Caribana 2009 - Toronto, ON

On The Parade Route

Caribbean Heatwave @ Captain John's

Bon Voyage aboard the River Gambler

Fahrenheit @ Six Degrees

Avant @ the Tralf, Buffalo, NY - Mon Aug 24th!

Mon, Aug 24, 2009 08:00 PM
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET
US $27.00
Tralf, 622 Main St, Buffalo, NY
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Birmingham Heritage Festival, Birmingham, Alabama - Fri Aug 14th! - Sun Aug 16th

Schedule of Events

Friday Night:
Angie Stone
S.O.S. Band
Lloyd
Ludacris

Saturday Night:
Dwele
Avant
Keyshia Cole

Sunday:
Prince Yelder and DFC
Overflow
Cheryl Bufford & The Floodland Family
Ashley Guin
Church Boy
Atlantic Starr
Joe
Chaka Khan

For tickets and more info visit: http://www.bhamheritagefest.com/

De LA Soul @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, ON - Sun Aug 23rd!

Sun, Aug 23, 2009 09:00 PM
GENERAL ADMISSION
CA $31.50
The Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca

Donna Summer @ The Avalon Ballroom Theatre At Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, ON & Caesars Windsor - Thurs Aug 20th - Sat Aug 22nd!

Thu, Aug 20, 2009 08:30 PM
Fri Aug 21, 2009, 9:00 PM
Tickets: $63.00-84.00
The Avalon Ballroom Theatre At Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort
6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Sat, Aug 22, 2009 08:00 PM
The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, ON
Tickets: $51.00 - $63.00
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Busta Rhymes Live in Concert With Peter Jackson and JB @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, ON - Wed Aug 19th!

Wed, Aug 19, 2009 08:00 PM
CA $39.95
The Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON
Visit http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Marisa Lindsay Live @ the Revival, Toronto, ON - Tues Aug 18th!

Marisa Lindsay ~ Jazz Neo-Soul Diva

You're invited to join us to celebrate the arrival of "Deeper Love" Marisa Lindsay's latest CD release.
This one night only exclusive performance will feature original songs with her 6 piece band that will take you on a journey of love life and music.
CD Release Party August 18, 2009
At Revival 783 College St. West at Shaw Toronto
Doors Open 7PM
Performance 8PM
The cover is $15
This event is a 19+

Reservations are not necessary but recommended.
Please contact us to be added to the list (647) 435-3663 or email us directly

This event is produced and sponsored by Thunder Dome Sounds

John Legend Live @ Casino Rama, Orillia, ON - Tues Aug 18th!

Tue, Aug 18, 2009 08:00 PM
Casino Rama, R.R. #6 Rama Rd., Orillia, ON
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Raekwon @ Sound Academy, Toronto - Sat Aug 15!

Sat, Aug 15, 2009 08:00 PM
CA $15.00
Sound Academy, 11 Polson St., Toronto, ON
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Jamie Foxx @ Sound Academy, Toronto, ON - Tues Aug 11!

Tue, Aug 11, 2009 08:00 PM
CA $69.50 - CA $100.00
Sound Academy, 11 Polson St., Toronto, ON
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Herbie Hancock & Lang Lang @ Roy Thompson Hall, Toronto, ON - Wed Aug 5th!

Pianists Lang Lang and Herbie Hancock come together for a single night performance in Toronto. At the 50th Grammy Awards they played together and performed Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. One plays classic and the other jazz, however they perform duets. There are also solos, concertos for two pianos and there is an orchestra.

Lang Lang & Herbie Hancock Part of Jazz @ Massey Hall, Toronto, ON
Price: $69.50 - $199.50
Visit: http://www.roythompsoncom

Lil Wayne @ Molson Ampitheatre, Toronto, ON - Tues Aug 4!

Lil Wayne
Molson Amphitheatre, Toronto, ON
Tue, Aug 4, 2009 07:00 PM
CA $39.75 - CA $99.75
Support: Drake, Soulja Boy, Young Jeezy & Jeremiah
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Fab 5 @ Queen's Park, Toronto - Mon Aug 3!

The legendary group perform their greatest hits and fan favourites. Plus IRIE Eco Day featuring workshops and demonstration on how to reduce our environmental footprint. 12:00 to 8:00pm. Admission: FREE

Schedule:
TD Canada Trust Stage
Fredlocks Asher & Ultraflex Crew 1:30pm
Friendlyness and Human Rights 3:00pm
Jason Wilson & Tabarruk 4:30pm
Fab 5 6:00pm

Jambana @ Downsview Park, Toronto - Mon Aug 3!

