KUUMBA -
African Heritage Month festival
at Harbourfront
Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto)
Dozens
of free events beginning February 2 through February 16, 2006
Information: 416-973-4000 or www.harbourfrontcentre.com
TORONTO, January 20, 2006-This year Kuumba at Harbourfront
Centre celebrates African Heritage Month with two diverse weeks of
profile musicians, authors and films, dance workshops and food demos, a Canadian
Reggae Music Summit and Caribbean comedy night. An Urban music and culture
photography exhibit complements family storytelling and Soul on Ice family
skating events. To access the huge variety of Kuumba happenings, please consult
the event descriptions below.
All Kuumba events celebrate the vitality of Toronto's
African-Canadian community by showcasing works that profile innovative Canadian
and international artists. Kuumba begins on Thursday February 2, 2006
and continues right through to February 16, 2006. Most events are
free admission and take place on the weekends of February 4 & 5 and February
11 & 12 at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West, Toronto).
For more information and to purchase tickets for ticketed events the
public can call 416-973-4000 or visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com
Ticketed Kuumba Events Include:
Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 416-973-4000
Don Letts View Points artist talk and film screening:
Thursday February 2 (Brigantine Room, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., $10 admission /
$5 for students and seniors)
A rare live appearance by UK Punk/Reggae DJ, music and film maker legend Don
Letts launches the festival with an exclusive View Points artist
talk (hosted by 102.1 the Edge Program Director Alan Cross) accompanied
by the Canadian premiere of his Gil Scott-Heron BBC documentary The
Revolution Will Not Be Televised. Kuumba also features free screenings of
some of his documentaries and films on February 4 (details below). View
Points at Harbourfront Centre is a series of discussions about
contemporary culture focussing on artistic issues and current affairs local,
national and international.
Canadian Reggae Music Summit Showcase & After Party
Saturday February 4 (Brigantine Room, 10 p.m., $10 admission)
Concluding the first free Canadian
Reggae Music Summit (details below) this exciting live concert event
mashes up band and DJ performances from Toronto brethren like Superheavy
Reggae, DJ Patrick Roots, Ibadan, King Ujah, Treson, Sonia
Collymore, Kay Morris, Blessed and more! Co-produced by canadianreggaeworld.com
International Readings presents Revival: An Anthology of Black
Canadian Writing
Wednesday February 8 (Brigantine Room, 7:30 p.m., $8 admission)
Readings by George Elliott Clarke, Afua Cooper, Lorna
Goodison and Lawrence Hill
with an event Roundtable hosted by Donna Bailey Nurse, Ed.
Harbourfront Centre's International Readings presents Revival: An
Anthology of Black Canadian Writing. Featuring some of the country’s
leading black authors, the readings and roundtable explore themes and motifs
that define and illuminate the meaning of being black - while tracing the
evolution of this literature through colonialism, post-colonialism and
decolonization.
Donné Roberts CD Release Concert:
Saturday February 11 (Brigantine Room, 9:30 p.m., $10 admission / $5
for Music Africa members)
Kuumba and Music Africa (producers of Afrofest - www.musicafrica.org) team
up for the first time to present the official CD release party for Toronto's
multi-talented Madagascar Salegy Afro-Funk vocalist/guitarist and songwriter Donné
Roberts. Also featuring an awesome blend of African music spun by DJ
Biggie, this event celebrates the release of Roberts debut solo CD
Rhythm Was Born. In 2005 Roberts received a Juno Award (as well as being
nominated for a CUMA - Canadian Urban Music Award) and performed at Toronto's
Live 8 as a member of the African Guitar Summit. Roberts has also experienced
international success as a musician and promoter of renown in Russia and the
Ukraine. More information on this amazing artist at www.donnerobert.com
Kuumba
program descriptions:
(all
events free admission except those listed above)
Kuumba Comedy
Saturday February 11 (Lakeside Terrace, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Free)
This Caribbean comedy night and official Carte Blanche comedy CD
release event features acclaimed stand up comedy from Nubian Disciples like Jean
Paul (Comedy Inc.) and Marc Trinidad. Hosted by Canadian comedy
legend and Nubian Disciple event creator Kenny Robinson. Co-produced
with Up From The Roots productions (www.upfromtheroots.ca)
Kuumba Community Forum
Meet The Coalition: A Community Summit
Sunday February 12 (Brigantine Room, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Free)
Join representatives from the 28-member Coalition of African Canadian
Organizations as they share insight, mandate, and action plan items as well
as invite discussion on a range of issues including; community
self-sufficiency; funding of services and programs; improving police-community
relations; the Safe Schools Act and conditions that contribute to youth
violence.
