REFLECTION & REASON

Toronto is known for providing an excellent assortment of Caribbean-based artists during the summer concert season. From soca fetes, to reggae showcases, they are always live artists making appearances on boat rides, at event venues, and special music festivals while the Caribbean audience embraces the summer weather. On Saturday, July 27 On the Grand presents the first  Kitchener Reggae Festival , taking place in Kitchener, Ontario (approximately 100km from Toronto) at the Bingemans Centre (425 Bingemans Centre Drive), as a part of their mini-festival series featuring artists from all genres. At the ReggaeFest, attendees will be entertained by some of Jamaica's favourite recording artists: Konshens, Gyptian, Kranium, Luciano, and Stylo G. In addition to the live artists, the grounds of On The Grand will also feature vendors for a festival environment. The event will begin at 6:00pm, concluding at 11:00pm; this is a licensed all ages show. KONSHENS Originating from Kingsto...

Every summer, in the weeks leading up to the traditional Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade Day, the mayor, local dignitaries, festival organizers, costumed masqueraders, and community members gather at Nathan Phillips Square to officially welcome in the upcoming weeks of festivities that Toronto's Caribbean community and allies anticipate as a highlight of the season. The Festival Management Committee, presented with an official proclamation from Toronto Mayor John Tory, launched this year's Toronto Carnival on Tuesday, July 9, providing context, praise, rules, and plenty of entertainment and Caribbean vibes for the hundreds gathered outside Toronto City Hall. With news media lined up as early as 10:00am, and steel pans positioned on stage, it was a familiar sight. We do this every year, and still look forward to the moment when the festivities ramp up. This is the time of year when summer weather has settled in to stay, when folks are on summer vacation, when touri...

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...