Start Time: Monday, August 3 at 1:00pm
End Time: Monday, August 3 at 9:00pm
Where: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Road, Toronto, ON (Keele and Sheppard)
JAMBANA formerly known as AIR JAMAICA DAY, is rolling into a NEW venue at
Downsview Park this year with a sensational lineup of entertainers featuring rhythms
of Reggae, Jazz and Gospel, as well as Comedy and Dance.

This exciting networking and socializing cultural festival has something for the entire
family, starting with a spectacular line up of 11 musical acts, 4 comedians, and 25 dancers.
Highlights of the event also include The Health Village, Travel & TradeVillage, Children's
Village, FoodVillage, the Lick-A-Six Domino Tournament, the Jamaica Idol contest, and
quizzes on history and entertainment throughout the 8 hour event.

A VIPVillage has been added at the request of many who have asked for an area where they
can sit comfortably, dance, eat, and drink as they watch JAMBANA. Admission to the VIP
Village is $20 with guests receiving a complimentary meal, as well as a complimentary
drink while they sit and enjoy the show. Tickets are available from TicketGateway.com

The 2009 event is produced by Jones & Jones Productions Ltd. (www.jonesandjones.ca),
producers of the successful Air Jamaica Day.

Featuring Oliver Samuels, Terri Salmon, Humble, Byron Lee's Dragonaires, Steele, Jay Douglas, Nana McLean, Baby Boyz, Jakki James and more!

Admission: No cover, VIP Village $20

To see more details Visit: http://www.jambana.com/

Summer Rush @ Canada's Wonderland, Toronto North - Sun July 26th!

Sunday, July 26th, 2009
Kingswood Music Theatre
INSIDE CANADA'S WONDERLAND
Doors 3:00pm Show 4:00pm
Featuring performances by:
Akon
Basshunter
Real McCoy
Robin S
Danny Fernandes
DJ Danny D
September
Marianas Trench
Supercrew (winners of America's Best Dance Crew)
Tickets available at http://www.canadaswonderland.com/, ticketmaster.ca and by phone at 416-870-800
Tickets only $23.99 + tax and convenience charge for Season Pass Holders
And only $49.99 + tax and convenience charge (gets you into the park all day and concert)
All ages event with licensed VIP Section for those 19+
General Admission
Visit: http://www.canadaswonderland.com/

Socacize Ladies Work It Out on the Big People Boat Ride in Toronto!

The Ladies of Socacize put their dance and fitness moves into good use last Friday night on the Big People Boat Ride. Socacize, a Toronto-based fitness regime that incorporates Caribbean and African dance movements, has bootcamp classes designed for people who plan to jump up for the annual Caribana parade which attracts more than a million people annually. And, there was plenty of jumping up and hands in the air grooving to the sounds of calypso, reggae and even a Michael Jackson tribute. Not even a few rain showers and a cool evening breeze could stop the few hundred attendees from having a good time on the spacious Enterprise 2000 as it sailed around the Toronto Harbour. DJs Dr Jay de Soca Prince and Stretch McNeilly kept the vibes sweet, while the Toronto Legends Rhythm section entertained the crowd all night.

John Legend @ The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, ON - Sat July 25th!

John Legend
Sat, Jul 25, 2009 09:00 PM
The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, ON
Tickets: $62.68 - $74.18
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Jamaica Day @ Downsview Park, Toronto - Sat July 25th!

Featuring: Beres Hammond, Nadine Sutherland, Blaxx, Percy Sledge, Professor Nuts, Jay Douglas, Mr. Cooper, Jimmy Reid, Tasha T., Horace Martin, Mikey Dangerous, Tonya P. S. Davis, Tony Anthony, King Ujah, One Shott, K.C., Delee and more!
New Location: Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hill Road, Toronto, Near Keele and Sheppard Ave.
Visit http://www.jamaicadaytoronto.com/

Beres Hammond Live @ Various Locations, Toronto, Thurs July 23 - Sat July 25!

