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!

Black History Month Celebrations

Greetings everyone, Black History Month celebrations are coming up in February across Canada.
It gives me great pride to be a part of these events during this time.

Aside from performing, I also offer a hands-on component whereby I bring steelpans and can briefly speak about the history and development of the instrument and the journey of the steelpan in Toronto and how it has positively impacted our city.

I have been asked about “how” the steelpan can be incorporated during the month and here are some ideas:

Corporate/Non-Profits
Morning conference, performing as attendees are arriving
Lunch and Learn programming
Part of BHM celebrations with performance and/or hands-on workshop sessions (sessions do not have to be long)

Libraries/Day Care/Schools/Community Centres
Performances and Hands-on workshops

I am getting a high volume of requests from corporate, non-profits, schools, and libraries for performances as well as workshops. As dates are filling up, kindly contact me sooner than later.
I would kindly ask if you can go to “Bookings” on my site or click on the button below and fill out the requested information.

Booking inquiries

New Year's Message of Thanks

Toronto Neighbourhood Office’s Senior’s Luncheon at the Ontario Science Centre

Toronto Neighbourhood Office’s Senior’s Luncheon at the Ontario Science Centre

Greetings and Happy New Year!

I am just sharing a recap of my year of wonderful opportunities that I had with people from across the city doing great things within their organizations and for the community. 

2022 was a busy year! I had the privilege to perform for Black History Month celebrations, create and present FREE virtual steelpan classes for children during March Break which successively turned into a 10-week virtual program (each student was given a steelpan to borrow and use), and perform for senior day programs and residences around the GTA. 

Last year I made some new connections and did more corporate events. I had the chance to perform and present hands-on workshops for employees of Oxford Properties, UPS, Pepsi, HOOPP, NPI, CI Financial, RBC, and slew of others.

I was chosen to perform for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee at the Royal York but was even more honoured to participate in the 1st Annual Emancipation Cup (founded by Dewitt Lee of Emancipation Month Canada) at the newly named Emancipation Park (formerly Dixie 407 Sports Park) during Emancipation Month. An honour as the Emancipation Month Act became law in Ontario as of February 2022.

I was again appreciated to be invited to a yearly summer event for Sistering, a multi-service agency that serves women who are marginalized, homeless, and may have experienced trauma or violence. MabelleArts, an innovative charity, invited me once more to perform during their weekly MabellePantry which provides fresh produce to community members who experience food insecurity. Each time I have returned to their neighbourhood, I see how much more the residents have come together as a community and family. Special thanks to the Nia Centre for all the work they do for artists across the African diaspora. I had the pleasure of connecting with their community members through the delivery of my workshops. Upon speaking with them you really see how an afternoon of making the decision to try something new, meeting new people, and creating music can make a difference in relieving stress and producing some happy vibes (It is really needed!). 
I would ENCOURAGE everyone to learn more about these organizations that service the community.

I had so much fun leading hands-on workshops for youth at U of T Scarborough through the UTSC x 100 Strong Foundation program, faculty at U of T Mississauga and performing for a student conference at Humber College.

This past fall marked the official installation of Dr. Rhonda McEwen as Victoria's 14th president and vice-chancellor.
I had the honour, alongside pannist with Earl La Pierre Jr, to perform for this historic event at Victoria University at University of Toronto. Thank you to Jamea Zuberi for making this a reality.

MUCH APPRECIATION to those who gave me invitations to perform, facilitate workshops, and even made recommendations of my services! 
I am EXCITED for all the wonderful opportunities that this illustrious instrument, the steelpan, will bring me this year.
Feel free to check out the rest of my website and follow me on Instagram

Snowflakes On Steel Celebrates 25 Years!

Get your tickets early for one of the best steelband showcases this season.
Snowflakes On Steel, brought to you by Pan Arts Network celebrates 25 years of stellar performances by Toronto’s top steelbands.

Featuring:
Afropan Steelband
Gemini Pan Groove
Panatics Steelband Network
Pan Fantasy Steelband
Souls of Steel
Awarding:
Pan Pioneers & Woman In Pan
Special Guests:
Dance Caribe Performing Company

Location: Chinese Cultural Centre, P.C. HO Theatre
5183 Sheppard Ave. East. (1 block east of Markham Rd)

If you have never experienced it, be sure to note that it is an event that will have you dancing in your seats and singing along.
Don’t get left out in the cold without a ticket!

Tickets: Advance $40, Door $45
Tickets can be purchased at Blackhurst, 779 Bathurst St., M & A Discount Store, 1168 Morningside Ave., or online at Ticket Gateway.

Installation of Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen as President and Vice-Chancellor

A new chapter in Victoria University's history has begun! October 12, 2022, marked the official installation of Dr. Rhonda McEwen as Victoria's 14th president and vice-chancellor, which took place as part of the Charter Day celebrations.
I had the honour, alongside pannist with Earl La Pierre Jr, to perform for this historic event. Thank you to Jamea Zuberi for making this a reality.

