Artist Ashley Barnes: Black Diamonds

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Among the many Black History events this month, visual artist Ashley Mckenzie Barnes  presented her newest collection Black Diamonds  2012. The collection is currently on display at the intimate and cosy Nawlin’s Jazz Bar & Dinner Lounge located at 299 King Street West.  A commemoration of  7 influential woman performers in Black Entertainment history, the original (mixed media and acrylic) pieces pay tribute to entertainment icons: Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, the late Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Diane Ross and Billie Holiday.

Check out some of the pieces on display (below).

Stop by before Feb 29th to view some of entertainments iconic “Black Diamonds”.

Black Diamonds 2012.

Better Mus Come

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Sometimes words aren’t enough. Here’s the trailer to the Storm Saulter directed movie, Better Mus Come.

Thrilling!

1loveto x Done Different x ISAX

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Just before the holidays, I took in the soulful sounds of saxophonist and musician ISAX, courtesy of 1loveto’s Done Different event. The 4th and last installment of the series for the year took place at the upscale Thompson Hotel.  ISAX known too many as ISAX InJah, was a great compliment to a mature evening out.

His musical journey began in his teenage years with Canadian legends Lighthouse and Downchild Blues Band.Subsequently drawn to the deep grooves of Toronto’s Jamaican reggae scene, his playing flourished in a very open musical enviroment. Isax’s musical abilities were welcomed in the Rastafarian community and the following years led to performances and studio work with all of the great Jamaican musicians that passed through Toronto,including Jackie Mitoo,Dennis Brown,King Jammy,Ken Boothe,Morgan Heritage,Dean Fraser,The Abyssinians,Etana,Queen Ifrica and Sly and Robbie to name a few. Isax has lent his signature sound to recordings by Gregory Isaacs, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe as well horn section work for many Canadian reggae artists.Outside of the reggae world Isax has toured and recorded with Nelson Riddle, Bass Is Base,Esthero,Glen Lewis,Ivana Santilli,Blue Rodeo,NOJO Jazz Orchestra,Kollage,Eddie Bullen and others.

Check out the video here

House of Marley Canada Launch

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I came across the footage for the House of Marley Canadian Launch, at the Ultra Supper Club, back in October.  House of Marley joined forces with Non-Profit Youth Organization Music Counts to produce the event.  It seems a good time was had by all. In attendance were Rita Marley, Rohan Marley, Sharon Marley and Bob Marley’s grandchildren, Donisha, Daniel & Joseph.   Here in Canada you can purchase Marley headphones through future-shop.

The Legend lives on!

We’re jammin’, I wanna jam it wid you, We’re jammin’,  jammin, And I hope you like jammin’ too.

The Gift of Music The Gift of Giving

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It’s that time of year again. Can you believe it? Next month is Christmas, the season of giving and as usual, I’m in no way, shape or form, ready for it. However, the Gift of Music team Kid Kut, Darling Nicky and Ivplay, sure are.  The second annual Gift of Music Fundraiser, takes place on Thursday Dec 8th 2011, at the Hard Rock Cafe (259 Yonge Street at Dundas) and will surely be a night of entertainment and exceptional talent.  The event,  in support of Music Counts Canada, promises to give you a night filled with live performances by a star-studded roster of artists that have made an impact on the Canadian music industry, and share their love of music.

The 2011 Gift of Music is hosted by Canadian Hip-Hop legend Michie “Badgal” Mee with special live performances by Andreena Mill, Divine Brown, Slakah the Beatchild, August Rigo, A-GAME, Rich Kidd, Ms Paige, Shi Wisdom, Omar Lunan, Shaun Boothe, contemporary violinist Yosvani with appearances from several surprise guests. An after party will follow with music by three of Toronto’s top rated DJs: Canada’s Most Versatile – Jester, 2011 Stylus Rated NEXT DJ of the Year DJ Rych Kydd and DJ Ononymous of 105.5 CHRY.

Once again 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Music Counts Canada. The 2010 event accumulated approximately $5000.00 from ticket sales, a silent auction (still have the blackberry bold that I won last year!) and raffle.

Don’t forget to check out this star-studded event in support of a great cause! Will see you there.  Check out pics from last year’s event…

WHAT: The 2nd Annual “Gift of Music”
(benefiting MusiCounts)
WHERE: The Hard Rock Cafe, Toronto
WHEN: December 8, 2011 (doors open at 8pm)
WHO: Presented by Kid Kut | IV Play |Darling Nicky
HOST: Michie “Badgal” Mee
MUSIC: Andreena Mill, Divine Brown, Slakah
the Beatchild, August Rigo, A-GAME, Rich Kidd, Ms Paige, Shi
Wisdom, Omar Lunan, Shaun Boothe, Yosvani and MORE!
DJS: Jester, DJ Rych Kydd and DJ O-nonymous
TIX: $15 ADVANCED at www.ticketgateway.com
$20 at the Door