows and the crowning of Miss Black Ontario.
Admission to Ears, Eyes, Voice is free.
Ears, Eyes, Voice is organized and circulated by Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue (BAND) and curated by Dr. Julie Crooks.
Exhibition hours: Thursday to Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.
Exhibition is also open to anyone attending other events at Meridian Arts Centre.

Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival
2020-02-21 - 2020-02-24
Toronto’s 18th annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival presents more than 100 artists on five stages for three days of music, February 21st – 23rd. Located in the Annex area, Winterfolk is an all-ages family festival featuring the best in blues, bluegrass, light rock, jazz, country, folk, and roots music.
It is the ideal event for music-lovers seeking new and exciting things to do in Toronto.

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra at the Rose Brampton
2020-02-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Rose Theatre Brampton, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton, Ontario, L6V 0A3, Canada
2010 Grammy Award winners for “Best Large Jazz Ensemble”, The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) was formed in 2002, to celebrate and fortify the American Jazz portfolio while providing infrastructure for developing the New Orleans Jazz industry. Led by Artistic Director Adonis Rose, this 18-piece big band has an ever-increasing repertoire that exemplifies the influence of Jazz as the grandfather of all modern American music. On their new release in spring 2019, NOJO takes a look into the mind and music of New Orleans’ piano legend Allen Toussaint, whose music has influenced generations spanning. In their inimitable swinging style, the Orchestra performs original Big Band arrangements of Toussaint’s greatest hits. Get tickets here.

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra at the Burlington PAC
2020-02-27 20:00 - 22:00 | burlington performing arts centre, 440 Locust Street, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1T7, Canada
The renowned New Orleans Jazz Orchestra is touring their new album Songs: The Music of Allen Toussaint inspired by the legendary composer and musician. NOJO is the first big band to take on the music of Toussaint and the results honour not only him, but the broader musical culture of his hometown. Be transported to the land of jazz and funk and experience the sounds of New Orleans right here in downtown Burlington.
New Orleans is a musical melting pot that has been cooking up music royalty for nearly a century. The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), now in its 17th year, is dedicated to preserving the tradition of New Orleans music and culture while exploring the works of artists that would be considered outside of the realm of jazz.
Allen Toussaint and his music have influenced decades of musicians, bands, composers and listeners alike. Not only in New Orleans, but globally. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
To cover Toussaint’s music with integrity and love was important to NOJO’s Artistic Director, Adonis Rose, especially since he felt it was perfect long before any artists covered it. It is NOJO’s mission and responsibility to honor all New Orleans musicians and expose their music to the world and share the many contributions they have made to the arts.
Get tickets at burlingtonpac.ca.

Fatoumata Diawara at Flato Markham Theatre
2020-02-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, Ontario, Canada
“…a classy affair that demonstrates her impressive musical range” – The Guardian
Afropop superstar Fatoumata Diawara has built her remarkable career, criss-crossing the world performing modern Afropop music rooted in West African tradition.
Performing music from her Grammy Award nominated album Fenfo, Fatoumata brings her impressive musical range and style to Flato Markham Theatre, Friday February 28th.
For tickets visit flatomarkhamtheatre.ca

Orpheus Choir of Toronto presents… Jazz with Passion
2020-02-29 19:30 - 22:00 | Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Orpheus Choir of Toronto presents Jazz with Passion, a creative fusion of jazz, gospel and choral music featuring the Canadian premiere of Will Todd’s evocative Easter oratorio, Passion Music, the improvisatory stylings of pianist John Sherwood, and the soulful songstress Melissa Davis with a quintet of Toronto’s finest jazz musicians. Saturday, February 29th at Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Road.
Tickets start at $20, to purchase visit www.orpheuschoirtoronto.com.

Raul Midón and Lionel Loueke at Koerner Hall
2020-02-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
Genre-bending icons join forces for an evening of song and guitar wizardry, culminating in an unforgettable jam.
Saturday, February 29th, don’t miss Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón, with West African roots and jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke at Koerner Hall. And after the concert, enjoy a beverage and more music at the Postlude Performance.
Tickets start at $40 each, to purchase visit rcmusic.com/performance

New Orleans Jazz Orchestra at Flato Markham Theatre
2020-02-29 20:00 - 22:30 | Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, Ontario, Canada
Celebrate Mardi Gras with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.
New Orleans is a musical melting pot that’s been cooking up music royalty for nearly a century. On Saturday, February 29th at Flato Markham Theatre, the renowned New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, led by Artistic Director Adonis Rose, will reflect on the wide-ranging influence of the legendary composer, singer, pianist, and producer Allen Toussaint. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Toussaint influenced decades of musicians, bands, composers and listeners worldwide.
For tickets to see the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, visit flatomarkhamtheatre.ca

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
2020-03-07 - 2020-03-09 | Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
“Highbrow Hilarity from New York’s marvelous all-male ballerinas.” — The Sunday Telegraph
Go totally ‘TUTU’ for the world famous all-male ballet company, New York’s Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.
Slyly skewing the classics from the much-loved Swan Lake to Le Grand Pas de Quatre, this uproariously funny performance blends outrageous physical comedy with flawless ballet technique, leaving you cheering from your seat and rolling in the aisles with laughter!
Tickets for Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo from $35 at ticketking.com.

Simon Hughes: Works, 2001-2020 Virtual Tour
2020-06-03 - 2020-10-02
The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in Brampton presents Simon Hughes: Works, 2001-2020, a 360-degree exhibition tour of the first public survey of contemporary Winnipeg artist Simon Hughes. This interactive tour features highlights from different stages of Hughes’ artistic development over his twenty-year career, and is complete with textual information and videos of the artist.
The online exhibit opens June 3 and will run until October.
Take the tour: peelregion.ca/pama/simon-hughes/
