Here are my Top 5 Picks of events happening in Toronto during February 2015. The best ones are happening this weekend!
Jan 31 - Feb 22 TWISTED - Twisted is an urban take on the popular Charles Dickens book, Oliver Twist. The play is co-written by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman and Joseph Jomo Pierre, with the production supported by TD as part of the “Then and Now” series presented by B.A.N.D. (Black Artists’ Networks Dialogue). I expect this play to be modern, edgy and relatable to most Black Canadians. Click here to read more about the outspoken playwright.
Feb 06 - REDEMPTION - Celebrating 15 years of delivering the best of Reggae and Dancehall music, the excitement being, “who is going to be the surprise guest”. Past surprise guests have included Baby Cham, Macka Diamond, Lady Saw, etc. I think this edition will satisfy Reggae lovers inside the Sound Academy.
Feb 07-08 - KUUMBA - For the 20th anniversary, the festival which is now part of the TD Then and Now Series, features an eclectic array of Black Artists; namely Esie Mensah, Dwayne Morgan, Kenny Robinson, and so many more. This year Kuumba festival focuses on Afrofuturism, a vibrant and historic cultural aesthetic that has and continues to shape art, music, fashion, literature, film and much more. Harbourfront Centre hosts the festival.
Feb 07 - LAUGHING OUT LOUD - The Americans are coming!! Popular comedian Faizon Love of “Real Husbands of Hollywood” fame, joins his American counterparts Capone and Rob Stapleton. Also on the bill Toronto's own 'Men of Comedy' Jay Martin, and crowd favourite Trixx. The Metro Convention Centre’s John Bassett theatre houses this all-star comedy show.
Feb 10 - 15 - TORONTO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (TBFF) - Packed with over 30 films depicting black realities from around the globe and a variety of breathtaking special events, the TBFF opens with a film by Executive Producer Spike Lee, and pays tribute to Blaxploitation icon Fred “The Hammer” Williamson and Hollywood legend Bill Cobbs. There are various screenings and event locations.