Sisters of Steel by Sons Of Steel ONE Evolution

Throwback photos to SISTERS OF STEEL #SOSONEEvolution Showcase
On July 27th, the audience was blown away by a fantastic cast of truly gifted Queens in steel:
Suzette Vidale, Liane Charles, Leona Ramsay, La Toya Brown, Aziza La Pierre, and Keisha Codrington​

Musicians were backed by The Liamuiga Syndicate led by Andrew Stewart in honour of the late Bruce Skerritt.
Source photos: facebook.com/sonsofsteelONE

PREMIERE of "Panazz:The Story"

Almost a year after its premiere at the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, “Panazz: The Story” is finally ready for the world to see it.~@panazzthestory

I had the pleasure of watching this film @theroyalto and was thoroughly impressed. I loved seeing and hearing about the stories & experiences of the members of Panazz during their 10 year journey (1992-2002).

Would love to see it again!

Video reposted @zabspencer
@cheffinbar

Storytime and Steel Pans at Island Soul, Harbourfront Centre

Children and parents are invited to a literary Caribbean party with author Yolanda T. Marshall and musician Suzette Vidale. This interactive storytelling told through picture books and music, includes a C is for Carnival that celebrates Canada’s Caribbean carnival while you jump and wave to Soca and calypso music. Come prepared to dance, sing, and learn. 

WELCOME TO BLACKHURST

On July 19, 2024, we were privileged to witness the launch of the Smallest Museum Ever at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre featuring the full evolution of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan! Our gratitude is extended to Dr. Itah Sadu and her team at the @blackhurstcc for curating this small but mighty space that tells the soul-stirring story of pan!
Video reposted from Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Toronto
#caribbeanstrong #trinidadandtobago #steelpan #toronto #canada #blackhurst

Happy Caribbean Music Week!

Happy Caribbean Music Week! What an honour it was to celebrate and be a part the kick-off by performing on my steelpan in Council Chambers at Brampton City Hall. Thank you @6ixmayor for inviting me to make herstory!

TD Pop Up Performances & Rhythms of Canada Festival at the Aga Khan Museum

On June 26th, I had the pleasure of performing at the Aga Khan Museum for the first time during their weekly TD Pop Up Performances showcasing artists and/or their art forms from diverse regions of the world.
I had often seen the Aga Khan Museum from the highway. It is an unusual, futuristic looking structure, who’s architecture alone sparks interest.
This 10 year old facility is home to “1200 masterpieces” including paintings, ceramics, manuscripts and textiles.

Through the arts, the Aga Khan Museum sparks wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures.
— Aga Khan Museum

I have been invited to participate in the upcoming RHTHMS OF CANADA festival happening June 29th - July 1st.
COME and JOIN ME, Suzette Vidale and my ILLUSTRIOUS steelpan @agakhanmuseum for Rhythms of Canada, the Museum’s annual summer festival celebrating the diverse tapestry of Toronto.
I will be performing on June 30th - 1:15pm, 3:45pm, 6:15pm
This is a FREE EVENT, all are invited.

Sister Of Steel | One Evolution

The RETURN OF Sons of Steel - ONE Evolution! The alternative steelpan event that's everything you'd expect and MORE is making its annual stop in Toronto this carnival season but this year it's the Queen's of Pan, Sisters of Steel!

S.O.S. O.N.E. Evolution is brought to you by the original sons of steel: join us as some of your favorite local and international women in pan take centre stage for the steelpan showcase of the summer!

SISTERS OF STEEL #SOSONEEvolution
SATURDAY JULY 27th 2024

At TROPICANA BANQUET HALL
1385 HUNTINGWOOD DRIVE, (McCowan & Huntingwood )
Doors Open: 6:00pm
ShowTime: 7:00pm

.On that evening be prepared to be blown away by a fantastic cast of truly gifted Queens in steel:
•Keisha Codrington​
•Suzette Vidale
•Liane Charles
•Leona Ramsay
•La Toya Brown
•Aziza La Pierre

Musicians will be backed by The Liamuiga Syndicate lead by Andrew Stewart in honour of the late Bruce Skerritt

Get your EARLYBIRD $35 tickets (until June 27th) now from ticketgateway.com or any of the panists on the bill! General Admission $45 & Door $55. This show will sell out so organize early, food and refreshments will be on sale and the vibes and ambiance are on the house!

