June29
The Hot Spot Festival
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay
3-5 July 2009
There are certain regions of the world that lead the way in creativity and innovation. These trendsetters are a ‘Hot Spot’ of new and emerging talent often leading to the creation of new fusions. Harbourfront Centre’s The Hot Spot festival (July 3-5) explores the pulse of new creative endeavors that come from Africa, Latin America, Brazil, India, Cuba and other “Hot Spots” around the world.
Two Nigerian legends, Yoruban (and twice Grammy nominated) King Sunny Ade and the award-winning Femi Kuti (the oldest son of African music pioneer Fela Kuti) come together for an amazing free concert. West African and Native Caribbean traditional singing gets focus from the women of Umalali. Toronto hip-hop artist Kamau (set to release his brand new album) teams up with Montreal DJ Andy Williams for a late night set
Another captivating chapter is added to the Rodriguez story (who is often described as a Latin Bob Dylan, musically) when he plays what will likely be a much talked about show on Friday evening. The Detroit singer was long thought to be either dead or insane. After releasing his debut album Cold Fact in 1970 to little attention, the singer then released a second album, and, seeing not much musical progress, abandoned plans to continue. Unbeknownst to him, while he pursued new career paths, the album became a multi-platinum success in South Africa and developed cult followings in Australia and New Zealand.
Hiplife performs, showcasing the musical genre of the same name which originates from Ghana, fusing reggaeton, dancehall, and highlife music. Cuba get the spotlight as Roberto Linares Brown and Telmary show off their Cuban rhythms and injects salsa, reggaeton and hip hop. Bollywood meets contemporary dance courtesy of the Sanskriti Arts Ensemble and Brazillian Capoeira is demonstrated by Axé Capoeira Toronto.
Chef Damu of Madras Masala Restaurant cooks up delicious South Indian Cuisine and Caju’s Mario Cassini offers up dishes of his exceptional Brazilian fusion food.
MUSIC:
King Sunny Ade: Saturday, July 4, 6 p.m. - SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage
King Sunny Ade’s distinctive sound is the dance-inspiring hybrid of western pop and traditional African music. Ade and his band continue to weave an infectious blend of electric guitars, synthesizers and multi-layered percussion over African beats in this full 2-hour set.
Femi Kuti: Saturday, July 4, 9 p.m. - SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage
Femi Kuti, is an award-winning Nigerian musician and the oldest son of legendary afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He has refined over more than twenty years, an afrobeat with soul-jazz nuances that is entirely his own. Prior to his full 2-hour performance, Femi Kuti get’s intimate and interactive with an interview and Q&A at 3:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Terrace.
Umalali: The Garifuna Women’s Project: Sunday, July 5, 3 p.m. - SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage
Umalali, the Garifuna word for “voice”, is an ensemble that captures the beauty and power of Garifuna female expression. A unique culture based on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Garifuna traditions blend elements of West African and Native Caribbean heritage.
Hiplife: Saturday, July 4, 8 p.m. - Redpath Stage
Hiplife music is an innovative Ghanaian fusion of highlife and hip hop. It is a mix of reggaeton, dancehall, reggae and Ghanaian highlife music. Recorded in Ghanaian languages (Ga, Twi, and others), hiplife is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world.
Gurpreet Chana- The Tabla Guy: Saturday, July 4, 1:30 p.m. - Redpath Stage
Gurpreet Chana will be performing live percussion on tabla, alongside a DJ who will be spinning house, hip-hop, funk and a variety of other music styles. The set will also include solo performances by both artists.
Glenda del E and Mixology: Friday, July 3, 7 p.m. – Redpath Stage
Glenda del E and Mixology is a Cuban ensemble the blends Afro-Cuban, jazz and classical sounds with funky beats and world influences. They create a blend of sounds that take audiences through a meditative and entertaining journey.
Rodriguez: Friday, July 3, 8 p.m. - SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage
Halfway across the world, Detroit-based Rodriguez is spoken of in the same reverent tones as Bob Dylan (he’s been referred to as the Latin Dylan). Rodriguez’ music and lyrics have become a guiding light and inspiration to a generation of South African youth and funky retro-psychedelic folk enthusiasts. This is Rodriguez’ Canadian debut.
