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Black History Month Events

Thursday, February 2

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATRE The NYC company presents two different programs with works by Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, Robert Battle, Joyce Trisler and Rennie Harris. Feb 2-4, Program A Thu 8 pm, Sat 2 pm Program B Fri-Sat 8 pm. $28-$88. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front E. 1-855-872-7669, sonycentre.ca.

BLACK WOMEN ARTISTS Talk by art historian/artist Suzanne Tevlin. 7 pm. Free. Bloor/Gladstone Library, 1101 Bloor W. 416-393-7674.

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE Acting Up Stage Company and Obsidian Theatre present Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s musical about a black maid and the son of her Jewish employer, both of them struggling with extraordinary life changes. Runs to Feb 12, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7 pm, mats Sat 2 pm, Feb 12 at 3 pm. $32-$45. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley. 416-368-3110, actingupstage.com, td.com/thenandnow.

MICHAEL CHAMBERS Posters exhibit. To Feb 14. Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue, 823A Bloor W. blackartndialog.com.

STAN DOUGLAS: ENTERTAINMENT: SELECTIONS FROM MIDCENTURY STUDIO A photography exhibition runs to Mar 4. Power Plant, 231 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4949.

AN EVENING WITH PAM GRIER The actor talks about why she entered the film business, choices she’s made and challenges she’s faced. 7 pm. $18.50. Varsity and VIP Cinemas, 55 Bloor W. ticketweb.ca, td.com/thenandnow.

DIRK MCLEAN Author visit. 1 pm. Free. Maria A Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton W. 416-394-1000.

RASTA: A SOUL’S JOURNEY Documentary on the journey of Rita and Bob Marley’s granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast, to eight countries to explore the roots of Rastafari. To Feb 29, Sat and Sun 2:30 pm. Free w/ admission. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. 416-586-8000, rastaonline.ca/rom.

28 DAYS: REIMAGINING BLACK HISTORY MONTH Works ranging from print, drawing, video, photography, sculpture and painting explore Black History Month and its relation to contemporary art. To Feb 19 at Justina M Barnicke Gallery, 7 Hart House, 416-978-8398. To Feb 29 at Georgia Scherman Projects, 133 Tecumseth, 416-554-4112, td.com/thenandnow.

VISITING AFRICANS IN THE DIASPORA, VIRTUALLY Teens explore the rich culture of the Gullahs through their songs, arts and crafts. 6 pm. Free. York Woods Library, 1785 Finch W. Pre-register torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Friday, February 3

DWIGHT DRUMMOND The CBC Toronto news anchor talks about how he struggled to get to the top of his game. 10 am. Free. Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

HONEY JAM: THEN & NOW Kellylee Evans, Kim Davis, Eternia, Jemeni, Belinda Brady, True, Saidah Baba Talibah, Motion, Natasha Waterman and others perform as part of Kuumba. 7 pm, $10. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Brigantine Rm. harbourfrontcentre.com, td.com/thenandnow.

KUUMBA Harbourfront Centre presents the Black History Month festival, including Lua Shayenne’s Afro-Roots Dance workshop and performance, plus film, music, comedy and more. Feb 3-5. Most events free (Honey Jam $10). 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com/kuumba, td.com/thenandnow.

LES RYTHMES DE LA FORET Collective of Black Artists and Harbourfront NextSteps present dances and rhythms from sub-Saharan Africa accompanied by traditional drums and chants. Feb 3-5 at 8 pm. $22-$30, stu/srs $18-$25. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.

REDEMPTION: BOB MARLEY’S BIRTHDAY Live music. Doors 10 pm. Sound Academy, 11 Polson. 416-930-9650, dbandit.com. PDR.

RITA COX Storytelling. 10 am. Free. Queen/Saulter Library, 765 Queen E. 416-393-7723.

Saturday, February 4

AFROTROPOLIS WANDERLAND Collaborative multi-arts presentation with Marcos Fantu, Chinedu Ukabam, Kalkidan Assefa and Jimmy Chiale. 8 pm. $25, adv $20. 99 Sudbury. afrotropolis.eventbrite.ca, td.com/thenandnow.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT MACKENZIE HOUSE Learn about the early black community in Toronto. Feb 4-5, noon-5 pm. Free w/ admission (Sundays and Family Day pwyc). Mackenzie House, 82 Bond. 416-392-6915.

CLIVE CHIN The music producer presents A Celebration Of Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary Of Independence Through Reggae Music, as part of Kuumba. 8 to 10 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, Lakeside Terrace. harbourfrontcentre.com.

IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH Performances by Ghanaian Canadian singer-songwriter Kae Sun and singer/social activist Amai Kuda. 8 pm. $10. Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst. cbc.ca/toronto/community.

DR JAY DE SOCA PRINCE DJ Skate Night, part of Kuumba/Soca On Ice. 8 to 11 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre Ice Rink, 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com.

J NICHOLE NOEL Interactive storytelling. 2:15 pm. Free. Richview Library, 1806 Islington. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

THE MEETING AfriCan Theatre Ensemble presents a staged reading of the Jeff Stetson play. 7 pm. $10-$15. 918 Bathurst. 416-364-7313.

THE MEMBERZ Bob Marley Tribute benefit concert. Donations for Daily Bread Food Bank requested. Cadillac Lounge, 1296 Queen W. 416-536-7717.

MUSIC, MAGIC, CLASH: NEW VOICES IN THE AFRICAN DIASPORA Screenings of Jamaican Storm Saulter’s film Better Mus’ Come (Feb 4 and 5), short films by young African filmmakers (Feb 19), Torontonian Sherien Barsoum’s film Colour Me about black identity in the city’s suburbs (Feb 14 and 18) and others. $12, stu/srs $9.50, child $8.50. See NOW Magazine’s Indie & Rep Film listings. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King W. tiff.net.

PLAY OWARE Teens play one of the oldest games from Africa and the West Indies. 2 pm. Free. York Woods Library, 1785 Finch E. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Kuumba: The Known, (Un)Known Artist Showcase Rochelle Jordan, Shi Wisdom, KJ (88 Days of Fortune), Spek Won, Abstract Random and others. 9:30 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre Brigantine Room, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000.

Sunday, February 5

Benefits

SYNCOPATION: LIFE IN THE KEY OF BLACK (Archie Alleyne Scholarship Fund) Music and dance performances by Kellylee Evans, Jackie Richardson, Shawn Byfield and others. 3 pm. $50, adv $40. Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina. 416-924-6211 ext 0, td.com/thenandnow.

A NEW HOPE (Stephen Lewis Fdn Arts Fund) Shelley Hamilton Productions presents Hamilton’s solo play about the first African-Canadian communities in Canada. Feb 5, 19 and 26 at 3 pm, plus Feb 26 at 1 pm. $25. ING Network Orange Café, 221 Yonge. 416-826-6855.

Events

KUUMBA: P.E.A.C.E. (PEOPLE EVERYWHERE ACTUALLY CO-EXISTING EQUALLY) Identifying with hip-hop culture, this workshop uses musical inspiration and sound therapy to generate positive energy. 4 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre Lakeside Terrace. 235 Queens Quay W. 416-97e-4000.

KUUMBA: T&T 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE Pan Fantasy Steel Band concert. 3:30 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000.

Monday, February 6

Benefits

BOB MARLEY’S BIRTHDAY KNOWLEDGE FOR THE PICKNEY BENEFIT (school/art supplies for kids in Cauldwell, Jamaica) Fundraising party. 7 pm. $5 or donation of school/art supplies. Hot Box Cafe, 191A Baldwin. 416-203-6990.

Events

GAIL NYOKA Meet the playwright. 2 pm. Free. Palmerston Library, 560 Palmerston. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

RITA COX Storytelling. 1:30 pm. Free. Malvern Library, 30 Sewells. 416-396-4054.

SYNCOPATION: LIFE IN THE KEY OF BLACK Photo exhibit, to Feb 10. Africentric Alternative School, 1430 Sheppard W. 416-395-5251.

Tuesday, February 7

THE AFRICAN FORUM: THE MEANING OF MARLEY Discussion with Klive Walker and honouring Al Hamilton with Norman Richmond. 7 pm. Pwyc. Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst. tranestudio.com.

JEAN AUGUSTINE Talk, interview and Q&A with the Black History Month founder. 7 pm. Free. North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

MAN 2 MAN A confident man in his 20s meets a man in his 40s who is coming to terms with his sexuality in this play by Kwame Stephens. 7:30 pm. Free. Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, Arbor Room. harthouse.ca/student-engagement/man-2-man.

Wednesday, February 8

BILL WITHERS TRIBUTE Justin Bacchus, Chris Gale, Chris Hunt, Dafydd Hughes, Eric St. Laurent, Steve Zsirai-B and Tim Shia perform. 9:30 pm. Rex, 194 Queen W. therex.ca.

