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Upcoming: TRCC benefit, Rivoli, January 21
A crew of big-hearted and talented female MCs are teaming up to raise awareness and funds for the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape. The lineup is dope, with rising stars Tara Chase , Masia One and Eternia performing alongside underground lights like Belladonna and organizer Latte D. Kyd .
“I’ve always said the female hiphop community in Toronto needs to band together and do something for the greater community,” explains Kyd, who says hearing news of a rape near Gaytown last Pride weekend spurred the idea.
Usually, events featuring female-positive musicians speaking out against violence against women have more of a guitar-girl vibe. So a really cool thing about this Friday’s Rivoli event is the strong representation of diverse, positive hiphop.
It fits right in with the mandate of the TRCC, says Kyd.
“Their vision is to eradicate all violence against women and children from all races and classes, social, economic and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, ages, physical and mental challenges and religious, spiritual and political beliefs, and I have an intense desire to expand the male-dominated, stereotypical view of hiphop culture.”
Maple Blues bonanza
The Toronto Blues Society held its annual Maple Blues Awards summit at the Phoenix last Monday, and Ottawa belter Sue Foley emerged on top with three awards, including recording of the year (for live disc Change) and best female vocalist. Other big winners included entertainer of the year Matt Minglewood and teen prodigy Jimmy Bowskill , who snagged best new artist honours. Check www.torontobluessociety.com for a full list of winners.
