Rest Well Mr. Fitzroy Gordon...

Depending on where you live, you may or may know Fitzroy Gordon.  Mr. G, as he is affectionately called, is the founder and CEO of G98.7 FM in Toronto.  G98 is the only, the ONLY, adult contemporary radio station in Canada.  Mr. G’s tenacity and unrelenting vision is the reason why the Caribbean and African community can hear their native genres on the radio  at a time when no other mainstream radio station would give us that ‘bligh,’

Fitzroy Gordon
Photo Credit:  David Cooper - The Toronto Star

Pushing further, Mr. G made sure that the airwaves heard popular music from Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and Busy Signal, as well as independent talents such as Ammoye, Chelsea Stewart, Ms. Paige and Tony Anthony (to name a few).  All artists had a home on the airwaves, and he always  encouraged fellow independent artists to submit material to the station.  He was always supportive.  Outside of music, and within the community, Mr. G was always encouraging youth to follow their passions, and encouraged parents to invest in their children and invest in ways that grows the community.

What Toronto and Canada lost yesterday was Mr. Fitzroy Gordon in physical form; what we gained were years of encouragement, a permanent media home, and several men and women blessed by his spirit who will continue to open doors for our community in his name.

Rest well Mr. G.  We love you; we appreciate you, and we continue in your name...

THE BENTWAY Announces Spring / Summer 2019 Programming “COMMUNITAS”

The Bentway is excited to launch the Spring / Summer 2019 Season of programming, informed by the theme Communitas: The Spirit of Community! Through the lens of culture and recreation, The Bentway explores Toronto’s changing landscape as well as opportunities to unite diverse communities through shared experiences.

Communitas brings together artists, urbanists, innovators, and community activators within the connective space of The Bentway to engage in radical experiments in collaboration, co-creation, and cohabitation: all of which are key to the future of Toronto.

“Does the sharing of spaces, assets and rituals lead to greater connection between people? What happens when individual needs and identities conflict with the collective?”asks Director of Programming, Ilana Altman (recently appointed with David Carey as Co-Executive Director of The Bentway). “With the theme of “Communitas” we wanted to explore some of the key questions that emerge from our increasingly populated urban landscapes. Who and what are considered part of the “community” is often hotly-contested based on identity and status, regional and personal politics, and ever-evolving civic histories.”  

'Memoria' An Te Liu

The Bentway’s Spring / Summer 2019 Season kicks off on Saturday, May 11, 2019 withNew Monuments for New Cities, a joint art exhibition with five members of the High Line Network—a group of 19 North American infrastructure reuse projects. This ambitious touring public art exhibition will be displayed across The Bentway Skate Trail and in front of the Fort York Visitor Centre. It will showcase provocative works by 25 acclaimed artists from Toronto, Houston, Austin, Chicago, and New York that explore new monuments for today’s changing social and political landscape. The Bentway is the only Canadian partner and will open the exhibition on May 11 with Toronto’s first-ever Monuments Summit. The full exhibition of New Monuments for New Cities runs May 11 – August 30.

Toronto artists include: Coco Guzman, a visual artist whose work addresses the dynamics of exclusion and normalization; Life of a Craphead, the collaboration of Amy Lam and Jon McCurley, whose work spans performance art, film and curation; Susan Blight, an interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker from Couchiching First Nation, Anishinaabe, Turtle Clan; Quentin VerCetty, whose work addresses issues of representation, immigration, and decolonization through the lens of afrofuturism; and An Te Liu, currently engaged in sculpture and installation work which explores issues of function, occupation and cultural coding.

The Monuments Summit (May 11) is a day-long public event that will introduce the public to the New Monuments exhibition, the contributing artists from several participating cities, and the issues the exhibition raises. The day will be structured around a series of conversations and participatory activities asking the public to reflect on the same set of questions posed to the artists, and to engage in a collective dialogue about issues of representation, civic histories and monumentality.

