Looking for something to do in the city that won't cost you an arm and a leg? Lately, my email inbox has been filling up with some interesting upcoming events, so Bee's got you covered:
As per Harbourfront's site, "Join Harbourfront Centre for an exploration of African roots through a 21st-century perspective. This year’s festival also highlights the incredible role women have played in shaping the history of black culture and pushing it to new frontiers." The waterside arts centre will be putting on a number of events (most of them FREE!) from Feb. 3rd - 5th.
Hit up the Honey Jam reunion and catch talent like Saidah Baba Talibah, Kim Davis, Eternia and DJ MelBoogie! Get on bad at the DJ Skate Night, soca style, featuring Dr. Jay! Preview some fresh Toronto talent at The Known (Un)known w/ Tika Simone featuring two of my favourite vocalists right now, Rochelle Jordan and Shi Wisdom! Short films, drumming exhibits, dance workshops and more - check out Kuumba for more details.
A two-woman show put on by Bahia Watson and Liza Paul, Pomme is "a fresh, funny, irreverent look at womanhood in all its glory: its perils, its pleasures, and all kinda madness in between." I've been hearing great reviews from previous runs of this show, so I'll definitely be making my way to the Tranzac (22 Brunswick Ave, Toronto) sometime between Feb. 13th - 18th. Check the official Pomme site and their Facebook page for more deets!
A love story embedded in the framework of political turmoil in 1970s Jamaica, Better Mus' Come is coming to the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Feb. 5th! I became obsessed with Jamaican politics in the 1970s and '80s after watching a documentary that aired on MuchMusic wayyyyy back in the day (so far back that it was the days I used to tape X-Tendamix - co-starring Roxie - on VHS), so I'm pretty intrigued by this film, directed by Jamaica's own Storm Saulter. Check the official site, and go here for more ticket details.
IFreeCan: Relaunch feat. Warsan Shire
So, I've been following this amazing poet on Twitter named Warsan Shire. If you're not familiar with this Kenyan-born, Somali-Brit, you need to catch up. She'll be in Toronto on Jan. 14th for the relaunch of the IFreeCan initiative, which "is a platform that welcomes anyone that wants the alternative of the society’s expectations." This event (being held at the Centre for Social Innovation - 720 Bathurst Ave.) looks to be a great night featuring music by DJ Jake d' Snake, poetry from Warsan Shire, Keisha Monique and more, and photography from Kassandra T, Allen Agostino, and others. They've posted videos on Facebook from A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, and Kardinal Offishall to get us in the mood for the event, so I'm hooked. Official site here.
Don't say I never gave y'all nothing! Hit me up if you'll be attending any of these events...maybe we'll meet up!