indicates child-friendly event

Thursday, February 4

Events

Sammy Baloji - Vues De Likasi Photography exhibition and sound installation. To Mar 14. Free. Contact Gallery, 80 Spadina #310. contactphoto.com.
beyond the rhythm Exhibition of art celebrating the Caribana Festival. To Feb 10. Free. City Hall Rotunda, Queen and Bay. colour-blind.ca.
Big Voices, New Voices Discussion with authors Austin Clarke and George Elliott Clarke, and a young writer from the black community. 7 pm. Free. Reference Library, 789 Yonge. 416-395-5577.
Black History and the broadcast industry Panel with CBC employees on how black history and heritage has influenced their careers. Noon. Free. Glenn Gould Studio, CBC Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front W. cbc.ca/toronto/community.
big city small world CBC Radio live broadcast featuring music by the Arsenals. 6 pm. CBC Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front W. Reserve bigcitysmallworld@cbc.ca.
Caribbean Tales Youth Film Festival Classic and contemporary Africentric films. To Feb 25. $10, adv $7. William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks. 416-598-1410, ctyfilmfestival.com.
culture dubbing on the frontlines Dub a capella, reasoning and an open mic with Yasus Afari and others. 8-11 pm. Donation. Ellington's, 805 St Clair W. 416-652-9111.
EL NUMERO UNO Humans and animals save their island in Pam Mordecai's musical Caribbean fable for ages 8 and up. To Feb 25. $20, kids/srs $15. Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, 165 Front E. 416-862-2222.
Posing Beauty In African American Culture Exhibition of works by Carrie Mae Weems, Lee Friedlander, Eve Arnold and others. To May 9. Free w/ admission. Art Gallery of Hamilton, 123 King W (Hamilton). 905-527-6610.
Stitching community: African Canadian Quilts From Southern Ontario An exhibition runs to Sep 6. Free w/ admission. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park. 416-586-8000.
XPression Against Oppression Screening of a speech by 70s activist Angela Davis. 6:30 pm. $22.50, stu $17.50. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor W. 416-978-8849, uofttix.ca.

Friday, February 5

Celebrating Africa's First World Cup Celebration of music and soccer with live music, soccer gear giveaways and more. 8 pm. $10. Gladstone, 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635.
THE EVOLUTION OF GOSPEL MUSIC Toronto Mass Choir and UrbanPromise showcase five eras of gospel music. Today and tomorrow 7 pm. $25-$30. Global Kingdom Ministries, 1250 Markham. evolutionofgospelmusic.com.
I MARCUS GARVEY Theatre Archipelago presents a play by Edgar Nkosi White. $10, stu $5. Today 7:30 pm (Papermill Theatre, 67 Pottery), tomorrow 2:30 pm (William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks). 416-750-1764 ext 1.
masaisai Concert. 7 to 9 pm. Free. Gladstone Hotel Melody Bar, 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635.

Saturday, February 6

Bob Marley Tribute (Yonge Street Mission) Music by Humble, Fulla Sound, Nkruhma, Tréson, I-Sax InJAH, DJ Carl Allen, Roberto Occhipinti, Friendlyness & the Human Rights, and others, visual art, a raffle and more. 9 pm. $15 w/ food donation. Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. 416-537-0803, bobmarleybirthday.com.
Celebration Of History, Culture And Life (YMCA Strong Kids Campaign benefit) Dinner and a show featuring steel drummer Joy Laps. 6:30-9:30 pm. $35. North York YMCA, 567 Sheppard. 416-487-5200 ext 310.
Dj Skate Night Skating by the lake with DJs Carl Allen and Kwame Younge. 8-11 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre Ice Rink, 235 Queens Quay W. harbourfrontcentre.com.
Drum Till You Drop Barrington Hibbert plays. 1:30 pm. Free. Harbourfont Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000. And Feb 7.
The Evolution Of Gospel Music York U Gospel Choir and Toronto Mass Choir perform. 7:30 pm, $10-$20. York University Accolade E Bldg Recital Hall, 4700 Keele. 416-736-5888.
In The Spirit Of Love & Unity In Tribute To Robert Nesta Marley Irieband, UncleDropsi and others play. 11:11 pm, $10 donation. Sterling District Lofts, 225 Sterling. the-alt.net.
Kuumba festival Music, dance, film, comedy, spoken word, kid's events and more. Today, tomorrow and Feb 13 & 14. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary Learn about the first woman to publish a newspaper in Canada. Today, tomorrow, Feb 20, 21, 27 and 28, noon-5 pm. Free w/ admission. Mackenzie House, 82 Bond. 416-392-6915.
motown party Music by Fawn BC, Vaneska, Reverend Throwdown and Steve Rock. 8 pm. $5. 751, 751 Queen W.
Nufunk Bob Marley Tribute Show (Parkdale Food Bank benefit) Kidd Rasta & the Peacemakers, Elaine Shepherd, Rasta Reuben, DJ Chocolate and others. Lee's Palace, 529 Bloor W. 416-532-1598.
one love for haiti (UNICEF/Pierspective Entraide Humanitaire benefit) Rita Marley, Jully Black, Blessed and others. 9 pm. $25, adv $20. Kook Haus, 132 Queens Quay E. 416-869-0045.
poetic art studio Exhibition of work by African-Canadian young women artists. Today and tomorrow 11 am-7 pm. Free. 511 Mt Pleasant. poeticart.ca
The Shortest Month Exhibit of art by Alexis Finch, Ashley Mckenzie-Barnes and Kalmplex.To Feb 28. Free. First Unitarian Church, 175 St Clair W. isthecrux.com.
your voices Conference for youth 12 and up with workshops and performances by Al St Louis, Public Enemy Dance Group and others. 2-4 pm. Free. North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge. Register 416-395-5784.

