REFLECTION & REASON

To say I love Lionel Richie would be a gross understatement. Everything about this man manifests positivity, love, happiness, and good vibes whenever his music plays or whenever you have the honour of attending one of his live shows. For as long as I can remember, his music has been a part of my life. Born in 1978, I grew up on the sounds of Lionel Richie, in all variations, and have most of his hits etched into my musical memory indefinitely. I have the double CD and piano sheet music book version of his "Anthology" greatest hits album--these are some of my favourite musical possessions. Performing a string of hits, one after the other, all received enthusiastically from fans, Richie's legendary status was undeniable. As he mentioned in one of his many interactions with the audience, the reason why people laugh out loud or even bawl tears during his performances is because each of his classic songs are tied to specific memories for so many of us. Before singing ...

Living in Canada, many of us have to make an effort to ensure that we keep the soul of our culture and traditions in the forefront of our daily routines. Through the foods we eat, the music we listen to, the places we shop, and the environments and people we surround ourselves with, maintaining a cultural presence is something that takes time and thought. Without it, even the most important elements and significant activities can get lost in the daily grind. We're spoiled, fortunately, living in Toronto. Not only are we the most multicultural city on earth, but we also know how to celebrate these cultures in style. From the Taste of the Danforth's seasonal infusion of Greek culture, Indigenous Arts festivals, Salsa on St. Clair, to AfroFest, we have been blessed with an abundance of events that allow us to explore, dine, and revel in the spirits of our neighbours and fellow community members. Toronto's Caribbean Carnival, now in its 52nd year, is a big one. It takes u...

Next month, thousands of reggae fans, supporters, management teams, and experts will gather in Montego Bay, Jamaica for the annual pilgrimage of the genre's most celebrated and showcase of the hottest vibrations made across the Jamaican music industry over the year. The 27th annual Reggae Sumfest music festival is scheduled to take place the weekend of July 19 and 20, with events and festivities underway as early as July 14. Throughout the nine official days of celebration, there will be discussions and sound clashes, themed parties, and gatherings, concluding with Beres, Buju, Chronixx, and a plethora of reggae's finest who have been given the opportunity to bless the Sumfest stage. Sumfest is more than just a concert, it is an experience in itself, when the town of Montego Bay fills will locals and tourists brought together for their common love for reggae music. The invite-only GET SOCIAL AWARDS takes place on June 29, followed by the SYMPOSIUM on July 12, giving regga...

King Ujah Raptor fever has been fantastic! So fantastic, that it's going to be sad to see it pass and hard to fill the void of excitement and pride that NBA fans across the country have been feeling lately. For the past few years, each season has manifested increased energy and fan support from Torontonians, Canadians, and basketball fans around the globe. As the momentum carried on into the post-season with playoff games and a heightened realization that our hometown NBA squad could potentially bring us to the Finals, the creativity from supporters only increased. Heading into the Eastern Conference Finals, and eventually the Finals, the fanfare continued to elevate in crowd sizes, paraphernalia sales, and wild and uncontrollable antics of joy from inside the Scotiabank Arena, to outside in Jurassic Park, and in recording studios across the GTA. Now that yesterday's victory parade has come and gone and the festivities have "officially" come to an end (for now...

It's been an exciting week in Toronto, and every time we see new milestones reached whether through sporting events, politics, business, or art, it give the community a chance to reflect on where we are and how far we have come in a variety of disciplines. The elements of culture that make up the fabric of Toronto encompass the best of so many nationalities and social groups, and when that celebration of culture becomes a matter of inter-generational conversation, it is a moment of joy and encouragement knowing that the right steps are taken to ensure that traditions and talents are carried forth into another group of leaders and creators. On Sunday, June 16 at the Krave Banquet Hall (55 Nugget Avenue, Scarborough), non-profit program PASS THE TORCH (PTT) will be honouring Mr. Dick Lochan aka "De Juice Man" through their work, in spirit, and for his legacy. The afternoon of music and culture will feature a mix of calypso performances and entertainment, while celebrati...

If you're a Caribbean Carnival enthusiast, and someone who is invested in the future of the tradition, the emergence of Toronto-based platform @THEMAS.IV is something that will definitely excite you. The new social media-based movement "aims to connect and shine a spotlight on creatives within carnival" with a focus on four (IV) areas: Mas, Muse, Movement, and Music. Founder Yinx Macaulay  has been a part of an all-female media team  @TheCollaboVibe in Toronto, for nearly a decade. Known for their timely and professional coverage of Toronto band launches and other carnival-related activities, the group has established themselves as a reliable and essential element of the carnival communication experience in Toronto. Yinx Macaulay "As a long time masquerader, I have a genuine admiration of the creative minds and bodies that bring mas to life," said Yinx. "I am also intrigued by the global movement of carnival, with respect to innovations and infl...

One of the beautiful things about literature has always been its ability to communicate messages and express sentiments that are often difficult to share or process in the non-fiction world. This is the case with mature subjects, as well as the most delicate of topics. This is particularly true when it comes to communicating challenging messages to children. In his 2016 release "Why is Jane So Mad?" Seattle-based author Jeffrey L. Cheatham II explored the "beauty of friendship and the value of human connection, while also skillfully illustrating the limitations of childhood when it comes to understanding more complex emotions." With the same empathetic spirit, " Hi Blue Sky " manages to present an otherwise devastating event, with a gentle tone that is easy for children to digest and even enjoy. Jeffrey's passion for writing is rooted in his love and nurturing for his daughter. His goals: to write and publish as many enjoyable stories as huma...