Art & Culture Maven 
Blog Closing
Hello!I started this blog in 2009, and it took on a life I could never have anticipated. It led me to explore many artists and art forms, and as it grew, it led to many professional opportunities - including the full-time job I have now.Some of the posts have been cited in master's and doctoral theses, academic and other publications, which led me to believe that the work involved was worthwhile. Because of that full-time job - which involved writing and editing pieces about arts and culture (with a specialization in Western art music) in the Toronto area and beyond, so I'm still exploring - I don't have nearly as much free time.For that reason, I won't be posting new material here, but I'll keep it online since it's still getting traffic, and apparently readers are still interested.Thanks to everyone who's had a look over the years.Anya Wassenberg
From a media release:Dominica Launches 25th Edition of World Creole Music Festival Three Nights of Iconic Performances Set for October 24–26 at Windsor Park Sports Stadium Check it out hereROSEAU, Dominica (July 13, 2025) —Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has officially launched the 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), unveiling a dynamic artist lineup and commemorative theme for the highly anticipated cultural showcase. Scheduled for October 24 to 26, 2025, at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau, the festival will be held under the theme: “Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories.” The silver anniversary edition celebrates a powerful blend of music and cultural pride, featuring the voices of regional icons, local legends and global stars across three nights of performances. With a strong focus on Creole identity and Caribbean musical excellence, the 2025 festival reinforces Dominica’s role as a leader in cultural tourism. “The World Creole Music Festival is a cultural flagship that has elevated Dominica’s visibility and amplified the voices of Creole people everywhere,” said Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority and Director of Tourism. “As we commemorate 25 years, we are proud to present a line-up that reflects the evolution of our sound, culture and Caribbean identity.” World Creole Festival 2019 (Photo courtesy of Dominica Festivals)The Line-UpNight One: Fire & Foundation — Friday, October 24 A tribute to the pioneers and powerhouses who helped shape Caribbean music: Burning Flames (Antigua) Midnight Groovers (Dominica) Halibut (Dominica) Gilles Fontaine (Dominica) Nu Look (Haiti/USA) Romain Virgo (Jamaica) Oswald (St. Maarten) TK International (Dominica) Steel Pulse (UK/Jamaica) Night Two: Creole Carnival — Saturday, October 25 A pulsating showcase of Creole expression and cross-Caribbean energy: Asa Bantan (Dominica) WCK (Dominica) The Bouyon Assembly (Dominica: Rohie, Ridge, Pudaz, Kenny G, Quan, DJ MJ, Little Boy, Faithi “Bouyon Barbie,” and Ebony Empress; Guadeloupe: Jixels and Shanika) First Serenade Band (Dominica) Gordon Henderson (Dominica) Ophelia Marie (Dominica) Lynford John (Dominica) Joé Dwét Filé (Haiti/France) Kes The Band (Trinidad & Tobago) Spice (Jamaica) Vybez Kartel (Jamaica) Night Three: The Grand Finale — Sunday, October 26 A world-class close featuring regional icons and international chart-toppers: Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons (Trinidad & Tobago) Extasy Band (Dominica) Ezra “Da Fun Machine” (St. Lucia) Kassav (Guadeloupe & Martinique) Michele Henderson (Dominica) Elisha Benoit (Dominica) Trilla G (Dominica) Nice (Dominica) Reo (Dominica) Shelly & Signal Band (Dominica) Roseau Island, Dominica (Photo: Falco from Pixabay)The World Creole Music Festival, first held in 1997, has grown into one of the Caribbean’s leading cultural events. It celebrates Creole music in all its forms—zouk, bouyon, kompa, reggae, dancehall, soca, afrobeat, and more—while promoting regional unity and artistic innovation. Fans, visitors and culture enthusiasts are encouraged to plan an extended stay—whether for a few days or a full two weeks—to soak in the festival atmosphere, enjoy fringe events before and after the main stage performances, explore Dominica’s breathtaking attractions and experience its warm island hospitality. For more information and ticket purchases, visit www.dominicafestivals.com and follow Dominica Festivals on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for ongoing updates and exclusive festival content.About Dominica Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a) is located in the Eastern Caribbean, nestled between Guadeloupe to the north and Martinique to the south. Air travellers can reach Dominica directly from Miami via American Airlines and from New Jersey via United Airlines. Regional connections are available through InterCaribbean Airways, Sunrise Airways, WINAIR and LIAT 2020, Caribbean Airlines from hubs such as Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For those travelling by sea, the RFS Express des Iles ferry service connects Dominica with Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia.