Sunday, February 7

The Evolution Of Gospel York U Gospel Choir and Toronto Mass Choir perform. 7:30 pm, $10-$20. Global Kingdom Ministries, 1250 Markham. 905-794-1139.

Monday, February 8

INTIMATE APPAREL Obsidian Theatre presents Lynn Nottage's play about a financially independent black seamstress in 1905 New York City. To Mar 6. $20-$92. Bluma Appel Theatre 27 Front E. 416-368-3110.
A Song For Africa Documentary about artists Ian D'sa, Damhnait Doyle and Simon Wilcox as they travel to Kenya. 9:30 pm. Bravo. bravo.ca.

Tuesday, February 9

the black experience in cinema Screening of Norman Jewison's In The Heat Of The Night and conversation with Jewison and film auteur Clement Virgo. 7 pm. $20 (benefit for CFC Diversity Scholarship) Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles W. 416-585-4498, totix.ca.
lesra martin The author/lawyer launches his book The Power Of A Promise. 6:30-8:30 pm. $5, stu $3. Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex. 416-978-3424.
northern lights - african canadian stories Photo and artifact exhibition. To Mar 9. Free w/ admission. Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills. 416-696-1000.
Dick Smth And Syncona Sounds and rhythms from the Caribbean. 2 pm. Free. Parkdale Library, 1303 Queen W. 416-393-7686.

Wednesday, February 10

obsidian celebration (Obsidian Theatre fundraiser) Performance of Intimate Apparel, live music, food and more. 8 pm. $50. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front E. 416-463-8444.
sandra whiting Storytelling for kids six to eight. 2 pm. Free. McGregor Park Library, 2219 Lawrence E. 416-396-8935.

Thursday, February 11

diana braithwaite and chris whiteley The blues musicians explore the journey of Diana's ancestors from the southern U.S. to Canada. 7 pm. Free. Bloor/Gladstone Library, 1101 Bloor W. 416-393-7674 .
A Midwinter Night's Dream Diaspora Dialogues winter carnival with Autorickshaw Trio, writerNalo Hopkinson, fortune-telling and more. Today and tomorrow 7 and 9 pm. $20, both shows $35. Park Hyatt, 4 Avenue. diasporadialogues.com.
something about my baby Mixed arts review exploring bi-racial relationships plus a performance by COBA Dance Co. 7:30 pm. $15, stu/srs $10. Etobicoke School of the Arts, 675 Royal York. 416-394-6910.

Friday, February 12

Njacko Backo And Kalimba Kalimba Concert. 7-9 pm. Free. Gladstone, 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635.

Saturday, February 13

African Canadian Literary festival Workshops Workshops on poetry and spoken word plus a panel discussion and performances by Lola & Quentin Vercetty. Noon-6:30 pm. Free. York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch W. 416-395-5980.
DJ Skate Night: Kuumba - Cherry Bomb DJ Cozmic Cat and DJ Denise Benson spin. 8 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre Ice Rink, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, harbourfrontcentre.com.
Urban X-Posure: SoWhatChuSayin? Event on consciousness in hip-hop and spoken word. 2 to 5 pm. Free. Harbourfront Centre Brigantine Rm, 235 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000.

Sunday, February 14

African Canadian Storytellers Festival Sandra Whiting and Richardo Keens plus talks. Noon. Free. York Woods Library Theatre, 1785 Finch W. 416-395-5980.
george clinton & parliament funkadelics Concert. 8 pm. $42.50. Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne. ticketmaster.ca.

Tuesday, February 16

family Celebration Stories, songs and games. 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Humberwood Library, 850 Humberwood. 416-394-5210.