On June 7 & 8, The Bentway presents Dérives, a site-specific commission that explores and celebrates the architecture of The Bentway, by acclaimed Canadian choreographerNoémie Lafrance. The performance invites performers and audiences to participate in an exercise in psychogeography, and emerges from collectively scripted instructions to be enacted by a group of 60 performers, and the audience, while traveling The Bentway. 

Noemie Lafrance is known for her innovative approach to public space interventions. Her company Sens Production has produced numerous site-specific works in public spaces in New York City and internationally. Lafrance’s work includes Agora, which reclaimed the abandoned 50,000 square feet McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Rapture, staged on the architecture of Frank Gehry. Her work was presented as part of the Whitney Biennial, Festival de Cannes, and Festival TransAmerique. She has choreographed for artists such as David Byrne, Feist, Justin Timberlake, Carly Rae Jepsen, Snow Patrol, and Amanda Palmer.

'Dérives' Noémie Lafrance

As part of the epic creation of Dérives, Lafrance will hold a series of public creative process workshops from March 23 – May 14, inviting people of all ages, including professional dancers, actors, members of the community at large, and future audience members to participate in round table discussions, collective writing exercises and group improvisations in movement and voice. (pre-registration required). For more information about the workshops and to register to participate, visit thebentway.ca/lafrance-workshops.

The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival returns to The Bentway with A Nation Outside a Nation from Dutch artist Nadine Stijne. This long-term photographic project documents the Filipino labour migration from 2012–2014 in the Netherlands, Dubai, Sweden, the U.S. and Canada. A Nation Outside a Nation is co-presented by Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival and The Bentway. The exhibition runs May 1- August 30.

The ever-popular Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf celebrating their 20th anniversary, also returns to The Bentway in May (May 25-26). This year’s events include an inspiring panel discussion on the past and future of Toronto’s development, a public reception for urban designer Ken Greenberg’s forthcoming publication, and tours of The Bentway site and New Monuments for New Cities.

Beginning in June and running through to August, The Bentway will be offering a variety of recreational activities for both residents and visitors to Toronto. The Bentway will be partnering with Tai Chi instructor Eti Greenberg to offer an intimate bi-weekly Tai Chi practice, and with Tribe Fitness for weekly large-scale outdoor Yoga classes. TheCommunal Table is a weekly dining experience featuring local chefs, food offerings as curated by the innovative Toronto food venue and pop-up hub, The Depanneur.

The Bentway will participate in the 2019 Indigenous Arts Festival, presented by the City of Toronto and Fort York National Historic Site, in June. The Indigenous Arts Festival is an annual celebration of traditional and contemporary Indigenous music, dance, theatre, storytelling, film, crafts and food.
Save the date today for The Bentway Block Party; Sunday, July 7, Noon – 9pm. The Block Party will kick-off The Bentway’s popular Sunday Social music and open-air bar series. The Sunday Social series runs July 7 – August 25 with the Exclaim! Stagefeaturing Toronto’s hottest musical acts on the coolest covered patio in town!


The Bentway
Spring / Summer 2019
May 1 – August 30, 2019
For more information, please visit TheBentway.ca
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using @TheBentway and YouTube
#TOBentway    #Communitas
Access to The Bentway is Always Free and Accessible
Enjoy free WiFi Courtesy of Beanfield

Organization of Calypso Performing Artists Presents: Calypsoca The Evolution in Toronto!

The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA) puts the genres Calypso and Soca front and centre on Sunday July 29^th, 2018 as they present Calypsoca Extravaganza 2018 - The Evolution.  

Produced in time for Toronto’s Carnival season that many refer to as CARIBANA™, the event features a performance from the 2018 Calypso King of Trinidad and Tobago, and second runner-up Mr. Helon Francis, as well as performances from reigning Calypso Monarch of Canada, Connector, and Rondel Donawa.  Making the evening additionally exceptional will be a full performance from Macomere FiFi, the most winning female Calypsonian in Canadian history.  Her catalog is widely known making her one of the most in-demand artists by fans.

