Event Filter: Performance

The songs that define our heritage and struggles tell stories rooted in the people and the community. More than politics, more than history, music is an experience of culture and identity that continues to echo across oceans. What is the sound of independence? Some of the familiar music Taiwanese people thought was their own turned […]

With the release and positive reception of their debut EP, the parts we could not abandon, cutsleeve is grateful to perform again, sharing songs that explore their queer diasporic experiences. From punk to alt-rock, you’ll hear music as diverse as the group itself. 

Ho Deng Music Ensemble is joining us in our return to in-person programming this year. Inspired by our connections to various cultures and each other through music, their performance will range from classic folk songs to modern tunes from Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia, across generations and time. 

How do we take care of ourselves and each other in a world that is crumbling before us? Janice Jo Lee presents a set of songs and poems about repair, courage and the healing power of water. Expect cascading vocal harmonies inspired by traditional Korean melody and American jazz harmony. Jo Lee will be joined […]

As reality shows like Infinity and Beyond gain popularity abroad for their take on golden oldies, CCT (Cha Chan Ting) aims to bring a unique twist to old favourites closer to home.   A tribute to famous Hong Kong rock band Beyond, each member brings a particular pizzaz to help create a sound to get you […]

Learn about George Leslie Mackay and his work in Taiwan through Mackay’s Love, an adaptation of the 2018 musical theatre show: Kai the Barbarian: the George Leslie Mackay Story. Mackay’s Love is Supported by Spotlight Taiwan, the Canadian Mackay Committee and the Association of Taiwanese Organizations in Toronto.

When Suana Emuy Cilangasay came to perform in Canada in 2019, he was deeply moved by the similarities between the histories of Indigenous peoples in Taiwan and Canada, particularly their rapidly disappearing cultures and languages. Since then, his musical journey has taken on a mission to inspire other young Indigenous musicians to join him to […]

To be ourselves, we must recognize and respect our parentage. The song “Le Ho Shia” is a beautiful reminder that mothers love and care for us even when we cannot appreciate what they have done for us. “Yong Chi” was first sung by the Malaysian Chinese singer Fish Leong, and it talks about courage even […]

Blossoming Indonesia is a showcase of traditional music, choreography and vocal performances. Featuring Legong, Topang and Tari Piring genre dance performances accompanied by traditional music, the two-part show is an event of dramatic and songful wonder, capturing the essence of Indonesian arts in the face of cultural evolution and history. 

biosphere will be DJing for Jen Moon and Koven Wei, including a piano ballad duet with Jen Moon and Nujabes live cover performance with Koven Wei. A set list of Koven’s hit singles in the Rap/Korean Hip-Hop genre and new unreleased singles fusing punk and rock with hip-hop undertones. 

Sadaka (“to give”) was created by Nigerian dance educator, performer and choreographer Sani Abu Mohammed Allen of Ijovudu Dance International to invite divine deities to share their energy and blessings with us. Join master drummer Amadou Kienou and friends in a parade to the heart of Habari Africa. Everybody is welcome to drum, dance, clap […]

The Butterfly Band is led by Kofi Ackah, son of the legendary Ghanaian highlife musician Jewel Ackah. The Butterfly Band features an all-star lineup of musicians that share a love of Ghanaian highlife music. 

Four electrifying vocalists with roots on the African continent will honour the role of women and mothers in carrying on musical traditions. Lorraine Klaasen, Djely Tapa, Mis Blandine and Ruth Mathiang share their talents in a musical diversity and excellence showcase, supported by accomplished musicians from Toronto and Montreal. 

Moulaye Dicko, better known by his stage name Dicko Fils, is a popular Burkinabé musician who sings and plays the kamala n’goni. He has been awarded the Knight’s Order of Merit from the Ministry of Culture of Burkina Faso and the Golden Kundé award for Best Artist. Dicko Fils has released several successful albums through […]

Born in Senegal to a family of musicians, storytellers, historians, singers and dancers (collectively known as griots), Sadio Sissokho’s roots are richly embedded in the Mandingue culture. Born in Mali to a large family of griots, Diely Mori Tounkara followed in the footsteps of his musician father by becoming an undisputed master of the kora. […]

Adam Solomon, known in musical circles as the “professor,” is a respected lead guitarist, composer and singer. He creates a unique sound that combines traditional African blues and jazz, spiced with East African rhythms. Solomon sings in English, Swahili and Mijikenda (the Nine Tribes on the Kenyan coast). He is working on reviving the classic sounds […]

IZimba Arts is a collective of African performing artists who pursue art as an instrument for community engagement. The group specializes in performances and workshops that include high-energy traditional and urban dances from Southern Africa. 

While Africa has blessed the world with many legendary female artists, Dobet Gnahoré has proven herself to be an extraordinary talent. Hailing from Côte d’Ivoire, she is a virtuosic singer, dancer, percussionist and songwriter who has taken the modern Afropop sounds of her country in exciting new directions.

The Azmari are skilled at improvisation and play an important role in Ethiopian society, like the griots or praise singers of West Africa. Ethio Azmari features vocalist Sintayehu “Mimi” Zenebe, drummer Bereket Gebrekirstos, dancer Yordanos Behonegn Nuri, masenqo player and vocalist Abebe Fikade. 

Multiple instruments, languages and countries define Okavango African Orchestra, a JUNO award-winning ensemble of African-born musicians living in Toronto and Montreal. The Okavango African Orchestra brings together the music and instruments of several African cultures to create a common meeting place and new musical language that harmonizes different tuning systems, rhythms and timbres. 

Gloria Gift Nankunda is a folk-soul musician based in Toronto. Her soulful voice brings a  euphony of tales and melodies derived from her rich Ankole heritage in Uganda meshed with other African musical influences.