Toronto’s Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour Returns for 2025 Season
From a media release:Toronto’s Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour Returns for 2025 SeasonTORONTO - The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) is pleased to announce that the Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour is returning for its sophomore year in Toronto after a hugely successful and sold-out run in 2024. The interactive tour takes participants through Eglinton West’s cultural district, exploring shops, restaurants, art, and music.Mural from Little Jamaica in Toronto, photo courtesy of the Canadian Black Music ArchivesThis free guided tour begins at 2353 Dufferin Street and ends at Marlee Avenue. Dive into the historical landmarks of Little Jamaica, while listening to tracks by local artists. Stops featured include Jimmy Wisdom’s Barbershop, Sunshine Sounds, Monica’s Beauty Salon, Rap’s Restaurant, Reggae Lane, and more.This year’s tour will also include stops at select food locations, allowing participants to enjoy various Caribbean dishes and neighbourhood favourites.Now back by popular demand, the 2025 dates are July 13th & 27th, August 3rd & 17th, and September 7th & 21st.As the first music focused walking tour in Little Jamaica, the CBMA rocked sold-out tours throughout the 2024 summer season and captured the attention of several organizations including CBC Radio, CBC TV, City TV, Global TV, AMI TV, Talk 1010 radio, 105.1FM, Jazz FM, the Toronto Star, Caribbean Camera, and The Jamaica Gleaner.The area known as ‘Little Jamaica’ stretches along Eglinton Avenue West from Marlee Avenue to Keele Street. With the influx of immigrants between the 1960s to 1990s, it became home to many people from the Caribbean. They opened several businesses including beauty salons, record stores, studios, and restaurants.The strip attracted the biggest names in the industry. Not only was it home for reggae, but housed calypso, dub, ska, and rocksteady, among other music genres. Behind these genres were community greats like Leroy Sibbles, King Culture, Nana McLean, Jay Douglas, Jackie Mittoo, and more.Join the CBMA in this educational tour and learn more about the many culturally significant contributions this enclave has to offer. Special thanks to the York-Eglinton BIA.This project has been funded by the City of Toronto’s Main Street Innovation Fund, as part of Government of Canada support through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.For more details, and to book your tour visit their landing page at the link.
The Power Plant Gallery | Emmanuel Osahor: To Dream Of Other Places
The Power Plant Gallery TorontoEmmanuel Osahor: To Dream of Other PlacesOn display until September 14, 2025Check it out hereBeauty is a necessity - a respite, and a means of survival. Toronto artist Emmanuel Osahor typically focuses on lush gardens in his work. They're inspired by both real and imagined places, and the histories attached to them.Emmanuel Osahor: To Dream of Other PlacesTo Dream of Other Places at the Power Plant Gallery is Osahor's first major solo exhibition in his home city. A central part of the exhibition is an installation by Leone McComas (above), a collaborator of Emmanuel's, consisting of murals. Esahor's paintings, inspired by both by backyards of the artist's friends and historic gardens he visited during a UK residency, are displayed within the installation. These are contemplative spaces - beautiful with the organic shapes of nature, but also places where sadness can exist too.Osahor's style is realistic without entirely espousing realism. It's rhythmic, and the brushstrokes emulate the natural shapes, as well as abstracting them to a certain extent. He juxtaposes flat shapes with realistic detail and depth. It's an interesting show that's well worth the visit this summer. Emmanuel Osahor: To Dream of Other PlacesThe show is paired with Shelagh Keeley: Film Notebooks 1985–2017, an exhibition that displays the artist's encounters with various environments both artificial and natural, from Las Vegan to a Zen garden in Kyoto. Shelagh Keeley: Film Notebooks 1985–2017Her films are accompanied by the printed material, sketches, and other bits that contextualize the films. More info at the link. Emmanuel Osahor at the Power Plant Gallery
Masai Ujiri's Giants Of Africa Announces Giants Of Africal Festival 2025 - July 26 to August 2 In Kigali, Rwanda
From a media release:Masai Ujiri's Giants Of Africa AnnouncesGiants Of Africal Festival 2025A weeklong celebration of basketball, entertainment, culture and community returnes to Kigali, Rwanda July 26 to August 2Kizz Daniel, Uncle Waffles & Timaya will perform - more acts to be revealed as the dates grow closer...More Details About Giants Of Africa HereBuy Tickets HereToronto, ON (May 8, 2025) – Giants of Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, alongside its founder Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, has announced Giants of Africa Festival 2025. Returning to the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda from July 26-August 2, the event will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment. The festival will unite communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.Davido performs at the Closing Concert of Giants of Africa Festival 2023 - Photo credit: Giants of Africa“Like these kids, I grew up on the continent,” says Ujiri. “As Africans, we know the landscape of what the kids go through. We know they dream just like we did and it really inspires me because, those kids have so much more talent and intelligence, they have ways to communicate now that we didn’t. This festival is about showing them there is a path. We want them to never stop dreaming.”Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will begin with an exhilarating Opening Show, as the athletes unite in an inspiring parade to kick off the weeklong celebration. South African international DJ sensation Uncle Waffles, MTV Video Music Award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan singer and songwriter, Kevin Kade will bring electrifying performances as Ujiri and special guests welcome all to the festivities. The awe-inspiring event will mark the beginning of life-changing journeys for Africa’s leaders of tomorrow.Taking place across Kigali Sports City’s BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and Paralympic Gymnasium, the festival will showcase the full potential of Africa’s sports and entertainment ecosystem, highlighting its social and economic value for the next generation and the continent at large. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will also serve as the grand opening of Zaria Court. Founded by Ujiri, the new mixed-use sports, entertainment, and cultural district includes an 80-room hotel, sports bar, basketball court, event space, retail outlets, gym, five-a-side football pitch, and outdoor public areas.The festival will conclude with a spectacular Closing Concert featuring performances from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kizz Daniel and award-winning Nigerian singer/songwriter Timaya. Celebrity guests in attendance throughout the week will include Chris Tucker, Candace Parker, Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe and more. Additional performers for both the Opening Show and Closing Concert will be announced in the coming weeks.Since 2003, Giants of Africa has empowered youth through basketball, hosting camps and building courts across 20 African countries. The foundation not only teaches game fundamentals but connects young people with inspirational mentors who show how determination, leadership, and integrity can transform dreams into reality. Also central to their mission is basketball's unique power to transcend barriers and unite diverse communities. The Giants of Africa Festival is a culmination of this vision, featuring a weeklong youth basketball camp and tournament that brings together young men and women from 20 nations. Youth campers will represent Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Botswana, and South Africa. Giants of Africa and NBA/WNBA coaches and personnel will lead training sessions, with assistance from local coaches from the participating countries. A round-robin tournament will determine which countries and players will compete in the festival’s championship and all-star games.This year, Giants of Africa will also present its inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show, celebrating culture, fashion, and design from across Africa. The show will spotlight the work of three talented fashion designers, each from a different region of the continent. Cameroon’s Hortense Mbea (Afropian), Niger’s Alia Baré (Alia), and Rwanda and South Africa’s Nyambo (Masa Mara) will each present their new collections, and come together for a moderated discussion.Additionally, festival highlights include the International Youth Day Forum, presented in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and Arts and ALX, bringing together over 2,000 Rwandan youth and festival campers to hear from esteemed leaders. The Women’s Community Outreach Program will take place in Rwanda and across all 20 represented countries, offering leadership and education sessions in local communities to empower women and girls with knowledge, resources, and inspiration.Giants of Africa Festival 2025 follows the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival which took place in Kigali in 2023 in celebration of the non-profit’s 20th anniversary. The event united over 250 youth basketball players from 16 African nations, drew in over 14,000 spectators, and saw an estimated $1.5M invested into Kigali’s local economy. The festival culminated in a closing concert featuring performances from Afrobeats icon Davido, Queen of Afrobeats Tiwa Savage, Rwanda’s own Bruce Melodie, and South African superstar Tyla. It was a beacon of unity, inspiration, and transformation that ignited the continent. Building upon their bold ambitions, Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa are poised to make an even more powerful statement in 2025. Tickets for Giants of Africa Festival 2025’s Opening Show and Closing Concert will go on sale beginning Thursday, May 8 at 3:00PM Central Africa Time. To learn more about the festival, its other initiatives and to purchase tickets or VIP and corporate packages, please visit www.GOAFestival.org.Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto RaptorsAbout Masai Ujiri and Giants of AfricaMasai Ujiri, an award-winning and barrier-breaking NBA executive, is the founder of Giants of Africa. Started in 2003, Giants of Africa draws upon Ujiri’s unique basketball journey to achieve its goal of uplifting African youth with programs focused on empowerment and leadership. As the first African general manager in North American professional sports who was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2013, Ujiri’s ascent to the top of the basketball world began in his native Nigeria and took him around the world as a player, scout and executive, culminating in 2019 when he served as the architect of a Toronto Raptors team that became the first franchise outside the United States to be crowned NBA champions. Ultimately, he believes his work with Giants of Africa will prove to be the most meaningful and rewarding of his life.Giants Of Africa 2023:
12th Edition of the Grenada Chocolate Festival: "Embracing the Flavours of Rum and Spices"
From a media release:12th Edition of the Grenada Chocolate Festival"Embracing the Flavours of Rum and Spices"Grenada – Hosted by True Blue Bay Boutique Resort and incorporating multiple local businesses, the highly anticipated Grenada Chocolate Festival returns for its 12th edition from May 22nd to 27th, 2025, celebrating the unique and rich cocoa culture of the Spice Island.Cocoa beans in Grenada, Image by marvinbla from PixabayAs the only tree-to-bar chocolate fest in the Caribbean, this event has become a pivotal gathering for cocoa and chocolate enthusiasts from around the world, offering a rare opportunity to indulge in Grenada's celebrated chocolate-making traditions, explore its lush cocoa farms, and savour its world-class chocolate. The Festival celebrates local farmers and chocolate producers, offering a range of themed events tailored to different interests. Whether seeking a fun family outing, thrilling adventures, educational talks, or rejuvenating wellness experiences, Grenada's Chocolate Festival has something special for everyone.This year's theme, "Grenada Chocolate Festival: Embracing the Flavours of Rum and Spices," invites guests to immerse themselves in the harmonious blend of three of Grenada's most exquisite offerings: chocolate, rum, and spices. The festival promises an array of engaging events and activities that highlight the island's culinary and cultural marvels, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.St. George's, Grenada, Image by falco from PixabayFestival HighlightsRum and Chocolate Pairing Events: An exquisite opportunity to sample and learn about the delightful synergy between Grenada’s finest rums and hand-crafted chocolates from the island’s best chocolate makers.Chocolate Factory Tours: Visit Grenada's famous chocolate factories to see firsthand how the island’s top-tier cocoa is transformed into world-renowned artisanal chocolate.Cocoa Farm Tours: Explore the lush cocoa plantations where Grenada's rich cocoa beans are grown, with guided tours led by local farmers who share their knowledge of cocoa cultivation and harvesting.Family Day: Bring the entire family to shop the creations of local artisans and participate in specially crafted chocolate themed activities, like bonbon making, painting for the kids, and much more.Wellness Activities: Revitalize the mind and body with yoga and wellness experiences designed to connect you to the island’s tranquil environment and healing properties.Artistic and Cultural Activities: From local music and performances to art exhibitions and interactive workshops, the festival also celebrates the rich artistic traditions of Grenada, providing a feast for the senses in more ways than one.The Grenada Chocolate Festival has grown into a prestigious event, attracting chocolate lovers, food enthusiasts, and travellers from across the globe. This year’s festival promises to be even more remarkable with its perfect blend of sweet and savoury, wellness and adventure, all set against the stunning backdrop of Grenada’s natural beauty.For more details about the festival schedule, events, and tickets, visit www.grenadachocolatefest.com.Bazaar at True Blue Bay - Day 2 Grenada Chocolate Fest 2022:
Rediscovering Deborah Uman-Sures: Ganaraska Art & Framing presents People Watching
From a media release:Rediscovering Deborah Uman-Sures:Ganaraska Art & Framing presents People WatchingLong overdue solo exhibition celebrates under-recognized Canadian artist’s compelling character portraitsFor more information about the exhibition click here. PORT HOPE, ON — Ganaraska Art & Framing is thrilled to announce the new solo exhibition People Watching by Deborah Uman-Sures from May 1–June 7, 2025. L-R: Deborah Uman-Sures, Friends & Flowers, Acrylic paint, graphite, charcoal, decoupage on canvas, Courtesy of the artist / The artist Deborah Uman-Sures in Ganaraska Art & Framing, Photo by Ben Sures / Deborah Uman-Sures, Spring, Watercolour, graphite and acrylic ink on canvas, Courtesy of the artistCelebrating the artist’s compelling character portraits and mixed media collages, the exhibition features highlights from Uman-Sures practice over the last 20 years. People Watching pays long overdue tribute to an under-recognized woman artist whose life and work has been on the periphery of pivotal moments in Canadian art, such as the Regina Five and the Emma Lake Artists’ Workshops. The exhibition has been a labour of love by her son, musician Ben Sures, who hopes to celebrate her creativity while also helping position her work within the larger context of Canadian art.“My mother embodies the classic definition of an artist, shaped by a generation that believed art was an inherent identity, not just a choice,” says Sures. “As her son, I have watched in wonder over the decades as she continued to produce her work with an unrelenting spirit. Her essence lies in her lifelong study of art — it is at the core of her soul. With this exhibition, I hope that her work will be seen and recognized by a wider audience. I want others to finally get a chance to see the intangible sensitivity and wisdom in her creative expression.”Ganaraksa Art & Framing owner and exhibition curator Graeme Steel adds, “I had the immense honour of meeting Deborah a few years ago, and came into possession of her collection of works. Over the past two years, I have been working my way through her incredible archive. The exhibition showcases paintings, doodles, and illustrations that best display her unique artistic voice, one that took years for her to cultivate. She draws inspiration from a life filled with enriching experiences, and is fascinated by the characters of our internal lives. People Watching provides insight into her art, which she used to explore her own narrative.”Uman-Sures’s practice is best defined by her large-scale abstract works that bring together painting, illustrations, and collage. Her last solo exhibition before People Watching was held in 2020 at the Art Gallery of Northumberland in Cobourg. Deborah Uman-Sures: BioBorn in 1940 in Winnipeg, her early career focused on education. At the young age of 19, she taught at a secondary school in Portage La Priairie, MB, where she helped foster the artistic talent of a young Jackson Beardy, an acclaimed Indigenous artist. She also worked as a commercial artist, creating fashion illustrations for Eaton’s in Winnipeg in the 1950s and later for Nordstrom in Seattle in the early 1960s. She was also an illustrator for a series of Ukrainian children’s books.Deborah began her formal training at the University of Manitoba’s art department, where she first met her husband, the celebrated ceramicist Jack Sures. They relocated to Regina in 1965, where Jack established the ceramics department at the University of Regina — around the same time the Prairie art scene was gaining recognition through the Regina Five and Emma Lake Artists’ Workshops. Uman-Sures travelled with her husband to Japan to work alongside master potters, and furthered her own education with studies at the Sorbonne in Paris in the 1960s, supported by the Canada Council. She later earned a master’s degree in illustration from Syracuse University in the late 1980s.Her teaching career included positions at Red River Community College in Winnipeg, where she taught advertising art, and at the Ontario College of Art & Design University from 1993 until her retirement in 2003. She currently resides in Cobourg, Ont.Deborah Uman-Sures, Sun and Glass, Acrylic paint, acrylic ink, graphite, charcoal, decoupage on linen, Courtesy of the artistThe ExhibitOpening reception: Friday, May 2 from 5–9pmJoin curator Graeme Steel, artist Deborah Uman-Sures, and Ben Sures in the opening celebration of People Watching.About Ganaraska Art & FramingLocated in the historic town of Port Hope, Ganaraska Art & Framing is a boutique commercial gallery and a custom framing studio. Nestled within a 1,500 square foot space in one of Port Hope’s oldest buildings, the gallery showcases a rotating collection of works from more than 40 talented artists, ranging from subtle to bold, fostering an environment for discovery and emotional connection. Ganaraska Art & Framing is a hub for the community, regularly programming exhibitions, events, and concerts in partnership with local arts organizations, celebrating the rich creative spirit of Port Hope.Address and hours: Ganaraska Art & Framing37 Walton St, Port Hope, ON L1A 1N2Tuesday–Sunday: 10am–5pm
Americana | Hunter Benson: Heaven's Letter (Independent / February 21, 2025)
AmericanaHunter Benson: Heaven's Letter(Independent / February 21, 2025)Stream It On SpotifySinger Songwriter Hunter Benson delivers three songs with their hearts in country - but with a few surprises to offer. In addition to Heaven's Letter, he's released two other singles in advance of an EP: Come and Gone, and Seeking.With slightly raspy yet fluid vocals that suit the genre, each of the three singles carves its own niche. Heaven's Letter is classic Americana with slide guitar ably supplied by Dan Kalisher. Along with the expected melody and heartfelt lyrics, there are some intriguing chord changes and progressions. Benson says he was influenced early on by artists as diverse as Alice in Chains and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and you can hear that in the mix despite falling solidly in the country/Americana slot. The lyrics are a bittersweet reflection on life.Come and Gone is a country rocker, the lyrics about the usual relationship woes. Skip Edwards adds a nice churchy Hammond B3 to fatten up the sound.Seeking leans even more heavily into rock, where the country edge bumps up against long melodic chord progressions. The blend of dark and light, twangy pedal steel and angsty chord changes creates a distinctive take on the well-worn Americana-slash-country sound, and it likely comes from his background. At the age of three, Hunter and his father were struck by lightning, an event that took his father's life, and changed his forever. The full EP is slated for release in late fall 2025.