Regarding the show, OCPA President Macomere FiFi recently spoke to media, including The Caribbean Camera who is a sponsor of the show, saying “this show really brings together Calypso and Soca.  One speaks to the politics of the day, and the other speaks to the ‘jump up’ factor in our culture.  We are lucky to have some of the best artists in each genre join us for a memorable night in Toronto!”

In addition to the above-named artists will be appearances by Canadian Calypso Monarchs  Guney Cedeno and Structure.  Miguel Maestre and Naki complete the cast.  Artists will be backed by Ossie Gurley and The Truth, and the show will be hosted by The Crooner.

Doors open at 5pm and showtime is 6pm.  Venue location is Sts. Peter and Paul Banquet Hall – 231 Milner Avenue (Scarborough).  Tickets are available at ticketgateway.com and select ticket outlets in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).

About The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA):

OCPA began as the Calypso Association of Canada.  It is the foremost organization dedicated to advancing the calypso art form and its derivatives in Canada.  It has provided a platform for calypso artists and crowned many monarchs in its thirty-seven year history.  Among these are Connector, Macomere FiFi, King Cosmos, Beginner, Structure, Pan Man Pat, Jayson, Redman, Dennis James, Skippy and Victorio.

UNITY Charity Hits Toronto and the GTA

UNITY Charity is proud to host eight weekly community programs across the GTA with free drop-ins teaching hip-hop art forms to youth, in partnership with Tangerine. UNITYoffers drop-in programs in Toronto, Scarborough and Mississauga with all elements of hip-hop that focus on building skills through peer-to-peer mentorship and artistic performance. 

“When we first heard UNITY was expanding its community programs, we wanted to get behind them and lend our support,” said Peter Aceto, President and CEO of Tangerine. “Over the years we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact their programs have on local youth, so we’re thrilled to expand our partnership to help them grow these efforts.”

UNITY Charity empowers Canadian youth 10-18 years of age to be role models and leaders in their communities through after school and community programs in break dancing, graffiti art, spoken word poetry and beat boxing. The community drop-in programs for the 2016 season will include topics such as MC and Turntable foundations, the basics of break dancing and beat boxing battles, musicality, physical wellness, and cultural context.

"We are so excited to be expanding UNITY's community programs to create more accessible arts programming across our city and safe spaces for youth in the critical hours after school," said Michael Prosserman, Founder and Executive Director of UNITY Charity. "These programs meet youth where they are at, while providing opportunities for youth to express their stress in a safe, positive and encouraging space almost every day of the week."

UNITY Charity engages and empowers youth to make better choices as leaders, mentors and positive community role models leading to more productive citizens, safer schools, and healthier communities.

Founded in 2007 by Michael Prosserman aka “Bboy Piecez”, one of Toronto’s most preeminent B-boys, UNITY has reached over 100,000 youth across Canada using powerful messaging integrated with urban art forms to engage students and ultimately inspire them to find their voice amongst their peers and their community when dealing with issues such as bullying, violence, school life and cultural issues. 

UNITY CHARITY 

COMMUNITY DROP-IN PROGRAMS

Malvern All-Elements Hub

Every Tuesday • 6-8pm

Malvern Family Resource Centre, 1321 Neilson Road

Writer's Block MC/Spoken Word, and Beatboxing Drop-Ins

Every Tuesday • 5-7pm

SKETCH, 180 Shaw Street, Lower Level

Hip-Hop Drop-in

Every Wednesday • 7:30-10:30pm

Rightfoot Dance Studio, 370 Yonge Street

Downtown Breaking Drop-In

Every Wednesday • 4-7pm

Art Gallery of Ontario, Weston Family Learning Centre

317 Dundas Street West

Mississauga Hub

Every Thursday • 6:30-8:30pm

City Hall Fitness Studio, 4th Floor Mezzanine

300 City Center Drive, Mississauga

Yorkdale Breaking Drop-In

Every Friday • 5-9pm

Art Starts, 3401 Dufferin Street Lower Level

Scarborough Breaking Drop-In

Every Saturday • 3-6pm

Don Montgomery Community Center, 2467 Eglinton Avenue East

Steeles-L'Amoreux Hub

Every Sunday • 3:30-5:30pm

St. Aidan Catholic School, 3521 Finch Avenue East

Program dates and times subject to change, 

please check back for updates: unitycharity.com/weekly-events

unitycharity.com • @UNITYCharity • Facebook.com/UNITYCharity

Ready for Another Round?!