Kuumba Culinary
Celebrity chef demonstrations and food
sampling from some of Toronto's top African and Caribbean chefs as well as
celebrity demos and a children's cooking class. Chefs include popular Mardi
Gras restaurateur and Global-TV's Beer Buddies Show co-host/chef Anthony
Mair and Aziza Akdem from Ethiopian Village Food and Spice.
This year Kuumba will also feature a children's cooking class with Ikeila
Wright and celebrity cooking demonstrations from singer/songwriter Jully
Black and MuchMusic VJ Matte Babel. Delightful Diva Shelley
Hamilton is our stage host and guide to the tasty offerings.
Chef Dwight Boswell recipe demonstration from
The Naparima Girl’s High school Cookbook (1988 to 2005)
Saturday February 4 (Lakeside Terrace, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Free)
Co-produced by A Different Booklist.
Savour the cuisine of Trinidad & Tobago with The Naparima Girls High
School Cookbook. Sample all things sweet, succulent, hot, spicy and
Caribbean from this world famous cookbook. Food samples cost $1.
Kuumba Kid’s Cooking Class
Saturday February 4 (Lakeside Terrace, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Free)
Children are welcome to join in a fun and creative cooking class instructed by
culinary queen Ikeila Wright from Leaf of Life Catering. This
class features chocolate fruit confections - a delicious mix of chocolate &
tropical fruits – with an emphasis on making beautiful and edible art. This
class is recommended for ages 6 to 12 years. It is advised that children
under 6 years old be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. The maximum
number of participants is 20 children.
Aziza Akdem from Ethiopian Village Food and Spice
Saturday February 11 (Lakeside Terrace, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Free)
Aziza Akdem cooks up the savory Ethiopian dish T'ibs W’ate, a
delicious mix of lentil and vegetable injeera, presented in beautiful hand made
baskets. Food samples $1.
Anthony Mair from Mardi Gras Bistro
Saturday February 11 (Lakeside Terrace, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Free)
Acclaimed chef and co-host of the television series, Beer Buddies, Anthony
Mair prepares Mardi Gras Jambalaya – a medley of plump juicy
chicken, spicy smoked sausage, fresh garden herbs and vegetables all combined
together in a tasty tomato broth and creole tomato sauce. Food samples $1.
Celebrity Feast for Two
Saturday February 4 and February 11 (Lakeside Terrace, Free)
This year’s culinary events at Kuumba feature two notable Toronto celebrities
cooking up their own favorite dishes. Two lucky audience members will be given
the opportunity to win a Feast for Two - where they will dine on a
celebrity dish.
Celebrity Feast for Two - Jully Black cooks Ghetto Gourmet Buff Wings
Saturday February 4 (Lakeside Terrace, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Free)
Talented Toronto singer/songwriter superstar Jully Black dishes up her
own yummy home made feast.
Celebrity Feast for Two - Matte Babel cooks Stew Chicken
Saturday February 11 (Lakeside Terrace, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Free)
Popular MuchMusic VJ Matte Babel is not only charismatic and good
looking, but is confident in the kitchen as well!
Free introductory dance workshop
classes for beginner to professional in African, Modern, Hip-hop and Caribbean
styles. Dance instructors include Vivine Scarlett (Artistic Director -
Dance Immersion), Patrick Parson (Artistic Director - Ballet Creole) and
Charmaine Headley (Cofounder of COBA).
Intro to African Dance for
Children with Vivine Scarlett
Sunday February 5 and February 12 (Lakeside Terrace, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.,
Free)
Renowned choreographer and dancer Vivine Scarlett introduces children to
African Dance with live musical accompaniment. Vivine is a dance instructor
whose artistic goals and aspirations are rooted in her love of West African
dance and movement. This class is recommended for ages 6 to 12 years old.