The Isabel Bader Theatre was alive with excitement as students, staff, faculty, university officials, friends and family joined together to fete McEwen and honour the winners of this year’s admissions awards. Watch Dr. McEwen's full speech below.

100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women

BEYOND APPRECIATIVE to have been recognized for the 2022 - 100ABCWomen (Accomplished Black Canadian Women).

Special thanks to Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, Dr. Denise O'neil Green, and Dauna Jones-Simmons for providing a space to recognize Black Canadian women who are game changers, difference makers, and innovators.

WHO KNEW that decades ago a discarded oil drum from the island of "sweet, sweet T&T" could be transformed to create an instrument for CHANGE, a tool for WELLNESS, EDUCATION, COOPERATION & TEAM BUILDING, CONNECTING people of different cultures and generations, and providing a SPIRITUAL LINK back to our ancestors.

YUH DEH YAH OAKWOOD?

THANK YOU to the Nia Centre for inviting me to be a part of this AMAZING event filled with MUSIC!
I enjoyed performing, speaking about the history of the steelpan, as well as facilitating hands-on steelpan workshops. I connected with so many people who were excited to receive me as well as this magnificent instrument.

Caribbean Catch-Up at University of Toronto - Mississauga

THANK YOU to University of Toronto - Mississauga’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Office, International Education Centre, and Connections & Conversations in “honouring and acknowledging students, staff, faculty, and librarians of Caribbean descent, raising awareness around Caribbean culture, and celebrating Caribbean culture as a whole.” ~@utmedo

Diversity and Inclusion Multicultural Celebration

Diversity and Inclusion Multicultural Celebration at Pizza Pizza head office in Mississauga.
The staff had a world of fun learning to play the steelpan

March Music Break Program

Do you know a youth between the ages of 8 - 16, who would like to learn to play the steelpan?
Sign them up for a special opportunity to be selected for a FREE five 60 minute morning virtual sessions with me!

During March Break, we are offering an opportunity for three students to virtually learn to play the steelpan.
Knowledge of music is not required.
This is an introduction to the lead steelpan whereby students will become familiar with the notes, technique, scales and a simple song.
Instruments, sticks, and stands will be provided on loan for each student.
Sessions will run from March 14th - March 18th from 11am-12pm.
Program open to students who reside in the Greater Toronto Area.
Parents of selected participants will be contacted regarding acceptance as well as the instrument and its use.

Students will be taught by Suzette Vidale, one of Toronto's leading female steelpan soloists.
(Read more about Suzette here)
This initiative is sponsored by Black Music Month.

#marchbreak #steelpan #gta #gtaprograms #kidsprogram #virtuallearning #musicforkids #toronto #scarborough #etobicoke #northyork #eastyork

Wedding Season has opened up once again!

It gives me such great pleasure to perform on one of the most special days in the lives of couples, their wedding.
For the past two year, many people have had to postpone numerous times and/or as well reduce the number of guests to accomodate restrictions. Through it all, I have been honoured to be the steelpan soloist at these memorable events. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your day!

Black History Month at Mary McCormick Centre

During steelpan performances and workshops, I always try to make them educational, fun and as well spotlight the local and international contributions.

Canada
@afropansteelband legacy shirts
Pan Soul Vibrations by Jesse Andrews (pan poetry)
PanMan by Tarquin Lougheide (book)
The E-Pan invented by Salmon Cupid (article)
Carnival Guides: @torontocarnival.ca
Photos:
Pan Round the Neck band
Pan Alive @ontsteelpanassociation
9 bass

Trinidad & Tobago @tourismcultureandarts
Spider Web pan by steelpan innovator Anthony Williams (approx 1950's)
Renegades!: The Story of BP Renegades Steel Orchestra by @kim.n.johnson (book)
Trinidad All Stars: From Tabanca To Rain (cd)
If Yuh Iron Good You Is King by Kim Johnson (book)
Steelpan figurines: wire bending artisans

Barbados
@thencfbarbados
Ping Pong by Janet Stoute (book)

Japan
Panmag by Yukari Onishi (magazine)

France
Calypsociation Steelband: Made it (cd)

USA
Jumbie Jam Steel Drum

Trini To the Bone on steelpan but have you ever heard the calypso Jean and Dina on harmonica?
Black History Month celebration @cityofto @torontopfr Mary McCormick Centre.
Thanks to @its_toy_toy, #frankforde & #kennethslater for bringing the vibes.

Shout out to @elbatonapparel
#toronto #ontario #trinidad #tobago #steelpan #djembe #harmonica #calypso #soca
#bhm #blackhistorymonth
#steelpanintoronto #torontosteelpan

Vibes for Valentines

Shout out to @panmanonduty for inviting me to participate in Chunes From Chunesville which showcased on February 12th. The song I performed was Tender by Patrice Roberts.