Summertime is here, and the living is HOTTT and good, and one artist who’s celebrating the good life is Toronto’s own JLogix.  As a matter of fact life is so good for the artist, he’s asking for “Another Round!”  

Produced by Real Links Productions (Fyah Fashion and Jeff De Master), the GTA Swing Riddim hears Logix open up in the recording booth about a different outlook on life – how about we celebrate what we have no matter how great or how small.  Take it a step further, Logix sing-jays “we have to give thanks / one bottle fih dih crosses dem / and one fih dih one dem weh nuh like we / ah yes / and one fih dih hypocrite blood sucker dem weh ah do tings fih spite we / ah bwoy / one fih dih enemy we fear we / one fih dih fren dem weh gear we / time fih buss a big bokkle fih dih one who love and dem cheer we….” 

Oh Yes.  We are celebrating everything! 

We’ve heard so much about badmind people and what badmind is doing that people have forgotten the many other reasons to celebrate, and Logix hands it to them on a platter.  So let me ask, are you going 1 round or 2?!  That’s how we do it in the GTA aka The 6 – we swing it!

Radio ready; mixtape ready; Sound System ready … It’s JLogix and the chune “Another Round.”  I’m about to meet up with the artist now; next rounds on me!

P.S.  Connect with the artist on Twitter >>> @JLogix

Mediafire Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/ncwhjgzv00dhy94/JLogix_-_Another_Round_-_GTA_Swing_Riddim.mp3

Box.com Link:  https://app.box.com/s/b5ky4sazuapkjql14rhj28e6m2zh8bao

Brawta (meaning extra’s)

Recent Music:  https://app.box.com/s/usu7qxifzqy6ul9ejasutj3rujv0sgbs

Throwbacks from JLogix:  https://www.mediafire.com/folder/od3arh3gg5dds/JLogix

Gully Bop to Meet and Greet with Canada’s Exco Levi, Nana McLean and Steele!

Jamaica’s Dancehall sensation Gully Bop is enjoying a successful tour in Canada which comes to an end on Saturday May 2^nd, 2015 with his performance at the Oshawa Music Hall (39 King Street East). 

4 time JUNO Award winning artist Exco Levi, JUNO winner and Gospel Recording artist

Nana McLean and 2009 JUNO Award nominee Steele will join JAMBANA™ One World Festival producers Jones & Jones as they host a meet and greet for Gully Bop and confirmed JAMBANA™ artists at famed the Real Jerk (842 Gerrard St. East) on Sunday May 3^rd, 2015!

The meet and greet takes place from 6-8 pm, and takes place in the spirit of welcoming Gully Bop to Canada for the first time, as well as establish unity between genres.

Hosted by Jones & Jones at the Real Jerk, this event is an exclusive with limited invitations.  Real Jerk Manager, Ed Pottinger is delighted to have Jones & Jones join them at the Real Jerk with Reggae and Gospel artists of this caliber. 

Nana McLean, Canada’s Reggae Queen, adds “it’s important to share the good news of a fellow artists success, especially when it’s a first time trip to our beautiful country, and when their story is as inspirational as Gully Bop’s.”  Multi JUNO award nominee Steele adds “it’s nice to get a warm welcome when visiting another country, so that is what we’re doing!”

Media are expected to join the 4 artists on Sunday. 

For additional information about the Gully Bop meet and greet, contact Jones & Jones at 905-452-1911

HOTTT New Release Alert ►►► Ammoye – Crazy Love!

If you have plans to be in Toronto, and your trip happens to be around September 19^th, 2014, you must join Ammoye at Remix (1305 Dundas Street West) as she and her record label celebrate the release of her HOTTT new single “Crazy Love!”

