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Title: Connect - A Concert in Celebration of Multiculturalism & Diversity
Location:
, Ontario,
Categories: Citizen Journalism
Culture
Child & Youth Rights
Status:
Completed
Timeline:
Ongoing
Description:
>> Connect <<
Free All-Ages Concert to Celebrate Multiculturalism Day
- Using Music As An Educational Tool To Empower Youth -
In the world’s most multi-culturally diverse City of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario – (June 27, 2005) Multiculturalism Day (June 27) gives Canadians an opportunity to recognize the contributions of ethnocultural and minority communities to Canadian society and to celebrate Canada’s rich cultural diversity. The 411 Initiative For Change is hosting “Connect” – a concert to engage young people in the celebration of
Multiculturalism Day on June 27th, 2005. This free all-ages event will be held at the Opera House (735 Queen Street East). Headlining the concert are Maxamus
Entertainment/Koch Records artists Melanie Durrant and Maple Music Recordings artist Rochester aka Juice. Other artists slated to take part include Shaun “Rikoshay”
Boothe, Sumeet, DJ Dopey, poets Travis Blackman, and Spin. The event is hosted by Will Strickland with special guest hosts Jemeni from the Morning Rush on Flow
93.5FM and MuchMusic Pop Culture Reporter Hannah Sung.
“Connect features a culturally diverse line-up of young performers including South-East Asian, Asian-Pacific, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Central American, African-Canadian, among others while increasing awareness and appreciation of Canada’s growing multiculturalism among young people. This type of programming is of crucial importance as Toronto is the most ethnically diverse city in the world,” explains The 411 Initiative For Change’s Programme Director Anita Wong. The event aims to strengthen social cohesion and cultural understanding among young people by addressing timely issues such as self-esteem, racism, and identity.
This event also marks the official national launch of The 411 Initiative For Change, recognizing its achievements in creating innovative solutions to contemporary social issues, and toasting its future in attaining its goals that envision inclusive civic education, through
the use of fused arts, culture and heritage to facilitate social development. Originally
provincial in scope, the organization has expanded its operations nationally, enabling it to
reach more young members of Canada’s ethnocultural communities. A nation-wide school
tour planned for Fall 2005, is expected to reach over 60 schools across Canada.
“The spread of racism, discrimination and prejudice can be thwarted by the combined
efforts of young Canadians. Through programs like this event, we hope to empower young
people with the knowledge that they can effect change through their own initiatives, in their
communities – domestically and overseas,” advocates Tamara Dawit, Executive Director of
The 411 Initiative For Change.
Admission is Free with online ticket from
www.whatsthe411.ca
Monday June 27th
The Opera House
735 Queen Street East
Doors 8:30pm Show 10:00PM
-30-
Contact: Tamara Dawit
Office: 674-438-9436 / Cell: 416-473-3595
Email: connect@whatsthe411.ca / www.whatsthe411.ca
Background:
• The 411 Initiative For Change works on development projects aiming for viable longterm
impacts through bridging education, arts, culture and heritage to social
development. Using music and art in the mass media, The 411 Initiative For Change provides civic education and raises awareness on current social issues – sensitizing the
public, generating interest and encouraging critical thinking and action to improve social
cohesion and cultural understanding. The majority of projects are geared towards
engaging children and youth audiences addressing issues including: citizenship and
identity, self-esteem, entrepreneurship, anti-violence, diversity appreciation,
multiculturalism, human rights and other thematic critical issues. In the last year, the
organization’s initiatives have reached nearly 20,000 young people in Ontario through its
interactive programs using contemporary music and young musicians to engage high
school students on contemporary social issues.
• What is Multiculturalism? Canadian multiculturalism is fundamental to the belief that all citizens are equal. Embracing multiculturalism ensures that all citizens celebrate their
identities, take pride in their ancestry and heritage and have a sense of belonging.
Diversity appreciation gives Canadians a feeling of security, self-confidence and
connectedness, making them more open to, and accepting of, diverse cultures. The Canadian experience has demonstrated that multiculturalism encourages racial and ethnic harmony and cross-cultural understanding, while discouraging ghettoization, hatred, discrimination and violence.
Objectives:
To celebrate the talents of all of Canada's young ethnocultural communities through contemporary music.
Special Performances include:
Melanie Durrant
www.melaniedurrant.com
It's not merely enough to declare yourself a diva. Indeed, any faux-fox can wiggle and prance while lip-synching insipid lyrics to an already familiar beat, but it takes real artistry to construct a new stylistic vanguard in soul. With the upcoming release of her debut disc Where I'm Goin' (Sept. 2005), Canadian chanteuse MELANIE DURRANT introduces the world to her unique, writing, arrangements, vocal production and edgy sound. Her albums lead single, "Where I'm Goin'" is the perfect introduction to DURRANT's talent. The song caught the attention of in-demand video director Little X (Usher, Nelly, Sean Paul, Jay Z, Fabolous and more). DURRANT and her song, were featured in a commercial for Chrysler's PT Cruiser. Melanie’s current video for her new remix single 'Let Me' features Kardinal Offishall.
