Steelpan With Suzette at the Art Gallery of Ontario was a wonderful and interactive experience. The audience enjoyed popular songs as well as those that gave us insight into the steelpan history.
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.
Rotary Club Dinner at the Woodbine Banquet Hall
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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.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
When I was a child, I had a book about three characters that visited various sites around Ontario. These included places such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the CN Tower, Metro Toronto Zoo, Niagara Falls, etc. I always thought that it would be amazing to explore Ontario and visit these spots. One of the places that it mentioned was the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. An art museum of pieces by Canadian artists such as the famous Group of Seven. I recently had the pleasure of performing there for a private event by MPI Toronto Chapter. Although, I performed inside, I would love to visit it again as outside on the grounds there are several sculptures made out of various materials (bronze, steel, concrete, sandstone, limestone, and many more).
One of the best moments was when I was in the meeting house, a log cottage close to the gallery, I spotted a familiar image and said to myself, “This is Emily Carr’s work!”. I remember reading about her in grade four. Her work was inspired by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific North Coast.
What a full circle moment. I love how the steelpan is taking me to places I once read about as a child.
Special thanks to Entertainment Specialist Carol Priest for inviting me to be a part of this superb event.
East Meets West for Cupe Ontario's 59th Annual Convention
What an amazing HONOUR it was to share time, space, and love through the drum.
The day opened with a blessing from an Indigenous Elder. From there
@ngomadrumdance began and the ENERGY was 🔥🔥🔥
@dancecaribeperformingcompany joined in and it was a beautiful blending of sights and sounds.
We came in chippin' to the drums and added our melodious metallic melodies
-HAPPY VIBES ALL AROUND
Then @rawtaiko brought down the house with their POWER and multifaceted rhythms.
What a wonderful moment in time.
Viola Desmond Awards at TMU
15th anniversary of the Viola Desmond Awards Ceremony, an annual celebration of Black Women and their powerful contributions that have made a difference.
I was honoured to perform for this historic event and I met some truly amazing people!
Congratulations to the 2023 award & bursary recipients and honourees.
Crawford Adventist Academy's choir is pure excellence. 💜
Source photos: Toronto Metropolitan University
St. Lucia Celebrates their 44th Independence Anniversary
THANK YOU to the St. Lucia Toronto Association & Consulate General of Toronto for inviting me to perform for St. Lucia's 44th Independence Anniversary gala. It was indeed a memorable evening.
So PROUD to celebrate my St. Lucian heritage at the 44th Independence Anniversary of St. Lucia!
My Trinidadian heritage was also represented through the steelpan.
Much appreciation to @stluciatoronto and @slucontoronto for the invitation to perform for the dignitaries, Lucian community, and allies.
SHOUT OUT to my family for representing the Forde tribe.
It was a pleasure reconnecting with everyone and meeting new friends (Margaret Daniel from St Lucia Calgary Cultural Association, Honorable Alva Baptiste, and Honorable Henry Mangal)
So INSPIRED by keynote speaker Lisa Dublin (“tradition of EXCELLENCE, RESILIENCE, and IMAGINATION FOR BOARDERS”).
Thank you for the reminder and motivational words!
SHOUT OUT to the artists that set the tone for the evening, sweet melodies by @jesseryansax & @eddiebullen. @mosesrevolutionband, @carltonroberts758 @kelz.john, @dfunmachine, and Robbie, you had the crowd jamming.
Douvan Ansanm!
Photos below by Harold Chitan, CLICK on photo to see larger
Black History Month's Art & Music Explosion at Joseph Brant Hospital (Burlington)
It was the first time that Joseph Brant Hospital held an Art & Music Explosion showcasing creative works from local Black artists. It was a pleasure for me to share my craft with employees and visitors of the hospital.
Black History Month Event at Queen's Park
On February 9th, I had the pleasure of performing at Queen’s Park for their Black History Month celebration. It was an evening of honouring, remembering and celebrating Black people in Canada, as well as a “recommitment to addressing racism” (Doug Ford).
Steelpan at the Toronto Public Libraries!
Greetings everyone!
I am sharing some info below if you or anyone you know is interested in attending a free steelpan workshop.
Toronto Public Library - Pape/Danforth
Steelpan: Hands On Fun
Monday, February 13
4pm - 4:45pm
Ages: 7 - 13
Join Suzette as she leads participants on a hands-on experience with the steelpan. Technique on holding the sticks, stance, playing a scale, and a simple song will be taught. No musical experience required.
Steelpan: From Skin to Steel and Beyond
Monday, February 13
5:30pm - 7pm
Adults
How did the banning of the African skin drum lead to the creation of the tamboo bamboo, ping pong, and eventually the creation of the steelpan?
Join Suzette Vidale as she speaks about the instrument's origins, evolution and current innovations.
You will have the opportunity to play a simple song on the steelpan. No musical experience required.
Space is limited. Registration Required.
To register contact Pape/Danforth Branch: 416-393-7727
Toronto Public Library - Dufferin/St. Clair
1625 Dufferin Street
Steelpan: Hands On Fun
Saturday, February 18
12pm - 12:45pm
Ages: 7 - 13
Steelpan: Hands On Fun
Saturday, February 18
1pm - 1:45pm
Teens
Steelpan: From Skin to Steel and Beyond
Saturday, February 18
2pm - 3pm
Adults
How did the banning of the African skin drum lead to the creation of the tamboo bamboo, ping pong, and eventually the creation of the steelpan? Join Suzette as she speaks about the instrument's origins, evolution and current innovations. You will have the opportunity to play a simple song on the steelpan. No musical experience required.
Drop in. 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
Black History Month Launch at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region's launch of Black History Month on Sunday February 5.
This took place at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum for a free, all-ages, family and community-centered, interactive event to celebrate the region's rich Black history and culture.
Featuring Black artists, authors, musicians and entrepreneurs offering Black history displays and interactive workshops and presentations.
Black History Month Program Series at TPL
During February and March, I will be touring various Toronto Public Libraries around the GTA. I invite you to check out their website, www.torontopubliclibrary.ca.
Thank you to the Toronto Public Library - Parkdale Branch for inviting me to be a part of this year’s Black History Month program series.
I had a great time performing, speaking about the instrument, and inviting attendees to play on the steelpans.
Kicking Off Black History Month with the City of Toronto
Celebrated the launch of Black History Month with the City of Toronto at Metro Hall
coming soon!