FREE FAVOURITES AT FOUR Screening of Martine Chartrand’s Black Soul and Jennifer Holmes’s Speakers For The Dead. 4 pm. Free. National Film Board, 150 John. 416-973-3012. nfb.ca/mediatheque.

PHYLLIS WALKER: KEEPER OF THE ANANSI FLAME Storytelling. 1:30 pm. Free. Bloor/Gladstone Library, 1101 Bloor W. 416-393-7674.

ROSEMARY SADLIER Talk by the president of the Ontario Black History Society. 1:30 pm. Free. York Woods Library, 1785 Finch W. Pre-register torontopubliclibrary.ca.

THE SPIDER SPEAKS Storytelling. 1:30 pm. Free. St Clair/Silverthorn Library, 1748 St Clair W. 416-393-7709, torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Thursday, February 9

INVISIBLE CITY Screening of a documentary about transformation of community and identity in Regent Park. 2 pm. Free. Reference LIbrary, 789 Yonge. 416-395-5577.

THE LOVE TRAIN REVUE Musical celebration with Jackie Richardson, George St Kitts and Spider Jones. 6:30 pm. $50. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge. rhcentre.ca.

Friday, February 10

JUSTICE ON TRIAL: THE CASE OF MUMIA ABU-JAMAL Film screening and panel discussion with community worker Nathan Okanta and others. 7 pm. Free. Bahen Centre, rm 1170, 40 St George. network4panafrikansolidarity@gmail.com.

BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE The House of David Gang, Friendlyness & the Human Rights, Michael Garrick, High Plains Drifter, Amber Coates, April Jonston and others perform. Doors 9 pm. $10 w/ canned food donation or $15. Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor W. Tickets at Ticketweb. nufunk.ca.

RALPH BANKS: IS MARRIAGE FOR WHITE PEOPLE? Forum on marriage and relationships with the African American author. 6:30 pm. $15. North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge. blackmarriage2012.eventbrite.ca.

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD WITH LAUREL TAYLOR-ADAMS Storytelling. 10 am. Free. Sanderson Library, 327 Bathurst. 416-393-7653, torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Saturday, February 11

ETHIOPIA: A MUSICAL PERSPECTIVE Girma Woldemichael, Fantahun Shewankochew, Henok Abebe, Martha Ashagari and others perform. Doors 7 pm. $20-$25. Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front W. batukimusic.com.

IT STARTED WITH THE MAROONS: CARIBBEAN ROOTS IN CANADA Reading and interactive storytelling with Althea Prince. 3 pm. Free. Pape/Danforth Library, 701 Pape. 416-393-7727, torontopubliclibrary.ca.

BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE Kidd Rasta & the Peacemakers, I-Sax, DJ Chocolate and Patrick Roots perform. Doors 9 pm. $10 w/ canned food donation, $15 without. El Mocambo, 464 Spadina. nufunk.ca.

SANDRA WHITING Storytelling. 2 pm. Free. Oakwood Village Library, 341 Oakwood. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Tuesday, February 14

VOICES OF THE DIASPORA… THE BOOK OF NEGROESThe Nathaniel Dett Chorale. 8 pm. $20-$53. Royal Conservatory Of Music, Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor W. 416-408-0208.

Wednesday, February 15

LOUIS ARMSTRONG, THE AFRICAN HERITAGE AND THE BEGINNINGS OF JAZZ Lecture. 2 pm. Free. Barbara Frum Library, 20 Covington. Pre-register 416-395-5440, torontopubliclibrary.ca.

ONCE UPON AN AFRICAN VILLAGE: SONG, DANCE AND STORY WITH FULE BADOE Program for all ages. 10:30 am. Free. York Woods Library, 1785 Finch W. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Thursday, February 16

ADWOA BADOE Author visit. 1 pm. Free. Maria A Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton W. 416-394-1000, torontopubliclibrary.ca.

BERNADETTE GABAY DYER Songs and stories from a Caribbean heritage. 1:30 pm. Free. Parliament Street Library, 269 Gerrard E. 416-393-7663.

DWAYNE MORGAN Poetry reading. 10 am. Free. Danfoth/Coxwell Library, 1675 Danforth. 416-393-7783, torontopubliclibrary.ca.

OBEAH OPERA b current Performing Arts and Theatre Archipelago present Nicole Brooks’s Caribbean-themed opera about women accused of abominable acts in a Puritan town. Previews Feb 16-19, opens Feb 22 and runs to Mar 4, Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm. $25, stu/srs $20. 918 Bathurst Cultural Centre. 416-533-1500, bcurrent.ca.

