Today I went to City Hall for the flag raising ceremony celebrating 34 years of St. Lucia's Independence. Many gathered on the roof top podium in the bitter cold, and as the flag slowly raised, we sang the St. Lucian national anthem with pride. We then proceeded to a room within City Hall and listened as Consul Generals of CARICOM and city representatives made references to historical events and spoke words of pride, inspiration, and motivation. tbc...
International Book Giving Day
Old fav Tikki Tikki Tembo, new fav The Sweet Sound of Steel
Hey everyone, I'm excited for an initiative that I read about literally at 3 in the morning.
It's called International Book Giving Day which is a day "dedicated to getting new, used, and borrowed books in the hands of as many kids as possible" (source: bookgivingday.com) and it's being celebrated on February 14th, 2013.
Now if you know me, I love to read and I especially love getting kids to read. I've have organized a reading program for the students of my steelpan program. Basically I am lending some of my favourite music books so they can too enjoy them with their families. I don't want the learning and fun to stop at the classroom and this is a great way encourage literacy, creativity and dialogue. Who knows what type of impact a book can have on a person?
One of my favourite books as a child was "Tikki Tikki Tembo". At a young age I was amazed at the illustrative details of the book, which was a reflection of the Asian culture. I remember when it was told to me, certain parts were spoken in a rhythm. Fast forward to my twenties, I was working at a development centre for children, sharing the same story in the same manner it was told to me and the kids are LOVING IT!
I am so proud of the initiative and the amount of people participating around the world.
Remember it started with one person who had an idea for the greater good -KIDS! and acted upon it and look how this has grown!
My personal challenge to you
Give a new or gently used book to a child on February 14, 2013. Let me know how it went, I would love to hear from you. Don't forget to follow @bookgivingday and "like" the page of International Book Giving Day for all updates. Happy giving!
Talent Show presented by International Cultural Bazaar
January 25th Castries Barber Salon was a buzz, not only due to the clippers cutting customer's hair but with people in attendance for the first Talent Night presented by International Cultural Bazaar.
Owner Frank Forde has started this endeavor "with a concern for the unborn. A child is being born every second, and every child being born is our future. There was a discussion one day in the shop about culture and about how unfair we are to different cultures...You know what this world really needs? An International Cultural Bazaar. At the time I was really thinking about the little ones who could really change this world. This past New Years Day it became a reality...I was really proud to know we started it"
Sons of Steel
If you happen to be in Trinidad at the end of January, make sure and check out this event!
Snowflakes On Steel
Pics coming soon!
An Evening with Souls of Steel Orchestra
More pics to be posted soon!
Steelpan makes the cover of WholeNote!!!
A friend of mine brought over something that just made me jump for joy. A copy of this month's edition of the WholeNote, a Toronto concert goer's guide.
Yes I know, the Steelpan isn't the feature but when was the last time you've seen one grace the cover of a Toronto publication?
If you get a chance pick up a copy of WholeNote, there is an inspiring story about Richard Marsella who's ambitious dreaming came to fruition by helping a community through the power of music.
Hey everyone, Treble Clef Music School would like to invite you to their GRAND OPENING and 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of their school. They will also be launching their newest entertainment facility MUSIQUARIUM.
When: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3 from 12pm to 6pm for a variety of Opening Day activities!
Location: 21 Regan Rd. Unit A, Brampton, ON.
Cost: FREE!!!
Be sure to attend, it will be a great celebration!
Discover the joy of playing the Steelpan
Discover the joy of playing the Steelpan. Learn about the history, technique and play a simple song.
Classes offered at Eastern Commerce C.I. through Afropan Steelband.
This year they have added a class for children ages 5-7 as well classes for adults.
If you have always wished that you could play, want to learn, wished your children could learn and are finally ready to stop saying and start doing....HERE IS YOUR CHANCE! 1-2-3-GO!
Independence Mass for Jamaica + Trinidad & Tobago
Pan Man Pat on the Tenor pan and Jeff on the Dudup
Congrats on your first workshop with Culture Days!
"I had fun!" and "Are you coming back tomorrow?", were some of the comments from the participants from this afternoons workshop "Steelpan With Sue" at the Sanderson Library. As part of Culture Days, the 3 day cross Canada event showcases artist and their art and gives them a chance to share it for with the public for free.
The instrument is still pretty new to a lot of people. Sometimes you meet someone that is in total awe and can't understand how the sound is produced. I have had a few people even look for the "button" to see where I turn on the music.
Why did I choose to be part of this festival?
I found it necessary to educate not only through discussion but really wanted the participants to be hands on the instruments. There are so many stereotypes and misconceptions about steelpan. I really wanted those that attended to understand the struggles that people had decades earlier with their instruments and throughout the development of this one. I guess you can say that I want it to be given the same respect one gives as any other instrument. It's not a "metal garbage can that we've turned upside down, hit with sticks and notes come out of it". It doesn't "only play calypso and reggae music" and isn't "only played by men". This 20th century musical wonder has come a long way and is widely accepted by people all over the world.