You more than anyone know how great an artist Ammoye is, and you’re familiar with her catalog, so we know “Crazy Love” is an automatic boom chune!  Fans have been instrumental to Ammoye’s growth so being at this gathering is important to the artist.  “Fans around the world have helped me get to where I am today so I hope to see them come out and join me and my label as we celebrate the release of this record, and make a special announcement!”

Hosting the night's event will be longtime collaborator, Najjah Calibur who's energy lights up every party and will set the mood for the greatness to come from Ammoye!

If you can’t be there in person, we ask that you send Ammoye good vibrations.  In the meantime, take a listen to Ammoye’s music via YouTube >>> https://www.youtube.com/user/AmmoyesTv

International Reggae Syndication - Playlist

Playlist for Monday July 7^th, 2014 as heard on 95.3 FM in Philadelphia / 1430 AM  / Vybz 103.9 FM / 95.3 FM / 99.3 FM / 91.7 FM / 104.7 FM Ft. Lauderdale and Online via:  www.radioregent.com – Toronto / www.irievibesradiodetroit.com – Detroit / www.daflavaradio.com – Atlanta / www.TonySoul.com - Ft. Lauderdale / www.NoyzRadio.com - New York / www.Reggae4Us.com - The UK / www.reggaeradiovibes.co.uk - The UK / www.siixteen.com - The UK / www.basslinemuzik.com – Tampa / www.buyakaradio.com - Colombia

www.datzhitsradio.com – Boston

J'se James - Recording Artist

SOJA ft. Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley – Your Song

Chronixx – Like a Whistle

Cali P – Wha Gwaan

The Human Rights – Old School

Dynamq – Absolutely

Humble Sheep – Market Rock

Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill – Behold the Land

The Mighty Diamonds & Ranking Joe – Just Like a River

Dennis Brown – Little Green Apples

Demarco – Loyal

Fari the Future – Harder We Go

Patexx – No Hanky Panky

Jahmiel – Badness Bring Sufferation

Sean Paul – Do Di Ting

Cutty Ranks – Dem Ah Twerk

Demarco – Party in JA

Konshens – Caribbean Party

Patexx – Let’s Drink Life Sweet

Exco Levi – Can’t Leave Out God

Romain Virgo – Too Much Bull

Richie Loop – Hey Gyal

Stylo G – Move Back

J’se James – Move It

Busy Signal – Professionally

E-Black – Mamiyo

Kranium ft. Chris Brown – Nobody Has to Know (Rah Rah Remix)

Popcaan – Party Shat (DJ Kurt Riley Remix)

Patrice Roberts – Hold on Tight

Problem Child – We Doing It

Bunji Garlin – Hard Wine

Kerwin DuBois – When Ah Gone

Ronnie Homer & Problem Child – Plenty Everything

Bunji Garlin – No Dirty Mouth

Tian Winter – Good Time

Download Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/listen/pn8enblppnrfx9b/Natasha_Von_Castle_&_Dilinga_Movements_-_Recording_Jul_7_2014_11_31_22_AM.mp3

Connect with us with your music:  natashavoncastle@gmail.com

Kranium for the 1st Time in Canada!

Artist and Entertainer Kranium will take the stage in Toronto, Canada on May 24th, 2014 at the Sapphire Grand Banquet Hall which marks the first time he has ever performed in Canada.

The singer of the hit single "Nobody Has to Know," as well as "Lifestyle" is excited to take the stage and perform for his fans north of the border who have shown him strong support via iTunes sales, and radio requests.  As one of the most talked about 'new' artists, Toronto has prepared the red carpet!

As a special treat to Canadian fans, Kranium will perform his brand new hit single "Them Broke" for the first time live.  The song is already receiving strong support from the King Turbo family, as well as several selectors and radio presenters.

For more information about Kramium's performance, including where to buy tickets, visit www.reggaecaption.com

It's a Reggae Revival in Toronto with Nkrumah at the El Mocambo!