Rochester aka Juice
www.rochesterakajuice.ca
Growing up in the Islington/Finch corridor of Toronto, Juice was the first winner of urban radio station (FLOW 93.5 FM) inaugural Soul Search talent contest in 2002. Rochester aka Juice’s full-length debut album ‘A New Day’, is slated for release on June 21, 2005 through Maple Music Recordings. The video to his single ‘A New Day’ has been nominated for a 2005 Much Music Video Award. His lyrics speak to distinctly local concerns while carrying universal themes. “Some cats feel because they sell a couple of dime bags that they’re hustlers, gangsters and thug rappers like they see on BET,” relates Juice. “The situation in Canada is different. Sure some people are living that kind of life, but why rap about busting guns when you’re not? I come from a proud Dominican and Jamaican household, grew up with my two parents, and I didn’t live that kind of life… so why am I going to rap about something that I don’t live?” He adds: “Music is expression of self. If that’s not you, don’t express it.”
Sumeet
www.sumeetmusic.com
Sumeet’s debut album ‘Deeper’ is a smooth blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, and Dance Hall. The range of her abilities is shown off on infectious dancehall reggae jams such as “Agony” featuring Atlantic Records recording artist Elephant Man, and “Wine Me (2 Da Ground)” which have both been in heavy rotation across Canadian and UK radio, as well as Siruis Satellite Radio in the U.S. The combined sales of “Agony” on a Universal Records Compilation, AV8 Records, and Brukkout Records, is nearly 20,000. Her songs will be featured on an upcoming VH1 show this Fall 2005 and MTV is currently editing a segment on Sumeet to air later this Summer.
DJ Dopey
www.djdopey.com
While the art of turntablism continues to please audiences across the globe, it goes without saying that DJ Dopey has played an integral role in its rise to the forefront. Having performed alongside the artform’s finest including such names as DJ Q-Bert, DJ Craze, Mixmaster Mike, DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Beat Junkies, Scratch Perverts and The X-Ecutioners to name a few, DJ Dopey has solidified his rank among the greatest in his field by winning the coveted title of 2003 DMC WORLD CHAMPION. In addition to his DMC World title, other 1st place achievements he holds dear to him include the 2001 Allies All Star Beatdown put on by renowned turntablist crew “The Allies”, as well as the 2002/2003 Vestax Canadian Championships.
Shaun “Rikoshay” Boothe
www.won-by-one.net
Rikoshay is carving out a space for himself in Canada’s hip-hop mosaic. You may have seen him in the MuchMusic environment in the summer of 2002 in the highly coveted position of Much Temp, or spitting a verse in his MuchVibe commercial. His single “One by One”, featuring Natasha Waterman was release on vinyl by Universal Music Canada, while the music video charted on MuchVibe at number 3. His current single and video for “Stomp” is in rotation on radio stations across Canada and Much Music.
Travis Blackman
Travis Blackman received the title of Toronto’s International Poetry Slam Champion in 2003. After going up against 36 poets from around the world he came out on top. Travis Mr. Blackman has energized countless venues with the rod of truth he has been heard by the elderly and the youth in places like Mel Lastman Square, Art Gallery of Ontario, St Lawrence Theatre, Dundas Square, York University, and University of Toronto just to name a few. Mr. Blackman’s rhymes are insightful, and leaves you with a mindful so prepare to be enlightened.
Will Strickland
Will Strickland is a longtime music industry veteran in the US. Will conceptualized & produced the first ever online concert in black music history while at Epic Records as the Senior National Director of Rap Marketing & Promotions with Ghostface Killah in 1997, as well as creating & teaching the first ever course on hip hop culture, "Edutainment: The Impact of Hip Hop on American Culture" at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1998.
Ken Masters
With his commanding presence, charming charisma and distinctive character, Ken Masters possess what many entertainers lack – star quality! Ken Masters cemented his name in 2004 with the release of the Iraqi/Bush war inspired track “The War Report,” which featured up-n-comers Rochester aka Juice, Mhedikc and Adversaree. Masters then followed w/ the campus radio single “Take You There.” The recent servicing of his latest buzz track “Back to Back” is getting amazing early feedback from campus radio djs. Masters plans spend 2005 recording his debut album.
DJ Grouch
DJ Grouch a member of the Turnstylez crew has earned himself international recognition through turntablist competitions across North America. In 1996 Grouch and his Turnstylez compatriots swept the DMC’s ranking first, second and third. Later going on to win the 1998 Western Hemisphere title for team battle, Grouch has cemented himself as one of the world’s respected turntablists. Grouch is also a resident DJ hosting The Sound Check Show on Toronto’s CHRY 105.5 FM; the show serve as a relief from the monotony of commercial radio and as a voice for the underground.
Spin
Spin is a devoted agent of social change, well-known poet and spoken word artist - a firm believer in the power of words. The focus of his spoken word performances raise awareness amongst and between diverse ethno-racial and multicultural youth in the Greater Toronto Area. As a youth advocate and activist, he is a positive youth role model and is well respected by many community groups and organizations in Toronto.
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