Special thanks for making this workshop possible: CultureDays, Dyann from CultureDays, Sung-Min and her staff from the Charles S. Sanderson Library, Ian Jones of the Ontario Steelband Association, L.E.A.P. Branding, Margarette D., Earl L., Wayne D, Isaiah V-D)
Culture Days Workshop is Finally Here!
Hooray, my workshop Steelpan With Suzette is finally here!
Art installation #1
Upon bringing the instruments to the library for my workshop, my roadie and I offloaded the pans onto the grass. Unintentionally it initially looked like an instillation an upcoming art festival. It certainly got a lot of attention from passers-by and motorists too.. We got a few honks of "support" for our "cause". Quite a few people walking by inquired as to what our display was all about and wanted to know what time we would be playing. Hilarious.
Arriving at Sanderson Library with the instruments for the workshop
Photos by Dewitt Lee
Steelpan Jam with Suzette (York Woods District Blog)
I was recently interviewed by Diana, a librarian from York Woods Library which is also a host of the Culture Days festival. Here's a sneak peak of what was discussed.
D!ana: How did you first get into steelpan?
Suzette: A friend of mine, Monifa Colthurst, was playing with Toronto's oldest steel band, Afropan, and invited me to a rehearsal. At the time I was a teenager on summer break and the band was rehearsing every evening preparing for the annual Caribbean parade, Caribana. I found myself attending their rehearsal quite often as the music was infectious. The environment was so friendly, everyone was happy to be there and made me feel welcome.
D: What was it that really got you hooked and inspired you to teach steel pan? S: Seeing that the steelpan was limitless to the genres of music
that could be played excited me. It is often thought that because the
steelpan was birthed in the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago, Calypso
and Reggae were the only types of music played. Many people are often
surprised when they hear a pannist playing Classical, Jazz, R&B and
even cultural songs. My inspiration to teach came from ...
Hooray for Bright Spots!
Went to Sun Life to pick up a free Bright Spots venue ID, buttons and post cards for my Culture Days workshop. These are great for helping to identify and promote my upcoming workshop. Thanks Stephanie!
Highpark Loft BBQ
Suzette with Luan, Gary and Adam, celebrating
It was that time of year again for the fun loving residence of a particular High Park loft to celebrate the end of summer with their annual roof top BBQ.
My second year being invited to entertain with melodies of the Caribbean were interrupted with threats of a downpour but we did manage to swing in some tunes before bringing the music inside to again enjoy without the inclemencies.
I had a wonderful time and would especially like to thank Luan, Adam and Gary for their hospitality of making me feel welcome.
Promo for Culture Days
Putting up posters promoting Culture Days upcoming 3 day, across Canada festival.
Culture Days -Steelpan With Suzette workshop
Culture Days workshop: Steelpan With Suzette
Join Suzette as she speaks about the Steelpan's origins, evolution and current innovations. Have fun while learning the proper technique of holding the sticks, stance and playing a Steelpan. Expect to learn a simple song, no musical knowledge required.
This is a FREE event for Adults and Children (7 & up)
About Culture Days
Culture Days is a collaborative coast-to-coast-to-coast volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. With the support of a National Steering Committee and volunteer Provincial and Territorial Task Forces, thousands of activity organizers self-mobilize at the grassroots level to present and coordinate free public activities that take place throughout the country over the last weekend of September each year.
The third annual Culture Days weekend will take place September 28, 29 and 30, 2012, and will feature thousands of free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to participate “behind-the-scenes,” to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, designers and other creative people in their communities.
With thousands of activities registered at culturedays.ca, and with the support of media partners like the CBC, Globe and Mail and St. Joseph Communications (Canadian Family, Where, Fashion and Toronto Life magazines), Culture Days drives a multi-level national communications and public relations campaign designed to inspire and catalyze greater public participation in the arts and cultural life of our communities. A variety of free, useful Tips and Tools are available to support activity organizers throughout the process of planning, promoting and executing their Culture Days activities.
source:http://culturedays.ca/en/about-culture-days
Source: http://shar.es/uRCuF
Cultures Day Workshop: Steelpan With Suzette
Join Suzette Vidale as she speaks about the instrument's origins, evolution and current innovations.
Have fun while learning the proper technique of holding the sticks, stance and playing a steelpan. Expect to learn a simple song, no musical knowledge required.
Date & Times:
Saturday September 29, 2012 — 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Saturday, September 29, 2012 — 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Location
327 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario
Registration required: 416-393-7653
THIS IS A FREE EVENT
LCBO Diversity Day
Ezra Lataille, committee member of the Caribbean Pavillion, and Suzette
This was my fourth year being invited to participate in Diversity Day representing the Caribbean Pavilion. The day itself is a celebration of the many cultural heritages within the LCBO, showcasing the food, entertainment, costumes and art.
Highlights included performances on the main stage and diverse delectable selections from each pavilion.