Toronto’s Reggae community is in for a Roots Reggae treat as Nkrumah, one of Canada’s leading vocalists of that genre, performs live on Saturday April 19^th, 2014 at the legendary El Mocambo, continuing in the theme of Reggae Revival!

With his most recent releases receiving international acclaim (“Reggae Mylytis” and “Dada Control”), as well as his music video for Reggae Mylytis being in rotation on CEEN TV, Nkrumah’s brand is being embraced by fans around the world.  On Saturday April 19^th, 2014, Nkrumah will perform a full set with a live band at El Mocambo in Toronto.

Backed by the Rebel Alliance band, Nkrumah’s performance is one of the most anticipated on the Roots Reggae calendar as performing at the legendary music venue is not easily come by, and is reserved for iconic talents such as The Rolling Stones, U2, Sting and Bruce Springsteen to name a few.  When asked how this opportunity came about, Nkrumah replied “El Mocambo has always been supportive of good talent, regardless of the genre, and are welcoming of Roots Reggae so we will be there on April 19^th!”  His manager, Clif, aka Tuff Boyz added “there is a need for live Roots Reggae to be performed in the City of Toronto, and we are thankful that a venue such as the El Mo is here to give us this opportunity.”

Nkrumah’s performance comes on the heels of two new releases that will be added to his growing catalog.  Titled “Flirt” and “Prayer” were produced, mixed and mastered in Paris, France by I Love Sound and Seedness, though the vocals were recorded in Toronto.  Both singles will be released in a few weeks on the I Love Sound label.

Fans who would like to purchase advanced tickets can do so at the El Mocambo box office (495 Spadina Avenue – Toronto). 

About Nkrumah:

Blessed with a deep baritone voice, and active with the knowledge of his history, Nkrumah carries the Roots Reggae baton passed on by greats such as Henry ‘Junjo’ Lawes, Ranking Toyan and Eek-A-Mouse.  His music and messages resonate with listeners around the world just as a ripple in a lake becomes waves in the sea as he keeps the essence of the past present, while adding his own vibrations to the mix.

About the El Mocambo:

The El Mocambo was opened as a music venue in 1850.  The building was first used as a haven for escaped slaves.  The name and famous El Mocambo palm tree sign were erected in 1946.  Musical acts appeared on separate stages located on the main and second floor of the building.

Stay up to date with all things Nkrumah via Twitter >>> @NkrumahMusic and Facebook.com/Nkrumah.Salmon

Toronto Black Film Festival Wants You!

The 2^nd annual Toronto Black Film Festival has launched, and some of the best directors will showcase their works of art in Toronto from February 11^th to 16^th, 2014. 

Fabienne Colas (left)

Founded by Fabienne Colas and Emile Castonguay, the aim of TBFF is to give unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world.  This years’ line up of film does just that.  Blue Caprice, directed by Alexandre Moors is the story of an abandoned boy who is lured in to the shadow of a dangerous father figure.  This movie was inspired by the ‘DC sniper attacks.’   

The Suspect, directed by Stuart Connelly is a riveting 98 minute film that examines a close-knit all white southern town that suffers its first ever armed bank robbery.  The thief is masked but surveillance video seems to indicate the criminal is an African American … do we know for sure that it’s an African American behind the crime? 

For the second year, Global Toronto is the media sponsor for this years’ fest which has held to increase the fests visibility.  Sister festival, the Montreal International Black Film Festival is now in its 10^th year, and is too lending great support to its infant sibling Toronto.   

In addition to the 33 films (narrative, documentary, short), this years festival is dedicated to the memory of World figure and South African leader, Nelson Mandela.  The festival also notes additional milestones such as Black History Month, 210 years of Independence for Haiti, 20 years since the Rwandan genocide, and 5 years since President Barack Obama became the first black President of the United States. 

Special guests include Stedman Graham who will give a lecture on the 9 step plan for success (February 13^th, 2014 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox – 350 King Street West), and Lorraine Klaasen who is a world renowned vocalist and will perform a celebrate South Africa concert on February 15^th at the Al Green Theatre (750 Spadina Avenue). 

