Overview
A Jamaican poetry workshop, inspired by the words and style of Jamaica’s beloved Mother of Culture, Miss Lou. Participants will read, translate, interpret and perform poetry written by Miss Lou to then create and perform their own poetry written in her trademark style. Facilitated by Maurice Gordon and Marsha Laylor.
Presented by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.
About Maurice Gordon
Guitarist, teacher and composer/songwriter Maurice Gordon obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours in Music from York University and has three albums to his credit: Irie Mood, Jamaican Flora and Celebrating Festival (Vol.1). His sound, a mix of jazz and contemporary with hints of reggae, R&B, funk and rock has made Gordon known for his versatility as an artist, as well as a respected teacher and cultural presenter.
Gordon has performed and recorded with some of Canada’s finest musicians, including Joe Sealy, Salome Bey and Liberty Silver, and with jazz and blues artists Monty Alexander and Zorah Young. He spent over two decades in Jamaica teaching and performing, where he greatly impacted his students and performed and toured the world with reggae icon Jimmy Cliff and dub poet Mutabaruka. Gordon works with his groups Skafire and Pimento (Soul) in Toronto, leading workshops Exploring Music Through Culture, teaching private students and supporting other local acts.
About Marsha Laylor
Marsha Laylor has been a middle school teacher for more than 20 years. Still, her interest in Caribbean language and drama started early, as she would write and recite poetry, participate in church productions and compete at high school drama festivals.
Her long-standing passion for the arts fuels her drive as a music, drama and dance teacher, leading numerous extracurricular music, drama and dance clubs on the Peel District School Board. Having taught traditional African drumming for almost 20 years, she is passionate about connecting youth to their roots and identity while reclaiming their lost heritage. Laylor majored in English and Caribbean studies and is a York University graduate with a B.Ed. and a BA with Honours.
Dates & Times
February 10
1pm – 3pm