Spaced Out | Zabus: Floodplain Canticles (Saccharine Underground / January 10, 2025)
Spaced OutZabus: Floodplain Canticles(Saccharine Underground / January 10, 2025)Listen & Buy On BandcampThe mood is dark on Floodplain Canticles, the latest release by Washington's Avant-Garde Post-Punk project Zabus, with a few rays of hope here and there. Sonically, psychedelia and darkly cinematic soundscapes merge to create an ominous mood in Sovereign. The music is synth-driven, with vocals that echo atmospherically over the instrumental backing.With titles like Black Dog Narrows, Sacred Prostitution, and Tearful Symmetries, it's not hard to see where the release is heading mood-wise. Singer Jeremy Moore's vocals could be described as a distorted version of Jim Morrison; the romantic nihilism likewise a 21st century burnout of The Doors - but slowed down to ambient tempo.Sacred Prostitution is probably the most radio-friendly (or maybe radio-adjacent) tracks on the album. It's driven by a danceable rhythm, layered over with Moore's atmospheric voice, airy synths, and jangly guitar.Golden Rot is a stand-out track, where the rhythm section drives underneath Moore singing. Orchestral-esque bits, with flute-like synth, pop in and out of the layers of sound.Varpa Orðið is another interesting song. Syncopated rhythms cut across the long vocal lines, interspersed with spacey guitar riffs and electronic noise - it's a kinetic mix.Zabus was formed in 2023 by multi instrumentalist Jeremy Moore, also a writer, founder and curator of Washington D.C. non-profit artist collective and label Saccharine Underground. SU has become known for its focus on dark ambient, avant-garde, experimental, gothic and psychedelic rock.A floating collective of characters rather than an established band per se, settling with three members for this album. Personnel: Jeremy Moore//voice, guitars, 6 string bass, strings/synthesis; B.B. Kille//guitars; Johnny Wielding//drums, 4 string bass; Akane Shimizu// strings and additional programming/synthesisStay In Touch:Official Website: www.zabus.bandcamp.comTwitter: @zabusmusic
Jazzy Fusion | Alan Goldberg: CreateBecome (Independent / March 10, 2025)
Jazzy FusionAlan Goldberg: CreateBecome(Independent / March 10, 2025)Stream It On Spotify"'CreateBecome' is a forty-year-old mantra I use, and the title of my fifth album. Repeating CreateBecome over and over is a focus that I use to be purely In the moment. It's also a perfect title for the eleven songs on this album. The songs are linked together by what I've learned in my life, through paying attention, making choices, and changing, hopefully growing." Austin-based musician and composer Alan Goldberg has been making music for more than two decades. The instrumental tracks have an easy kind of vibe, jazzy in their harmonic and rhythmic complexity, but with a pop songwriter's sense of melody that emerges from the mix. Though there is no vocalist, you could easily imagine it on tracks like Unbroken Chain and Essential Innocence.Createbecome, the title track, is the album's longest, and more abstract in its approach to melody. Here, the drums lay out a slower, steady rhythm, and Goldberg's piano, with a brass chorus, moves up and down it. Organ and guitar make brief appearances to add colour to the dense track.Tracks like Questions Like Blue Sky and Foolish Heart approach the parameters of traditional jazz with what I can only describe as a big sensibility. Alan has a penchant for musical statements on a big scale - all the instruments firing on all cylinders by the end, with virtuosic piano lines tripping above it all.Through It All (Reprise) and I Don't Know Why are outliers, solo piano pieces in a melodic neoclassical mode. In Grow Entangled, you can hear the influence of arena rock in its anthemic style.Goldberg says he often improvises during the initial recording, essentially capturing that spirit live to then add the ensemble instruments around it.It seems there are other methods he uses to spark inspiration."My technique works well with video. I watch. I play in real time, and then I discover the piece. It can work well when I’m watching something that directs passion in a particular way. Everything can spark an inspiration. "Personnel: Keyboards - Alan Goldberg, Drums - Jake Naugle, Guitar - Marcus Goldberg, Trumpet- Mark Morgan, Sebastián Greschuk, Sax - Jeff Miguel, Jerry Branting, Jack Parry, Trombone - Tito PlanasTracklist: 1. Unbroken Chain; 2. Essential Innocence; 3. CreateBecome (I. Receive II. Infuse III.Release); 4. Chance Choice Change; 5. Questions Like Blue Sky; 6. Foolish Heart; 7. On The Trail; 8. Through It All (Reprise); 9. Grow Entangled; 10. Wave Function Collapse; 11. I Don't Know WhyStay In Touch:Official Website: https://www.alangoldbergmusic.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlanGoldbergMusic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/algldbrg620Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldberg6555/ CreateBecome by Alan Goldberg
Progrock for the 21st Century | The Far Cry: Once There Was (Independent / March 1, 2025)