Roberto Linares Brown: Friday, July 3, 9:30 p.m. - SIRIUS Satellite Radio Stage
Roberto brown began his professional career with Valentin y Los Del Caribe where he learned an international repertoire from playing at the resorts and show bars throughout Cuba. Roberto moved to Havana where he joined the legendary timba group Azucar Negra as piano player.
Next featuring DJ Andy Williams w/ Kamau: Saturday, July 4, 11 p.m. - Brigantine Room & Tent
Montreal’s Dj Andy spins a mix of jazz, funk, fusion, soul, reggae, African, broken-beat, future-jazz and the Latin music. He is sometimes referred to as “the teacher” for his ability to both educate and motivate a dance floor. Kamau is the only guest artists to have been featured on K-OS’s first three albums.
Telmary with DJ Billy Bryans: Friday, July 3, 11 p.m. - Brigantine Room & Tent
Telmary Diaz is a singer, street poet, and rapper. She is one of the few female leaders of the hip-hop revolution in Cuban popular music.
Mulambo Groove: Sunday, July 5, 1 p.m. - Redpath Stage
Mulambo Groove is the result of four brothers working together. They bring the magic of Brazilian folklore onto the stage by exploring old and modern sounds that merge into an authentic sound.
Samba Toronto: Sunday July 5, 4:30 p.m. - Redpath Stage
The Escola de Samba de Toronto, Canada’s premiere Brazilian Samba Bateria have created a group of drummers, instrumentalists, singers and dancers, who all share a passion for one of Brazil’s most creative art forms: the Samba Enredo a song that is sung from a Samba School during Carnaval.
FOOD:
Mario Cassini – Caju Restaurant: Sunday, July 5, 2 p.m. - Lakeside Terrace Tent
Experience the flavours of Brazil. Brazilian-born chef and owner, Mario Cassini has created a menu that reflects the diverse cultural history of Brazil, with a contemporary take on traditional dishes.
Chef Damu- Madras Masala Restaurant: Saturday, July 4, 3:30 p.m. - Lakeside Terrace Tent
With over 15 years of cooking experience Chef Damu is known for his delicious South Indian Cuisine, and has created a variety of dishes based on fresh masala and herb mixtures. Madras Masala recently opened its doors and has become one of Toronto’s finest South Indian restaurants.
Chef Amadou Seck-Amadou’s African Catering: Saturday, July 4, 5:30 p.m., Lakeside Terrace Tent
One of the leading African caterers in Toronto, Chef Amadou Seck will demonstrate how to prepare and serve delicious dishes from western Africa.
World Café: Friday 6 p.m.-12 p.m., Saturday noon-1a.m. and Sunday 10a.m.-6p.m.
The World Café features delicious, exotic and unique tastes from around the globe. It offers a weekly variety of international cuisine prepared by a rotating selection of popular Toronto restaurants and caterers.
PERFORMING ARTS:
African Dance Ensemble: Saturday, July 4, 4:30 p.m. - Redpath Stage
The African Dance Ensemble (ADE) is unique group that researches and teaches the roots of African contemporary and traditional dances. The sharing of African art forms is accomplished through performances, workshops, residencies, and lectures.
Axé Capoeira Toronto: Sunday, July 5, 3 p.m. - Redpath Stage
Axé Capoeira Toronto is dedicated to promoting the art of Capoeira and other Brazilian expressions through classes, shows, festivals and workshops. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial arts with dance and acrobatic movements.
Sanskriti Arts Ensemble: Saturday, July 4, 3 p.m. - Redpath Stage
Sanskriti means culture. As the name suggests Toronto’s Sanskriti Arts Ensemble is working to spread Indian culture throughout the world. They present an enticing blend of traditional Bollywood dance with the dynamic couture of Contemporary movement.
FILM:
Dead Men Don’t Tour: Rodriguez in South Africa 1998: Saturday, July 4, 2 p.m. - Studio Theatre
Tonia Selley directed this documentary of Rodriguez’s South African tour featuring concert footage, backstage antics, interviews with Craig and Sugar, Rodriguez and his family, the promoters, the fans and the musicians. All live footage was filmed at the concerts in Pretoria, Durban and the Blues Room in Johannesburg. This is the Canadian premier of this documentary.
Shot in Bombay: Saturday, July 4, 4:30 p.m. - Studio Theatre
A fast-paced documentary featuring a charismatic (sometimes surreal) cast of characters that go beyond the glamour of Bollywood to explore the industry’s darker sides.
