My Canadian Music Week
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So many events so little time. Canadian Music Week events are taking over Toronto and the calibre of artists hitting the city this week, will be unforgettable. Funk Soul Artist Janelle Monae performed at the Fairmont Royal York, while Icon Janet Jackson performed at Toronto’s Sony Centre (a small intimate show). I can guarantee that music fans and artists alike are definitely getting their fill of music and performances, this week.Of the events taking place, I chose to hit up the Guvernment last night for the Sean Kingston & UGO concert (also featuring Danny Fernandez), in celebration of their CMW Radio nomination for their single “Change”.
The media reception was filled with anxious journalists, bloggers and reporters all waiting to interview the acts of the evening. UGO (under ground officials) front man Stefano took pleasure in promoting the bands success in every interview available to them, while Danny Fernandez, made a brief appearance for a few photo op’s and interviews. However, Mr. Kingston was a no-show. Not quite sure why but after arriving at the Guvernment about 9ish, word came down a couple hours later that Sean Kingston would not be attending the media reception. Despite the obvious disappointment among the media in attendance, the scheduled show did go on.
UGO opened up with energetic performances for their singles “Change” and “Suga Baby” featuring Danny Fernandez. Band leader Stefano held the crowd’s attention while paying tribute to his late brother, before performing “Remembered” another track from their album “Change The Game”…
“Through my brother’s death,” Stevano says, “I learned to live.” Stevano goes on to ask fans, “How do you want to be remembered?”
Next up, Danny Fernandez as only Danny Fernandez can do it; back up dancers, slick dance routine all while holding every teenage girls fantasy in the palm of his hand, the lyrics to “Private Dancer” was poetry in motion for some of the ladies.
As if UGO Crew & Danny Fernandez didn’t hype up the crowd enough, Sean Kingston hit the stage and the crowd still goes wild even at 1am in the morning (remember I said I arrived shortly after nine). I guess it couldn’t be helped considering he dropped single after single from Me Love to Letting Go (not forgetting to hit us with the “ay yo Sean. You Mr. Kingston” snippet), all in all UGO, Danny Fernandez and Mr. Kingston did their job, celebrated and kept their fans entertained.
I guess it made up for the long wait time, my tired feet and the lost interview….lol (singing) Dutty Dutty Dutty love I’m feeling like you letting go 🙂
Zimbabwean Sculptor Passmore Mashaya Toronto Exhibit.
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Zimbabwean Sculptor Passmore Mashaya attended the opening ceremonies of his personal sculpting exhibition at the Cultural Expressions Art Gallery , last Sunday. For those not familiar with Passmore Mashaya, he’s a soft spoken individual that transforms stone in it’s rawest form to create beautiful human and animal like images. Sculpting for approximately twenty years (since 1990), it only seemed fitting that he would follow the path of sculpting. Since, Passmore’s Uncle Moses Mashaya & Aunt Agnes Nyanhongo (who he assisted as a child) were both prominent sculptors in Zimbabwe. Agnes Nyanhongo is regarded the most successful female Zimbabwean stone sculptor.
Passmore’s work has been purchased by Collector’s across the globe; Canada, The United States, Germany, Holland and England. His piece entitled “Princess” was purchased and placed in the Palace of the Queen of England. Most recently he finished his piece Humble Woman (shown below) right here in Toronto. Using Pink Granite, Passmore stated that it could take him anywhere from fifteen days to two months to complete a piece (maybe longer depending on the complexity). Many of his other works include various stones from Zimbabwe; Red Sandstone, Soapstone, Cobalt, Black Iron Serpentine and Springstone.
Stone: Pink Granite
Stone: Springstone (various grades)
Giving back is very important to him. Passmore is an instructor to apprentices (some as young as 10 years old) and proceeds from sculpture sales are donated to assist needy children and adults, in his community.
Passmore Mashaya
Contact: 905-427-2412
culturalexpressions@sympatico.ca
Gallery Location:
62 Old Kingston Rd.
Pickering Village
Ajax, ON L1T 2Z7
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Warwick Saint Photography
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Yesterday I posted the remix video to artist Trish’s single Bump (click here). I couldn’t help but notice how photogenic she looked throughout the video. Trish being a beautiful girl makes it very easy, I’m sure but there was something about how the video was shot that made it hot!
Her Director, Warwick Saint is also (as I mentioned previously) a well known photographer. Who’s shot videos for T.I. and Lady Gaga, as well. Here’s what I found on his website….stunning.
Manifesto The Main Stage
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Saukrates & Rich Kidd peformed at the Manifesto Festival Main Stage Event. The Main Stage Event is the finale to the seven day festival. Saukrates performed one of my fav’s Coming Up and Rich Kidd’s did Take It Slow. Read MoreIntimate and Interactive: Kim Davis
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If you’re a Toronto artist, I think it’s in your best interest to check out (at least one time) Tika Simone presents: Intimate & Interactive a weekly open mic showcase. The musical vibe coupled with an intimate setting will give any artist the opportunity to be really heard and any real music lover the opportunity to truly hear what these artist have to offer. The crowd interaction from both audience and artist alike (minus the artist ego) can only make Intimate & Interactive a great foundation for a consistent artist showcasing.
I checked out I & I (invited by Ms Tika herself) about two weeks ago for two reasons; to see what was soooo different about this open mic in comparison to other’s around the city and secondly, to show support to friend and one of three headliner’s Wolf J Mcfarlane (I introduced him here). For one, the opening acts were asked to “bring the business” as per Tika requirements and bring the business they did. One gentleman in particular stood out – O’Sound – not sure what the O stands for but that’s a question for later. He had this melodic, almost church-like R&B – not pop R&B – but Teddy Pendergrass-like R&B sound that confirmed this man could really sing! Opening act’s like O’sound weren’t just given a chance to perform ~ they had to audition to gain an opening spot (hence the quote bring the business). If you’re good, you open for well known Canadian artist like Eric Flowchild and Kim Davis etc. But if you’re really good, you may just get a chance to open time and time again. So the difference with I & I? There’s no walking up on stage and grabbing the mic Kanye style…this ish is purely based on talent.
So, I confirmed that this “little engine that could” (once again Tika’s words…lol) had many deserving passengers on this train. I was able to sit back and watch the more established folks (headliners) do their thing. I repeat myself constantly but the QUALITY of music that is oozing out of this city, is utterly ridiculous and each headliner had their individual something special to offer. Unsigned or not these three gentlemen: Wolf J, KJ & Blake Carrington are something to look out for. KJ’s REPEAT (lmao inside joke), Blake Carrington’s LOVE IS A RISK and Wolf J’s GRIZZLY BEARS PANDA gave you a show worth much more than the $10.00 cover charge.
So if you’re not feeling to do the club thing on a Friday night, or you’re a Manager looking for some really good talent, or just want to chill and have a few drinks but most importantly you’re a new artist looking for a place to shine!…..Intimate & Interactive at Lambadina Lounge is the spot.
C u there 
* For open mic auditions email intimateandinteractive@gmail.com*
Check out their websites.
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