Amai Kuda et Les Bois

The sound of Amai Kuda et Les Bois has been described by NOW Magazine as a “tantalizing Afro-soul combo of folk, roots, desert blues and African continental music.”

afro-soul ontario

Beyond the Pale

Inspired by Klezmer and Balkan styles but influenced by everything from jazz and classical music to bluegrass, newgrass and reggae, Beyond the Pale’s music traverses a vast and exotic musical landscape, bound by no particular idiom and shaped by many. Their stellar musicianship, meticulous dynamics, adventurous compositions, and inventive arrangements of traditional material make them one of Canada’s most innovative acoustic ensembles. Though individual virtuosity abounds within the group, the collective sound always takes precedence, conveying the deep and generous bonds of creativity that unite these longtime collaborators.

Balkan klezmer ontario

Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan

The Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan are a mesmerizing collective of consummate, wise and spirited musicians, vocalists and dancers. With six musicians, one dancer and one fakir/fire-eater the Dhoad Gypsies are dedicated to gathering the leading figures of the Rajasthan musician castes, representing seven generations of ancient to modern music passed down through the ages.

India Rajasthani

Di Yidishe Neshome

Di Yidishe Neshome are two virtuosi who take you on a deeply touching journey through the soul of Yiddish music. The duo of violinist Mark Kovnatskiy and pianist/accordionist Alan Bern have been performing together for over a decade. Their repertoire consists of traditional klezmer music, classical compositions by composers such as Joel Engel and Joseph Achron based on traditional klezmer music, and their own original compositions.

klezmer Yiddish

Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans

Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans brings the best of New Orleans to every performance. They are a group whose primary interest lies in spreading the culture and traditional music of New Orleans all over the world, through performances and education. Doreen’s Jazz has traveled the world performing their joyful, energetic original and soulful New Orleans jazz in 47 states and 24 countries and counting with outstanding musicianship. They have appeared performing in numerous radio and television shows, national commercials, music videos and movies.

Durham County Poets

The Durham County Poets are a lively, soulful group born out of the vibrant music scene of Ormstown, Quebec, Canada, a town that was once called County Durham. They stand out for their compositions and performances combining an original blend of blues, gospel, and folk.

blues folk Gospel Quebec

Joaquin Diaz

Master of dominican merengue Joaquin Diaz’s repertoire is a mixture of traditional and original tunes characterized by exhilarating, syncopated rhythms. His audiences are introduced to completely different aspect of the diatonic accordion, accompanied by infectious vocals. A charming and electrifying performer. Joaquin Diaz is one of the best of a new breed of traditional merengue artist.

accordion dominican Latin merengue

Jaipur Maharaja Brass Band

Jaipur Maharaja Brass Band provides a thrilling performance combining exciting music fusion with stunning dances and mind-boggling feats of strength and skill. Their music blends Indian melodies, driving brass rhythms and traditional Rajasthani folk music with popular themes from Bollywood, jazz, funk, pop, reggae… and even a touch of Hindustani classical music.

bollywood India Rajasthani

KROKE

Initially associated solely with klezmer music, Kroke (the name for “Krakow” in Yiddish) draws inspiration for their current work across many different global musics in their improvisations. In this way, they create their unique style which floats across borders, forms and time, appreciated by audiences and fellow artists around the world.

klezmer

Lengaïa Salsa Brava

Lengaïa Salsa Brava is an award-winning Montreal-based eleven-piece orchestra created in 2012 by Latin and Guyanese trombone player Giany-Frantz Huyghues-Despointes. Its format of three trombones and a baritone saxophone gives it a uniquely and powerful sonic colour.

Latin orchestra Quebec salsa

Moskitto Bar

Moskitto Bar is a fresh and unique sound created in the multi-cultural hub of Toronto, Canada. Their sound combines a beautiful and original mix of Ukrainian, Balkan, Iraqi Middle-Eastern and French Celtic music.

Balkan celtic gypsy Middle Eastern ontario

OKAN

Blending tradition Cuban music, jazz, and contemporary Afro-Cuban sounds, OKAN embraces every culture and welcomes it as its own. In the religion of santería, “okan” means “soul.” This is embodied in the great sophistication of their music – a look to the history of Cuban music with a modern and fresh touch; the evolution of Cuban music outside of Cuba.

Afro cuban cuban Latin ontario

Okavango African Orchestra

Okavango African Orchestra brings together the traditional music and instruments of several major African cultures that historically have had little or no interaction. The musicians of Okavango have created a common meeting place for these disparate cultures, and a new musical language that harmonizes their different tuning systems, rhythms, and timbres. The musicians and instruments of Okavango represent a continuum of traditions and cultures from time immemorial to the present day.

African ontario

Socalled (Josh Dolgin)

Josh “Socalled” Dolgin is a pianist, accordionist, producer, journalist, photographer, filmmaker, magician, cartoonist and puppet maker based in Montreal, Quebec. With six solo albums to his name, he has performed all over the world for more than 10 years, and his list of collaborators knows no generational, social, cultural nor religious boundaries. Aside from countless festivals and venues around the world, Socalled has performed at Carnegie Hall (twice!), the Olympia in Paris, the Apollo theatre in Harlem and the Arsht centre in Miami.

klezmer Quebec Yiddish

Tio Chorinho

Toronto’s Tio Chorinho is the first ensemble in Canada dedicated to performing Brazilian Choro music. Choro is the original Brazilian soul music, combining popular and classical European styles with Afro-Brazilian influences. It is the foundation of many modern Brazilian music styles, and is often described as “the New Orleans jazz of Brazil.” Exciting, energetic, soulful, intimate, nostalgic and virtuosic, choro is an infectious popular style whose universal appeal belies its musical complexity.

brazilian choro ontario

Tio Chorinho with Flavia Nascimento

Flávia Nascimento joins Tio Chorinho, Canada’s first ensemble dedicated to performing Brazilian choro music. Flávia is a favourite at street parties, popular events, major festivals and in concert halls. Whenever there is a need to make a show burst with excitement, it is time to call Flávia. Best known for her expertise in Northeastern Brazilian styles such as forró and maracatù, this collaboration with Canada’s leading choro ensembles allows listeners to discover Flávia in a completely different repertoire.

brazilian choro ontario

Trio Bruxo

Trio Bruxo is inspired by the Brazilian “samba-jazz” piano trios of the 1960s and 1970s. Beginning their career by exploring the diversity of the Brazilian songbook, these new compositions by pianist David Ryshpan are inspired by Brazilian multi-instrumentalists and composers Hermeto Pascoal and Egberto Gismonti.

brazilian Quebec

Wesli

Wesli’s musical journey has gone from stringing up an oil can with nylon fishing string to winning a JUNO for World Music Album of the Year. Born Wesley Louissaint in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he has grown into his role as a prolific songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Uniting a large cross-section of Montreal talent, his music links Haitian voudou and rara with reggae, Afrobeat and hip-hop – guest spots on his albums include the likes of Tiken Jah Fakoly, Mes Aïeux and Radio Radio.

Afrobeat Haitian hip-hop Quebec