STEELPAN WITH SUZETTE VIDALE at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Fridays, February 16 and 23, 7 - 8 pm
Walker Court, Art Gallery of Ontario
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of steel pan music with Suzette Vidale, known for her live  performances that captivate audiences of all ages. Join her in Walker Court for a Caribbean-infused experience as she skillfully plays the iconic hammered metal pans. Originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century, steel pans have evolved into a symbol of musical energy, resonating through the streets, festivals, and now cultural and educational institutions. 

For more information see AGO.CA for more information

Lieutenant Governor’s New Year’s Levee!

Honoured to have been invited to perform for the Lieutenant Govenor's New Year's Levee at Queen's Park.
Those in attendance were invited to meet and greet with the Honorable Edith Dumont in the Music Room of the Lieutenant Govenor's Suite.

Senior's Breakfast: Caring for the Community

It was a fun morning at Humber College for the annual senior’s breakfast presented by Kisoon and Associates, the Toronto Polices Services, a handful of businesses, and volunteers.
The senior groups were from from various organizations within the Etobicoke North area.

Celebrate Creole Day in Calgary

Get ready to immerse yourself in Caribbean French culture at Creole Day!
JOIN US on Saturday September 23rd from 12pm - 6pm at St. Peter’s Anglican church, Calgary, Alberta.
Admission is FREE.
This is a family friendly event.

Wayo Children's 5-Day Festival

A captivating journey through a parkour of artistic wonders! The 4th Annual WAYO Children's festival featured Toronto’s great artists such as Edz Giamfi, Yvonne Ng, Sue Croweagle and many more this year. Young adventurers and their parents explored the 5 elements: water, fire, earth, air and love!
With this series of mesmerizing dance and musical performances, every turn revealed a new and exciting surprise throughout Berkeley Castle and Canadian Stage".”

~https://www.jamii.ca/wayo

So honoured to be invited to participate in this year’s Wayo Children’s Festival.

Photos by @silentjae & S. Vidale

Upcoming Summer Workshops

Looking forward to leading a Hands-on Steelpan Workshop for kids, teens, and young adults this summer.

All events are FREE. Only specified workshops require registration, otherwise feel free to drop in however space is limited.

DID YOU KNOW…
You can borrow an instrument from the Sun Life Musical Lending Library with your library card?

Musical instrument lending library locations

Parkdale: 1303 Queen Street West, 416-393-7686

Downsview: 2793 Keele Street, 416-395-5720

York Woods: 1785 Finch Avenue West, 416-395-5980

2023 Amethyst Awards at the Winter and Elgin Theatre

Established in 1993, the Amethyst Awards "recognize individuals and groups in the Ontario Public Service who have made outstanding contributions in client service, innovation, valuing people and professional achievement."

The award is a trophy featuring Ontario amethyst, the provincial mineral.
2nd photo by McDougall Minerals

Dr. Rita Cox - Kina Minogok Public School

Dismantling and pushing back against colonialism. HONOURED to have been invited and a part of history to perform a tribute to Dr. Rita Cox in the renaming of Queen Victoria Public School -now known as Dr. Rita Cox - Kina Minogok Public School.

Dr. Rita Cox began working with the @torontolibrary in 1960 as a children librarian then became the head of the Parkdale branch in '74.
Dr. Cox has deep roots in the community. She is a master storyteller who started literacy programs and initiatives that promoted multiculturalism.

Kina-Minagok is an Indigenous phrase that translates to "all is growing well".

The community is proud that a school has been named after a phenomenal woman.