Wednesday, February 17

Hands Of Hope Auction (Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund benefit) Blues and jazz with Jackie Richardson, and live and silent auctions. 6:30-10:30 pm. $100, auction only $50. Distillery District Fermenting Cellar, 55 Mill. mandela-children.ca.
Self Portrait - A One Man Play See Saw Live presents Iyaba Ibo Mandingo's show about his ongoing journey as a Caribbean immigrant in the U.S. To Feb 188. $20. Anitafrika! Dub Theatre, 62 Fraser. 647-272-7974.
Soundtrack for a Revolution Documentary looking at civil rights anthems of the 50s and 60s. Today and Feb 19-23. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor W. bloorcinema.com.
voices of the diaspora... gullah voices The Nathaniel Dett Chorale performs. Today and Feb 20, 8 pm, $35-$39.50. Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front W. 416-872-4255.

Thursday, February 18

Events

The Hanging Of Angélique Screening of the film Fire And Fury and discussion with director-writer Nadine Valcin and author Afua Cooper. 7-8:30 pm. $20. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park. 416-586-5797.

Friday, February 19

Adam Solomon And Tikisa Concert. 7-9 pm. Free. Gladstone, 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635.
Talk Dirty Trixx, trey anthony, Dwayne Morgan and others perform. 8 pm. $28. Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts, 5040 Yonge. 416-870-8000.

Saturay, February 20

i've got a home in glory land Karolyn Smardz brings to life entrepreneurs and escaped slaves Thornton and Lucie Blackburn. 2-3:30 pm. Free w/ admission. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park. 416-586-5797.

Monday, February 22

the language of the heart Musical play set in 1920s Harlem about the life of writer Wallace Thurman. Time, price tba. Hugh's Room, 2261 Dundas W. hughsroom.com.
When Moses Woke Gemini award-winning performance inspired by the combined experiences of Harriet Tubman and the Freedom Seekers who travelled the Underground Railroad. 7 pm. Bravo. bravo.ca.

Saturday, February 20

diana braithwaite and chris whiteley The blues performers explore the journey of Diana's ancestors from the southern U.S. to Canada. 7 pm. Free. Malvern Library, 30 Sewells. 416-396-8969.
The Spirit Of Carnival Rhythm and jump up. Trane Studio, 964 Bathurst. 416-913-8197.

Tuesday, February 23

Dan Hill Hill performs with guests Joe Sealy and Liz Rodrigues. 8-10 pm. $29. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park. 416-586-8000.

Wednesday, February 24

A New Black Literature? Writing How You Speak Discussion with writers Tre Anthony and Dalton Higgins. 6:30 pm. Free. Reference Library, 789 Yonge. 416-395-5577.
From Here To Quebec City: One Man's Tantalizing Trek Through Multiculturalism Presentation by writer/broadcaster Robert Payne. 7:30 pm. Free. Northern District Library, 40 Orchard View. 416-393-7610.
Njacko Backo Music, stories and dances of Cameroon. 1:30-2:30 pm. Free. Oakwood Village Library, 341 Oakwood. 416-394-1040.
Wangechi Mutu: This You Call Civilization? Exhibition of collage-based works by the African-born, New York-based artist. To May 23. Free w/ admission. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas W. 416-979-6648.

Thursday, February 25

Denyse Thomasos Exhibition of new work by the Trinidad-born Canadian painter. To Mar 20. Free. Olga Korper Gallery, 17 Morrow. 416-538-8220.
heat Night of fashion with collections inspired by the regions of Africa. 8 pm. $15, adv $10. Empire Lounge, 50 Cumberland. torontoafricanfilmmusicfest.com.
muhtadi All-ages percussion performance. 2 pm. Free. Jane/Sheppard Library, 1906 Sheppard W. 416-395-5966.

Friday, February 26

Diasporic Dimensions Dance works exploring the richness of Africa and the diaspora from Mali to Haiti. To Feb 28. $25-$32. Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queens Quay W. 416-973-4000, cobainc.com.
kwesi selassie Concert. 7 to 9 pm. Free. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen W. 416-531-4635.

Saturday, February 27

Binti's Journey Theatre Direct stage adaptation of Deborah Ellis's novel about an African girl who looks for her grandmother after losing her home and family to AIDS. 8 pm. $39, stu/srs $35. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge. 905-787-8811.
Crystal Aikin, Echoes Of Praise, Rochelle Hanson, Londa Larmond, Paulis Sanchez, Wam Concert presented by World Vision Canada. 8 pm. $5-$25. Malton Church of God, 7050 Bramalea, Malton. fullcc.com.
Djembe Drumming Interactive rhythm and drumming workshop. 10 am-2 pm. $50. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Pre-register 416-973-4093.
sandra whiting Storytelling for kids six to eight. 2 pm. Free. Downsview Library, 2793 Keele. 416-395-5720.

Sunday, February 28

A Tribute To Tariq Abubakar & the AfroNubians Concert with Waleed Abdulhamid, Ruth Mathiang, Haba. Doors 7 pm, $10. Evangadi, 1220 Danforth. musicafrica.org.

Wednesday, March 3

the sistahs concert (The Sistahs Project benftit) Molly Johnson, Jackie Richardson and Divine Brown. 8 pm. Price tba. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor W. sistahsproject.net.