There are many ways that we can recognize Black History Month here in Canada. The Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue (BAND) and TD present Then & Now, a series of must-see events across Canada that highlight the significant contributions African Canadians have made to Canada’s cultural landscape. Local, national and international artists in a variety of art disciplines will offer a global perspective in this month-long celebration.
Here are a few events that are planned across the country and are on our radar… (for complete list of events visit www.band-rand.com)
Gordon Parks: Segregation Story. Photo Exhibition at the Nicholas Metivier Gallery, 451 King Street West. Toronto. January 8-31, 2015
In 1956, Gordon Parks follwed a multigenerational family living in and around Mobile, Alabama, capturing their everyday encounters with segregation. The colour photographs were published in LIFE magazine and became one of the most influentials photo essays of Parks’ career. Parks shot over 50 images, out of which only 20 were published. The rest of the images are now being shown for the first time and serves as a shocking reminder of history.
The Nina Project. Performance. ShakuraS’Aida. Soulpepper. Distillery Historic District. Toronto, February 16, 2015.
Three award-wining and internationally acclaimed African-Canadian vocalists – Jackie Richardson, Kellylee Evans and Shakura S’Aida perform the music and lyrics from the legendary jazz vocalist Nina Simone. Simone’s voice span through three generations of entertainers and will no doubt entertain with Simon’s timeless and classic stunning music.
Black History Month at Mackenzie House. Mackenzie House Museum. Toronto. Saturdays/Sundays and Family Day (February 16).
Visit the Mackenzie House print shop on weekends with the kids to print a personalized copy of The Provincial freeman, the first newspaper to be published by a woman of colour in Canada. Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a teacher, an anti-slavery activist and a ground breaking editor.
TWISTED. Play. b current and Factory Theatre. 125 Bathurst Street. Toronto. January 31 to February 22, 2015.
This world-premiere production written by Joseph Jomo Pierre and Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman, adapted from Dickens’ Oliver Twist brings the classic story to a modern urban setting. It takes a look at the lives of urban youth incorporating elements such as hip hop culture and social media. The re-imagined story reveals the hardships, fears and hopes of youth currently living in Toronto.
KUUMBA. Harbourfront Centre. Arts Showcase. Toronto. February 6 to 8, 2015.
Showcasing emerging and innovative artists of African and Caribbean heritage. This exhibit looks back to two decades of contemporary Afro-Canadian culture with this year’s Afrofuturism theme. since the late 1960s, artists have been looking into the future with mindfulness of lessons and traditions of the past. Kuumba, ist he Swahili word for creativitiy. The weekend extravaganza will feature comedians, dancers, musicians, filmmakers and others.
“Here and There” Our Musical Roots. House of Paint Festival of Urban Arts and Culture several locations. Ottawa.
This performance exhibition of DJs, groups and individual artists showcase how drums, vocal chants, arts and dance continue to influence modern music. The musical content stays true to history and honours the roots of the stories and messages of traditional songs, while recognizing their infusion in modern genres of music including Deep Afro Tribal House Music.
Father Figure: Exploring Alternate Notions of Black Fatherhood. Photography. BAND Gallery, 1 Lansdowne Avenue. Toronto. February 19 to April 2, 2015.
Through intimate black and white frames, this photo project offers a personal perspective into often overlooked aspects of African-descended family life. Gain insight into the daily lives of men whom the photographer, Zun Lee, has worked with since 2011 and who are parenting under a variety of circumstances – as married fathers, single fathers, social fathers, young and old, middle class and poor.
The Color Purple Musical. Charles Taylor Theatre & Media Arts Association. NSCC Waterfront Campus Theatre. Halifax. January 27 to February 18.
This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel put s a spotlight on Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years from the arc of this epic story. The story focuses on the difficulties, particularly black women, of the early 20th century and how they overcome oppression. Features jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope and a celebration of life.
Over The Imaginary Border. Sarah McLachlan School of Music. Vancouver. The Fox Cabaret 2321 Main Street. February 20, 2015.
A musical performance examining the perceptions of difference in the Canadian and American Black experiences in the golden era when soul came to life with hits from Motown, Stax, Atlantic, Chess, Phillies, Hi-Records an dmore. A 20+ piece soul orchestra made up of musicians from Toronto and Vancouver perform alongside elder Black American expats from the Vancouver music and arts scene. This performance will bring the stories and soundtrack of Black Americans who came to Vancouver in search of the Canadian Dream.
OLIVER JONES: Have Fingers Will Travel. Montreal City Hall. Montreal. January 30 to February 12, 2015.
Oliver Jones was born in Montreal in 1934 and “La Table ronde du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs” will pay tribute to the legendary pianist in this multidisciplinary exhibition that will combine history and music. Jones is one of Canada’s most beloved musicians and cultural ambassadors The exhibit is two parts: History and Music and Visual Arts.
Africa Fete Festival. Performance. Granville Island. Vancouver. February 13 to 15, 2015.
Caravan World Rhythms presents Africa-Fete, a festival that showcases a wide variety of music and dance inspired by African culture. This three day festival includes music, dance, food and film. Introductory and advanced level drumming, music, and dance workshops will be offered.
Let us know if you’ve heard of any other great events happening in your city for Black History Month!
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