Photo Credit: Carol A. Allen, Reggae Sumfest, 2007, Jamaica
Thurs Jul 23 - Beres Hammond with Culture @ Club NV, Brantford, ON
BERES HAMMOND w/ The Harmony House Singers & Musicians & Special Guest CULTURE
Thursday July 23rd @ Club NV 234 Colborne St. Downtown Brantford, ON
Email Rahim@UltimateEntertainment.ca for info
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Fri July 24 - BERES HAMMOND & SHALLI LIVE IN CONCERT @ THE BIG SEXY, OSHAWA, ON
"Beres Hammond North American Tour"
What: Dinner Party
Host: Shalli
Start Time: Friday, July 24 at 10:00pm
End Time: Saturday, July 25 at 3:00am
Where: The Big Sexy, Oshawa, ON
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook/.com/n/?event.php&eid=127461490020&mid=c16079G243c2207G5af0915G7
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Sat Jul 25 - Beres Hammond Live @ Jamaica Day, Downsview Park, ON
With the Harmony House Singers
Visit: http://www.jamaicadaytoronto.com

Summer Heat Feat. Flo Rida & Kevin Rudolf @ Ricoh Coliseum, Toronto - Thurs, July 23rd

Summer Heat 2k9 LIVE at Ricoh!
Y.O.T.E. Inc. presents the hottest line-up of the season for SUMMER HEAT 2k9 featuring: FLO RIDA, KERI HILSON, T-PAIN, KEVIN RUDOLF & JAZMINE SULLIVAN.

This all-star line-up brings the fire to Toronto on July 23rd @ the Ricoh Coliseum. It's going to be blazing!

For info call 416.800.9094 / www.yoteinc.com / email: info@yoteinc.com

Thu, Jul 23, 2009 08:00 PM
GENERAL ADMISSION FLOOR-STANDING
CA $148.50
RESERVED SEATING IN THE STANDS
CA $26.75 - CA $98.50
Ricoh Coliseum, 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto, ON
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Trixx: Mistrial @ St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Toronto - Thurs July 23rd

Hosted by Toronto’s Jean Paul and with opening act Patrick Haye, TRIXX’s Mistrial promises to be one of this summer’s highlights. Tickets, ranging from $20-$25, are now available via the St. Lawrence Centre website at www.stlc.com or by phoning 416-366-7723.

TRIXX: Mistrial
Thursday July 23rd, 2009
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts
Inside the Jane Mallet Theatre
27 Front Street East
8 PM Showtime

For more information on TRIXX, please visit www.TRIXXWORLD.com

Russell Peters Free Show at Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square - Sat Jul 18th!

Russell Peters - Free Show July 18 - Yonge-Dundas Square
Russell Peters will perform a free show at Dundas Square as part of the Just
For Laughs festival on Saturday, July 18th 8:30p.

Congratulations to Toronto native gone Hollywood, Russell Peters, for making the Forbes list of top earning Comedians (tied for #9) earning $10 million smackaroos last year!

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2009/07/15/f-forbes-comedians-salaries-russell-peters-mandel.html

The Harder They Come Sneak Preview from Scotiabank Caribana Launch

Tues July 21 - Sun Aug 23 - The Harder They Come @ The Canon Theatre
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE DIRECT FROM LONDON'S WEST END
VENUE:
The Canon Theatre
244 Victoria St.
Toronto, ON

SCHEDULE:
Tues - Sat, 8PM
Weds, Sat, Sun, 2PM

RUNNING TIME: 2:45 Tickets currently available as part of Season Subscription package only. Public ticket sales begin June 13!
A hit on London's West End, this exhilarating new musical by Perry Henzell is based on his legendary, ground-breaking film that launched the reggae revolution in pop music. Young singer Ivan Martin leaves his country home for the bright lights of Kingston, dreaming of making it big on the hit parade, but the harsh reality of the Jamaican music scene drives him into a fast and furious life as an outlaw.
A terrific night that breaks all the rules as it shows you a good time... stuffed with raucous life and a raft of reggae classics delivered by a cast who seem intent on searing the songs on your soul!
- The Guardian
Strong language, smoking (non-tobacco products) on stage. Suggested for ages 12 and up. Children under the age of two will not be admitted.

SAVE 25% ON ALL PERFORMANCES (JULY 21 - AUG 23) OF "THE HARDER THEY COME" @ THE CANON THEATRE!

You still have an chance to get a 25% discount on all performances from July 21st to August 23rd

Visit: http://www.mirvish.com/thtc/appleton/

Scotiabank Caribana is Officially Underway! - Highlights from the Official Launch @ Yonge-Dundas Square - 07/14/09

The 42nd Annual Scotiabank Caribana officially kicked off this past Tuesday at a new venue, Yonge-Dundas Square. The launch party, usually held a few blocks west at Nathan Phillip's Square, had to be moved as a result of the city workers on strike. Events such as the King and Queen Competition and Pan Alive traditionally held at Lamport Stadium, a city-owned facilty located at King and Dufferin Streets, have been the topic of much discussion recently. There was some speculation that these events would be cancelled or moved, however, Joe Halstead, Chair of the fesiival managing committee announced that there would be no cancellations and that he was hopeful that a deal would be worked out. The Olympic Island venue used for the Scotiabank Caribana Lime on August 2nd may be moved to another location.