Friday, February 17

CRISIS IN THE CONGO: UNCOVERING THE TRUTH Film screening and panel discussion with CUPE member Safia Gahayr and others. 7 pm. Free. Bahen Centre, rm 1170, 40 St George. network4panafrikansolidarity@gmail.com.

FLEURETTE AFRICAINE wind in the leaves collective present a collection of poetry and dance narratives exploring identity. 7:30 pm. $20, stu $15. Lower Ossington Theatre, 100A Ossington. fleuretteafricainefebruary.eventbrite.com, td.com/thenandnow.

Saturday, February 18

AFRICAN CANADIAN CHILDREN AND YOUTH LITERARY FESTIVAL Spoken word and storytelling from Canada and the diaspora. Feb 18-19. Free. York Woods Library, 1785 Finch W. 416-395-5980.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT MACKENZIE HOUSE Learn about the early black community in Toronto. Feb 18-19, noon-5 pm. Free w/ admission (Sundays and Family Day pwyc). Mackenzie House, 82 Bond. 416-392-6915.

CALIBAN ARTS THEATRE RELAUNCH Kahil El’Zabar & the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble perform. 8 pm. $15-$20. Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst. 416-913-8197.

PLAY OWARE Teens play one of the oldest games from Africa and the West Indies. 2 pm. Free. York Woods Library, 1785 Finch E. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

ZOUK, MAKOSSA, RAGGAE AND NGWA MUSIC Fojeba, Adam Solomon, Njacko Backo, Blandine, Djenabou, and Jahmez. Doors 6:30 pm. $15-$20. Music Gallery, 197 John. 416-204-1080.

Tuesday, February 21

THE AFRICAN FORUM: SOUTH AFRICA 20 YEARS AFTER APARTHEID Discussion with Usheak Koroma. 7 pm. Pwyc. Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst. tranestudio.com.

EAT YOUR HISTORY Meet Carl Cassell of the Harlem Underground Restaurant. 6:30 pm. Free. North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. Pre-register 416-395-5613.

MICHAEL ST GEORGE The dub poet reads. 1 pm. Free. North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

MIGHTY JEROME Screening of Charles Officer’s film about the rise, fall and redemption of Canadian track-and-field star Harry Jerome. 6 pm. Free. Malvern Library, 30 Sewells. 416-396-8969.

Thursday, February 23

KEITH C HOLMES Meet the author of Black Inventors, Crafting Over 200 Years Of Success. 1:30 pm. Free. York Woods Library, 1785 Finch W. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

TRIBUTE – A MOVING HISTORY OF CANADIAN BLACKS IN DANCE dance Immersion and Harbourfront NextSteps present a showcase presentation of dance, film and spoken word paying homage to Len Gibson, Dindi Lidge, Zab Maboungou, Paul Pettiford and others. Feb 23-25 at 8 pm. $22-$32. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com, td.com/thenandnow.

Friday, February 24

RASTA CONCERT Performance by Julian Marley, Time tba (check website). Free w/ admission. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. 416-586-6000, rastaonline.ca/rom.

THE ROAD TAKEN Film screening and panel discussion with community activist June Veecock and others. 7 pm. Free. Bahen Centre, rm 1170, 40 St George. network4panafrikansolidarity@gmail.com.

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR Performing African Grace. Feb 24-25, 8 pm. $30-$90. Sony Centre, 1 Front E. sonycentre.ca.

Saturay, February 25

AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE DAY Live music by Errol Blackwood and others, adult and kids film screenings, storytelling, gallery tours and more. 11 am-6:30 pm. Free w/ admission. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park. rom.on.ca.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT MACKENZIE HOUSE Learn about the early black community in Toronto. Feb 25-26, noon-5 pm. Free w/ admission (Sundays and Family Day pwyc). Mackenzie House, 82 Bond. 416-392-6915.

PLAY OWARE Teens play one of the oldest games from Africa and the West Indies. 2 pm. Free. York Woods Library, 1785 Finch E. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Tuesday, February 28

THE AFRICAN FORUM FILM NIGHT Screening of The Making Of Catch A Fire and The Language We Cry In. 7 pm. Pwyc. Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst. 416-913-8197.

MICHAEL ST GEORGE The dub poet reads. 1:30 pm. Free. Morningside Library, 4279 Lawrence E. torontopubliclibrary.ca.

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