Sunday February 5 (Lakeside Terrace, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Free)
Trini-Bajan Charmaine Headley, co-founder, teacher and performer of COBA
(Collective Of Black Artists) conducts an all ages open class exploring
Caribbean Indigenous dance. Charmaine is a graduate of the School of Toronto
Dance Theatre and the School of the Barbados Dance Theatre, and has performed
with the Barbados National Dance Theatre Company.
African Contemporary Dance with Patrick Parson
Sunday February 5 (Lakeside Terrace, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Free)
Patrick Parson (founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Creole) leads a
dance workshop which explores traditional African rhythms. Patrick regularly
conducts dance/music workshops and lectures for educators and students
throughout Ontario. He has completed a Masters Degree in Dance Ethnology at
York University, and is a professor in the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Fusion – It’s All In The Mix with Solange Fermin
Sunday February 12 (Lakeside Terrace, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Free)
This Jazz & Hip Hop fusion dance class will get audiences moving! Solange
is a member of Toronto’s Dance Immersion and has been blessed with a career
that has taken her to numerous parts of the U.S. to train, teach, choreograph
and perform.
Intro to Hip-Hop and Reggae Dance with Jade “Hollywood” Anderson
Sunday February 12 (Lakeside Terrace, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Free)
"Hollywood” - one of the hottest Hip Hop & Reggae
choreographer/dancers in Toronto - leads an intense class of Reggae Dancehall
that combines old and new moves. He is a member of Blaze Entertainment,
Toronto’s elite dance company.
Kuumba Family Events
The first ever Soul On Ice family fun skate will feature Black hockey
trailblazers and great Funky music while additional family events include a
children's cooking class, make-and-take craft activities and storytelling by
local masters.
Soul on Ice Family
Skate:
Sunday February 5 & February 12 (Natrel Rink, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.,
Free)
Kuumba’s first skating party is co-produced with Kirk Brooks from Debut
Sports. Meet Black hockey trailblazers. Bring your skates, or rent them
on-site. Skate to the funk at the Natrel Rink - Canada's largest outdoor
artificial surface.
ZOOM! Storytelling:
Prominent Toronto-based storytellers weave tales that spark the imagination of
young listeners
Sunday February 5 (Studio Theatre, 3 p.m., Free)
Acclaimed Trinidadian born actor/writer Dirk McLean reads from his
children's book Steel Drums and Ice Skates
Sunday February 5 (Studio Theatre, 4 p.m., Free)
Featuring Kingston, Jamaica born artist, storyteller and playwright Bernadette
Dyer
Sunday February 12 (Studio Theatre, 3 p.m., Free)
Dirk McLean reads from his children's book Steel Drums and Ice
Skates
Sunday February 12 (Studio Theatre, 4 p.m., Free)
Featuring Justine Gogoua,
director of the multitalented Groupe des Arts Bassan
Saturday February 4 and February 11 (ZOOM! Room, 1 p.m. to 5
p.m., Free)
This arts and crafts make-and-take activity (instructed by talented visual
artist Nazreth Mebrahtu) asks children to look at their own neighborhood
and recreate it in a fun, fanciful way, using every day recycled materials.
Kuumba Theatre Workshop
Saturday February 4 (The Loft, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Free)
A unique introduction to the world of theatre with multi-talented playwright Michael
Miller (In the Freedom of Dreams: The Story of Nelson Mandela). This
workshop is recommended for 9 to 12 year olds. Participants will also perform a
short piece to conclude the workshop session.
Sunday February 5 and February 12 (Lakeside Terrace, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.,
Free)
Refer to event description in Dance section
Kuumba Kid’s Cooking Class:
Saturday February 4 (Lakeside Terrace, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Free)
Refer to event description in Culinary section
Don Letts Film and Documentary Series
Saturday February 4 (Studio Theatre, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Note (are there any descriptions for these films?)
An integral player in the original British Punk and Reggae scenes, Kuumba
presents several of Letts' films and documentaries including Dance Hall
Queen at 2 p.m., Punk: Attitude at 6 p.m.
and Sun Ra: Brother From Another Planet at 4 p.m.