Overall, the two-hour lunchtime launch was filled with lots of entertainment and colourful costumes, however the opening introductions from government representatives, committee members and sponsors dragged on for way too long. So, despite the strike, the parade is scheduled to go ahead as usual along the Lakeshore beginning at the Exhibition Place on August 1st.

For list of events visit: http://www.caribanafestival.com/pagedisplay.aspx?i=203&pmExp=1332

Beyonce - The "I AM" Tour @ Molson Ampitheatre, Toronto - Mon Jul 20th

The "I Am" Tour
Mon, Jul 20, 2009 07:30 PM
Tickets: $34.75 - $150.00
Molson Amphitheatre, 909 Lakeshore Blvd. W., Ontario Place, Toronto, ON
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Maxwell @ Shea's Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY - Sun Jul 19th!

Photo Credit: Carol A. Allen, Essence Music Festival, 2009
Tickets: US $37.00 - US US $122.50
Shea's Performing Arts Center, 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.com/

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto - Sun Jul 19th!

Sun, Jul 19, 2009 08:00 PM
The Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON
GENERAL ADMISSION
CA $46.50
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/

Ice Cube @ The Sound Academy, Toronto - Sat Jul 18th!

Toronto, ON
SUPPORTING ACTS: Big Page and Smoke & Mirrors
Sat, Jul 18, 2009 08:00 PM
11 Polson Street, Toronto, ON
THIS IS AN ALL AGES EVENT.
DOORS AT 8:00PM
CA $40.00

Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca for info

The 21st Annual Beaches Jazz Festival, Toronto - Fri Jul 17th - Sun Jul 26th

Visit: http://www.beachesjazz.com for locations and events

Capleton Live @ the Kool Haus, Toronto, ON - Fri Jul 17th!

Visit http://www.dbandit.com for more info

Essence Music Festival 2009 in Review

Another Essence Music Festival has come and gone and what a phenomenal one it was. With this year being the 15th Anniversary celebration, by all accounts it was probably the best attended one since it's inception.

New Orleans, Louisiana, is the home of the largest African-American music festival which traditionally falls on the fourth of July weekend. Attracting over 200,000 attendees, the festival brings in people from all over the world and is one on the most anticipated yearly events and weekend-getaway destinations.

With mini-concerts, autograph signings, empowerment seminars, taste-testing, dance lessons, and giveaways, The Ernest N. Morial Convention Centre was buzzing with excitement and lots of celebrities. Just some of the people who made special appearances were: Queen Latifah, Michael Bivens, John Legend, Maxwell, Teena Marie, Idris Elba and Al B. Sure.

This year's three-night concert line-up was undeniably one of the best ever. It included a multitude of multi-talented artists such as Beyonce, Neyo, Salt N Pepa, Maxwell, Lionel Richie, Al Green and Anita Baker on the main stages while Raphael Saddiq, Neo-Soul Artist, Ledisi, Brand New Heavies and R&B newcomer, Ryan Leslie, did their thing in the super lounges located in the upper levels of the Superdome.

With the recent death of Michael Jackson still on everyone's minds, most artists took time out to remember him and his contributions to the music world.

Legendary funksters, Frankie Beverly and Maze, whose popular tracks "Joy and Pain" and "Before I Let Go" still rock the dancefloors today, wrapped up the weekend late into the wee hours of the morning as they have done for the last 15 years. A special tribute was done to honour Beverly and he was given the key to the city from Mayor Ray Nagin for his accomplishments. Known for wearing all white at his shows, the majority of the Essence fest goers followed suit as all you could see in the crowd was a sea of white. There is speculation that this may have been Beverly's last appearance at the festival and if it is, it will be a undoubtedly be a great loss.

The 2010 Essence Music Festival promises to be even bigger and better as Essence Magazine celebrates it's 40th year.

Steve Harvey Discusses his Bestseller "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" at Essence Music Festival, 2009

Essence Music Festival 2009 Live Performances - New Orleans, LA

Toots and the Maytals @ Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto - July 12th!

Doors open 08:00 PM
Location: Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON
CA $33.50
Visit: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/