Progrock for the 21st CenturyThe Far Cry: Once There Was(Independent / March 1, 2025)Stream it on SpotifyBuy it on BandcampProgressive rock didn't die, it just grew up and entered the 21st century. That's what you'll hear on Once There Was, a full-length release by The Far Cry.Synths take centre stage in the music, which, along with its roots, has a cinematic sensibility. Crossing Pangea could easily be the soundtrack for a drama. The instrumental track begins with serene synths, moving into a lush section with guiars and a really nice piano line tossed into the middle of the piece. Once There Was is a follow-up to If Only, the debut album of progrockers The Far Cry. Hailing from Manchester, CT, the band stays true to the genre with a combination of thoughtful lyrics and complex music.The songs are multi-layered, and change moods and tempi on a dime. The Following begins with a melodic piano riff, and the lyrics carry a message.Why do you need to let them lead you there?Why feel the need to follow?The reason is empty,The idea is hollow...Why do you follow?It approaches art song in terms of the feel, the music rising in both intensity and complexity over the course of the track.The Carnival of Doom is a standout track, complete with carnivalesque ambient sounds and an orchestral feel - a mere 49 seconds that leads into the intense Falling in Line. Rest Assured is another striking track. It begins with a minimalist feel of synth chords and vocals, gradually adding arpeggios on the guitar. It's a moody and atmospheric song, and quite effective. Group founders Jeff Brewer and Robert Hutchinson met as teens, inspired by The Beatles and the progressive rock wave that would follow: King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis and Gentle Giant. Several bands later, add a few more members, and their first CD was recorded during the pandemic.It's a sound from a classic era brought forward to the present day with a passion you can feel in the music.
Melodic Rock | Taz Taylor Band: Lonely I Ride (Independent / March 7, 2025)
Melodic RockTaz Taylor Band: Lonely I Ride(Independent / March 7, 2025)Taz Taylor Band, led by British/American guitarist Taz Taylor, will be releasing their 8th studio album - The Other Side of Midnight - in May 2025. Lonely I Ride is the first advance single. The band's sound blends hard rock and an emphasis on melody.True to the genre, the song is leans into blues along with the 90s rock vibe, with a nice balance between piano and guitar. Harmonically, it takes some nicely unexpected turns.The chorus is appropriately anthemic. Laura K. Vreeland is the vocalist for the group. She's got a nice range that's strong at both ends, "After we completed our last album (Nocturnal) with all of the guest vocalists, we needed to find a guy who could cover all of that material in the live setting. Well as it turns out, that wasn't as easy as we thought. In fact we had to turn to a girl instead!" says Taz Taylor.He adds, "The cool thing about this is that after working with so many guest vocalists whilst still doing a lot of fully instrumental shows in between, this is actually the very first time that we have made an album with a vocalist who is actually IN the band! By the release of this album we will have been playing together for almost three years and the musical chemistry is incredible." Taz supplies a nice guitar solo towards the ends of the tune. It's a good fit for anyone who likes Journey, Van Halen, and that golden era of melodic rock.The full album is set to release May 14.Musician Names/Instruments: Taz Taylor-Guitar, Laura K. Vreeland-Vocals, Alessandro Del Vecchio-Keyboards and Backing Vocals, Barney Firks-Bass, Dave Steinman-DrumsStay in touch: Official Website: taztaylor.comFacebook: facebook.com/taztaylorbandTwitter: @taztaylorguitarInstagram: @taztaylorband
Electronic | Guido Affini: Lulla By • [Modulo#5 Vs.] • feat Fantuz (Independent January 17, 2025)
ElectronicGuido Affini: Lulla By • [Modulo#5 Vs.] • feat Fantuz(Independent / January 17, 2025)Stream It on SpotifyMusic and science are not strange bedfellows, to twist the old saying. Italian multidisciplinary composer, sound designer and artist Guido Affini's latest piece offers proof.He creates a sound environment with glitches through sample synths and oscillator synths, with particular attention to granular synthesis.The track is atmospheric but also affecting, with a kind of accessible, yet spacey, sensibility. It progresses from mood to mood, or scene to scene, in a way that feels seamless.Affini says he's influenced by contemporary music, ambient music, edm, post rock and drone to free jazz and noise, and you can hear bits of all that interwoven in the piece.It's a nice blend of scientific and esoteric inquiry with emotionalism and an understanding of how to take the listener on a journey that builds in intensity, ebbs and flows over the course of the track. Guido Affino plays the live electronics, granular and modular synth, and glassharmonica, featuring Federico Fantuz on guitar. Guido Affini · Lulla By • (feat. Federico Fantuz) • [Modulo#5 Version]
Music for Change | Moez Masoud: Here to Stay
Music for ChangeMoez Masoud: Here to Stay(Independent / October 9, 2024)Stream it on SpotifyCan music change minds about the Middle East? Egyptian artist Moez Masoud is collaborating with Healthworkers 4 Palestine on a global ceasefire campaign for Gaza. The music, and the message, are universal. Music can make us see the humanity in issues and events that are taking place across the world, that here in North America we only see in the headlines.That's the barrier that Moez Masoud aims to crack with the song Here To Stay. Singer and songwriter Sherif Mostafa is the face behind the artist name. For peace without justice can never be real...The song is (appropriately) moody and darker in tone. You can check out the video, which is restricted by age, on Youtube HERE. Moez is a musician, film producer, and Cambridge scholar. He produced the film CLASH (2016), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and AMIRA (2019) which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.Moez also created a series titled Rogue Arrows that revolves around the dangers of extremism, and the process of deradicalization.He's currently completing a PhD in the Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge. Official Website: www.acamediaglobal.org