Calypso at Dirty Jim’s
(2005, 86 minutes)
(Canadian premiere film screening & panel discussion)
Sunday February 5 (Brigantine Room, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Free)
This Trinidadian version of Buena Vista Social Club features Calypso
legends Lord Superior, Mighty Sparrow, Bomber and Calypso Rose (among others)
performing their hits live and recounting their days at the infamous Dirty
Jim’s Swizzle Club in 1950’s Trinidad. They also discuss the past, present
and future of Calypso. (More info at www.calypso-at-dirty-jims.com) After the
documentary there will be a panel discussion called From Extempo and Calypso
to Soca, Rapso and Beyond - moderated by critic William Doyle
Marshall and featuring panelists Eddie Bullen, Jayson, Villaz, and Kevin
(Fetenet.com).
Saturday February 11 (Studio Theatre, 2 p.m., Free)
When two popular rap groups join forces to create a new musical revolution in
Cuba, they never expected to be thrust into an intense journey into the heart
of hip-hop. This documentary follows the artists of Doble-Filo and Obessión -
known collectively as La Fabri-K (The Factory) - from their humble homes
in Havana throughout their eye-popping concert tour of the United States. Will
they be lured by the glitter of consumerism or will their mission lead to a
revival of musical consciousness?
Saturday February 11 (Studio Theatre, 4 p.m., Free)
Clips from Bob Marley and the Wailers’ famed summer 1977 concert at London’s
Rainbow Theatre also includes the documentary Caribbean Nights: The Bob
Marley Story. The program features Marley staples as well as recently shot
footage of the famed Tuff Gong Studio and the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston
Jamaica.
Breakin’ In: The Making of a Hip Hop Video Dancer (55 minutes)
Saturday February 11 (Studio Theatre, 7 p.m., Free)
Three young African Canadian women from Toronto (one of them a Regent Park
single mom) struggle through their options as they try to break into the
notoriously competitive music video industry. Which of them will make it?
Directed by Elizabeth St. Philip. Documentary courtesy of National Film Board
of Canada.
Kuumba Music Forum:
Canadian Reggae Music Summit and Conference
Saturday February 4 (Brigantine Room, 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Free)
Audiences meet a who's who of Canada's Reggae music industry as they listen to
demo tunes & tales from aspiring artists as well as sharing tips on how to
make it both here and abroad. The spiritual links between Reggae and
Rastafarianism will also be explored. The summit's Demo Derby includes
panelists like CIUT Radio's Patrick Roots; CHRY Radio's Natty B and
Carrie Mullings; Tony Barnes and DJ Chocolate from CKLN
Radio. The Concert Readiness & Presentation, Distribution and Video
Play panel includes Denise Jones of Jones & Jones
Productions Ltd.; Nuff Entertainment President Frank Willison; and Alain
P. Arthur - Executive Producer of Omni Television's Caribbean Vibrations.
Representatives from King Turbo and the Montreal International Reggae
Festival will also be there among many more! The summit will also feature
author Klive Walker integrating portions of his book of Reggae inspired
essays, entitled Dubwise, into the discussion. Co-produced by canadianreggaeworld.com
Kuumba Reads
Kuumba Black Book Fair (co-produced by A Different Booklist)
Multiple Events on February 3, February 11 and February 16
(Brigantine Room)
Kuumba teams up with A Different Booklist (www.adifferentbooklist.com) to present
books by emerging and established writers from the African and Caribbean
diaspora. Events include readings, book signings and a comic creation workshop!
Two Great Authors – One Great Evening
Friday February 3 (Brigantine Room, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Free)
Co-produced by A Different Booklist
Kuumba presents Playing My Mother’s Blues with former Essence
Magazine editor and best selling Tamara Hayle mystery fiction author Valerie
Wilson Wesley. This award-winning New York based writer will be making her
first appearance in Toronto and has written several fiction and non-fiction
books for adults and children (www.tamarahayle.com).
This event also features Toronto fiction writer Althea Prince, author of
Loving This Man, a sensuous novel that transports readers between the
Caribbean and North America. Hosted by poet and FLOW 93.5 FM’s Jemini.
Saturday February 11 (Brigantine Room, 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Free)
Co-produced by A Different Booklist
Anthony Stanberry, creator of Blac Ice Comics & Create
Your Own Comics (blacicecomics.com) brings his hip, urban style to an
interactive session, designed for comic, cartoon and animation lovers.
Kuumba Author Readings and Book Signings:
A Saturday afternoon (Brigantine Room, February 11, 3 to 6 p.m.) of
author readings and book signings by exciting Canadian writers and innovative
independent publishers. Co-produced by A Different Booklist.
It Could Never Happen To Me by Michelle Richards
Saturday February 11 (Brigantine Room, 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Free)
Co-produced by A Different Booklist
Michelle Richard’s story is about 15 year old Keisha Morgan, a girl with
low self esteem, who is flattered when Marcu, her attractive new stepbrother,
takes an interest. How she handles the situation presents an afternoon of
discussion. It Could Never Happen To Me is published by GoodBooks
Publishing.
Mella and the N’anga: An African Tale by Gail Nyoka
Saturday February 11 (Brigantine Room, 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Free)
Co-produced by A Different Booklist.
In this tale of courage and wisdom, Gail Nyoka, 2005 Governor General’s
Award nominee, brings to life a mythic time and gives us a fascinating glimpse
of society in ancient Africa. Mella and the N’anga is published by Sumach
Press.
A Box of Chocolates: A Collection of Short Stories Out of
Africa, by Jude Idada
Saturday February 11 (Brigantine Room, 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., Free)
Co-produced by A Different Booklist
Each chocolate/story is unique as the stories travel across love, hatred,
oppression, rebellion and corruption. A Box of Chocolates is published
by Trafford Publishing.
Hot Summer by
Judy Powell
Saturday February 11 (Brigantine Room, 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., Free)
Co-produced by A Different Booklist
Mississauga romance writer, Judy Powell, takes readers on an intense
journey with Summer Jones and Lance Munroe from the streets of Chicago to the
heat and passion of tropical Jamaica. Hot Summer is published by Lyons
Publishing Ltd.
Thursday February 16 (Brigantine Room, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Free)
Co-produced by A Different Booklist
Harbourfront Centre Learning and Kuumba host the book launch of Creating
A Literacy Environment for Boys by author Dr. Christopher Spence
(Director of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board) and Educating
for Change: The Halifax Experience, with special guest educator Kenny
Fells (Principal, St. Patrick’s-Alexander Nova Scotia Regional School
Board). Creating A Literacy Environment for Boys is published by Thomson
Nelson Learning.
Kuumba Visual Arts:
Carty:Trickey – A Canadian Urban Music and Culture Photography
Retrospective
February 3 through February 12 (Marilyn Brewer Community Space, Free)
This Canadian Urban music and culture retrospective photography exhibition
features works by well-known and respected Toronto photographers Steven
Carty and Isaiah Trickey.
Kuumba Shops and Eats:
Audiences can purchase, browse and taste the delicious flavours and beautiful
treasures from Africa and the Caribbean.
Various Toronto food and retail vendors will be on site at Harbourfront Centre
on Saturday February 4 and February 11 (1 p.m. to 11 p.m.); and Sunday February
5 and February 12 (1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).
Kuumba on Harbourfront Centre Podcast:
Audiences can also listen to an in depth interview with Don Letts (by
Harbourfront Centre's Alok Sharma) as well as discovering lots more about
Kuumba and Harbourfront Centre on our Podcast available beginning Thursday
January 26, 2006. Go to http://podcasts.harbourfrontcentre.com/ for more details
and to download the podcast
BEAUTY - From January through May 2006, Harbourfront Centre invites
audiences to examine the idea of "beauty". Is beauty defined by
personal tastes or perspectives or can we apply some universal standards?
Through the eyes of the next generation of contemporary Canadian Craft artists
in the Beauteous exhibition to the vibrant theatricality of Japanese
dance company Pappa Tarahumara - these are just a few of the many
interpretations of beauty we have to offer in the coming months. Beauty is part
of an ongoing exploration of ideas-based programming at Harbourfront Centre.
All Kuumba events are located at Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay
West, Toronto).
For more information the public can call 416-973-4000 or visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com
-30-
Media Contact: Shane Gerard, 416-973-4655, sgerard@harbourfrontcentre.com
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