A one of a kind round table discussion will be held with Robert Hillary King (member of Angola 3), who was falsely imprisoned for 32 years, 29 of which was spent in solitary confinement.  Mr.
King will speak on his imprisonment, as well as that of 2 others. 

The tribute to Mandela takes place on February 16^th, 2014 at the Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton Street) and includes Banished, King of Hearts, Mandela, a Royal Revolutionary and Release Mandela.  The evening will also include a discussion with the women behind Mandela including his daughters. 

Expertly curated, the festival is planned so that lovers of film can see all films; there is enough time to move from venue to venue and not miss a beat! 

For more information about the 2^nd annual Toronto Black Film Festival visit www.TorontoBlackFilm.com or connect on Twitter >>> @TOBlackFilmFest

Legendary Group Third World for 2 Exclusive Canadian Dates!

One of Reggae’s most recognized and legendary groups, Third World will perform 2 exclusive dates in Canada.  On Friday September 27th they will be at the Corona Theatre Virgin Mobile in Montreal and on Saturday September 28th they will be at the Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto!

With a history of classic performances under their belt, and a catalog to match, Third World is one of the most respected and enjoyed groups whose performances include Reggae, Soul, Funk and Disco attracting 4 generations of fans to hear them perform.    

On Friday September 27th, 2013, the group will be at the Corona Theatre Virgin
Mobile in Montreal (2490 Notre-Dame West) as part of the Pop Montreal Festival for an evening with billboard charted hits that include “Now That We’ve Found Love,” “96 Degrees” and “Try Jah Love”.  Montreal has had a special for Love for the group as demonstrated in 2011 when they received a Lifetime achievement award from the Montreal International Reggae Festival presented by Howard ‘Stretch’ Carr from CKUT 90.3 FM.  “Third World” has always been a fantastic group to watch perform” said Stretch “and they know how to put on a very good show.  I’m looking forward to this one!”

Not ones to perform in one city and leave a country, Third World will also be performing at the Small World Music Festival being held on Saturday September 27th, 2013 at the Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto.  Representing Jamaica and the Caribbean, Third World will be performing with artists from India, Poland and Colombia amongst a series of other nations.  This free event has been designed to attract thousands.  One fan, Renee recently wrote on the groups Facebook wall “can’t wait to see Third World in Toronto!”    

Founded in 1973, Third World is one of the most celebrated groups from the Caribbean including 10 Grammy nominations.  They have released over 30 albums including their latest 2010 release of Patriots which features collaborations with Damian & Stephen Marley, Tessanne Chin, as well as the late great Gregory Isaccs to name a few.  The group regularly tours, and Stephan ‘Cat’ Coore represented for Third World at the National Black Arts Association on September 14th, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia where they were honored for their contribution to the arts.   For more information about Third World, media and fans can visit their Facebook Page:  www.Facebook.com/ThirdWorld or they can follow them on Twitter at @ThirdWorldBand

Tha Vor Gives Them ‘What They Want!’

Without dispute, Tha Vor is one of my favourite artists because this dude has swag locked.  No, I’m not one of ‘those’ chicks who wants a dude dressed in brand this, or brand that pushing a whip on Asanti wheels and rims.  Instead, I’m a chick who’s turned on by the lyrics an artist throws to me in hopes I can catch.  I’m a catcher! 

So Tha Vor has released the video for “What They Want” which is a Reggae infused Hip Hop track that is a juxtaposition between the spiritual (good overcoming evil) and the physical (relations with a young lady); and the concept works! 

Peep the video, and vibe to these lyrics:  “yo Joe / my voice taking the world ova / yo dude / I thought I was just here to kill cobras / got heavy rollers / mic / army of angels on my shoulda / caught up in the star wars / I rip the force like Yoda / but soddering ah weh dih young gyal want / getting hysterical / ain’t even flipped that / green / already she calling me incredible / flow / on point ….” 

 

P.S.  Big up Smoke Shop Productions on the beat which is dirty, rude, lacks manners and has no behavior.  In other words … it’s our kind of music!  J