The Sundar Prize Film Festival 2025 Celebrates Women Filmmakers With Powerful Stories
From a media releaseThe Sundar Prize Film Festival 2025 Celebrates Women Filmmakers With Powerful StoriesApril 9 to 13, 2025Find The Program & Tickets HereSurrey, BC – The Sundar Prize Film Festival 2025 proudly champions the voices of women in film, showcasing a powerful lineup of stories shaped by women storytellers. With 54% of this year’s official selections directed by women, the festival reaffirms its commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices and celebrating stories of resilience, identity, and empowerment. Several featured films have also received prestigious nominations, recognizing their outstanding contributions to storytelling and cinematic excellence.Still from the animated film Have I Swallowed Your Dreams (British Columbia, 2024, 6 min, dir. Clara Chan)Alex Sangha, Festival Co-Founder comments,"At the heart of the Sundar Prize is a belief in the power of diverse voices to create real change. This year, we’re incredibly proud that over half of our selected films are directed by women—bold, brilliant storytellers who are challenging narratives, shifting perspectives, and inspiring action through film.""As a jury member, it’s been deeply moving to witness the artistry and emotional depth in the stories told by women filmmakers this year. These films don’t just entertain—they confront, empower, and heal. It’s an honour to help spotlight such courageous and visionary work," adds Vinay Giridhar, Festival Co-Founder and Finalist Jury Member. Women Filmmakers at Sundar Prize Film Festival 2025 "Programming this year’s festival was a powerful reminder of how essential women’s perspectives are to the future of cinema. These films speak to lived experiences with authenticity and strength, and we’re excited for audiences to engage with stories that are as transformative as they are unforgettable," says Sidartha Murjani, Executive Director and Senior Programmer.Here's a look at the films by women at this year's festival.● Have I Swallowed Your Dreams (British Columbia, 2024, 6 min, dir. Clara Chan) – Surrey Premiere [Nominated: Best Animation] A poetic conversation unfolds between an immigrant daughter and her mother, exploring sacrifices, dreams, and generational hopes. ● Beyond the Reins (Canada, 2024, 6 min, dir. Magill Moyes) [Nominated: Best Student Film] A story of empowerment through the bond between a girl with an intellectual disability and her horse.● Kids Are Only Kids Once (British Columbia, 2024, 11 min, dirs. Alysha Collie, Dallas Yellowfly) – Surrey Premiere [Indigenous] A documentary exposing the devastating impacts of child apprehensions in BC and sharing a powerful vision for change.● Velvet Secrets (British Columbia, 2024, 10 min, dir. Shanthini Balasubramanian) – Surrey Premiere [Nominated: KDocsFF Best Emerging Filmmaker Residency Award, Best Youth Film] Asha’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a revealing red velvet dress in her daughter's room. Her curiosity leads her to try it on, sparking a journey of self-exploration and empathy.● Teresa’s Choice (British Columbia, 2024, 10 min, dir. Marlene Castaños Ortega) – Surrey Premiere [Nominated: Best BC Short Film] When the world pandemic strikes, forty-something Teresa must overcome her fear of dying and decide if she wants to have a child conceived as a single mother through artificial insemination.● Designed by Preeti (United States, 2024, 93 min, dir. Gayatri Everitt Bajpai) – Canadian Premiere [Nominated: Best Feature Film] A compelling and heartfelt romantic drama about Preeti Kumar, a resilient woman in her 50s who courageously escapes an oppressive and unfaithful marriage. Assets.● The Poem We Sang (Canada/Jordan/Palestine, 2024, 20 min, dir. Annie Sakab) – Surrey Premiere [Nominated: Best Short Film] A meditation on love and longing, contemplating forced migration and the trauma of losing one's family home, transforming regret into creative catharsis.● Leilani’s Fortune (Canada, 2023, 80 min, dir. Loveleen Kaur) – Surrey Premiere [Nominated: Best 2SLGBTQ+ Film, Best Canadian Documentary] An intimate documentary following queer Ethiopian-Eritrean artist Witch Prophet as she pursues her musical dreams while navigating cultural expectations and self-discovery.Still from the film Leilana'a Fortune Leilani’s Fortune (Canada, 2023, 80 min, dir. Loveleen Kaur) ● Throwaway Living (United States, 2024, 4 min, dir. Laura Malatos) – Canadian Premiere. A housewife trapped in a 1950s ad campaign becomes the unwitting messenger for a world consumed by plastic.● Different Kind of Sick (British Columbia, 2024, 14 min, dir. Nightingale) A 6-year-old girl, Lily, witnesses her parents’ fight for the first time. As she fights for the truth, she uncovers more than she expected. ● Female and Furious (British Columbia, 2024, 5 min, dirs. Siddharth Sanjay, Logan Ferino) – Surrey Premiere. After escaping from Winnipeg, Rager Rip struggles to overcome her anger issues in order to join Storm’s skate gang. ● Mareya Shot Keetha Goal: Make the Shot (British Columbia, 2023, 72 min, dirs. Baljit Sangra, Nilesh Patel) – Surrey Premiere [Nominated for: Best Canadian Documentary, Best British Columbia Feature Film]● The Pringle Mingle (British Columbia, 2024, 14 min, dir. Jenny Lee-Gilmore) – Surrey Premiere A couple’s romantic getaway takes an unexpected turn when they realize they’ve accidentally booked themselves into a swinger’s home.● Mirthless (British Columbia, 2024, 12 min, dir. Tina Kardan) – Canadian Premiere [Nominated: KDocsFF Best Emerging Filmmaker Residency Award] A haunting sci-fi thriller that delves into the consequences of a near-future society grappling with technology’s grip on human emotion.● Choose The Correct Answer A, B, C or ... (British Columbia, 2024, 6 min, dir. Seung Yeon You) – World Premiere. A student’s stress-induced nightmare about an English listening test unfolds in a surreal and comedic fashion.● HATCH (Canada, 2024, 10 min, dirs. Alireza Kazemipour, Panta Mosleh) – Surrey Premiere [Nominated: Best BC Short Film] An Afghan refugee boy hides with his mother inside a moving water tanker to cross the border to safety. Losing his mother in the process, NAAJI forever tries to find a way to relive his last memory of her.● My Roommate Ahriman (British Columbia, 2023, 17 min, dir. Nessa Aref) – Surrey Premiere A young Iranian-Canadian man comes to terms with his sexuality while inadvertently cohabitating with an ancient Persian Spirit of Chaos.● Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide to Surviving the Plot (Canada, 2024, 105 min, dir. Regan Latimer) [Nominated: Best 2SLGBTQ+ Film] – Surrey Premiere. A witty and insightful documentary exploring queer representation in television and how media narratives shape identity and perception.Still from the film Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide to Surviving the Plot (Canada, 2024, 105 min, dir. Regan Latimer) ● Mirage (United States, 2024, 18 min, dir. Jhanvi Motla) [Nominated: Best Short Film]A newly widowed woman moves from Mumbai to California, only to discover unsettling truths about her cousin’s mysterious business dealings.● Tehran Is Ours (United States, 2024, 6 min, dir. Hamideh Azimi) – BC PremiereA young woman joins protests on the city streets of Tehran, only to face brutal police resistance.● Bardo (Canada, 2024, 16 min, dir. Mishki Vaccaro) Surrey Premiere A meditation on grief and acceptance, following a woman navigating the aftermath of her mother’s passing.● Desync (Canada, 2023, 12 min, dir. Minerva Marie Navasca) [Nominated: Best Student Film] A young Filipina filmmaker attempts to overwrite a painful memory of her mother with a perfect narrative. Assets.● LOOK (British Columbia, 2024, 11 min, dir. Georgia Tindle Acken) [Nominated: Best Youth Film] A young girl haunted by loneliness makes friends in the unlikeliest of places.● Whispers of Colors (United States, 2024, 4 min, dir. Sujin Kim) – Canadian Premiere [Nominated: Best Animation] An animated short that translates the poetic longing of a Korean War survivor into visual form.● FLIGHT 182 (United States, 2024, 17 min, Dir. Rippin Sindher) [Nominated: Best Short Film] A harrowing true story about a man forced to choose between seeing his dying mother one last time or heeding a terrorist warning.● Mawtini (My Homeland) (Canada, 2023, 18 min, Dir. Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller) – Surrey Premiere. A young Palestinian woman and an Indigenous elder come together to fight for food sovereignty in their urban community.An Eco-Conscious Trophy for a Justice-Driven FestivalMore than a symbol of cinematic excellence, the Sundar Prize Trophy reflects the festival’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. Handcrafted from eco-friendly bamboo by Watson Design in Squamish, BC, and artfully designed by Vinay Giridhar, Co-Founder of the Sundar Prize and a celebrated artist and filmmaker from Surrey, the trophy represents the intersection of artistry, ethics, and environmental stewardship.View the Sundar Prize Trophy hereSupporting Filmmakers and Social Impact Through $45,000 in PrizesThe Sundar Prize Film Festival remains one of the most filmmaker-friendly events in Canada, offering nearly $45,000 in cash prizes and in-kind sponsorships. These include:Free courses from Vancouver Film SchoolIndustry equipment and services from Sparky’s Film Rentals and Keslow CameraDistribution offers from Moving Images Distribution for winning BC filmmakersA four-month Emerging Filmmaker Residency at KDocsFF and Kwantlen Polytechnic University with access to professional mentorship, test audiences, and filmmaking toolsFestival ScheduleFestival Pre-Launch – We Will Be Brave ScreeningWednesday, April 9, 2025VIFF Centre – VIFF Cinema | 6:30 PM Get Tickets Herehttps://viff.org/whats-on/we-will-be-brave/Opening Night & Networking Reception with Open Mic Pitch SessionThursday, April 10, 2025SFU Surrey Campus | 5:30 PM onwardsFilm Screenings & PanelsFriday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13, 2025Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PMAwards Ceremony & Closing NightSunday, April 13, 2025Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM