Programming | The Word On The Street

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DJ Medicineman plays at quarter to the hour, every hour, from 10:45 – 5:45

Richard ‘medicineman’ Martin is one of Canada's most highly respected global fusion tastemakers. For the past 10 years, he’s been instrumental in pushing the scene forward. His radio show, No Man’s Land, on CIUT 89.5 FM, consistently ranks as the most widely supported by station listeners. From Afro-Latin funk to Indo-Arabic dub, his unique cross-cultural mixology has earned a loyal throng of fans who crave a connection between primitive rhythms and progressive beats. Richard also works in Community Relations for Toronto’s premier world music presenter, Small World Music, where he works diligently on community partnerships and development within Toronto’s diverse population.

11:00 - 11:45 :: Joanna Moon

With her rich and powerful voice, Joanna Moon passionately gives life to the gypsy soul in the most universal sense. Rooted in folk and progressive rock music, this self-taught French-Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist also seeks to explore other musical styles that she finds seductive. Inspired by a range of Flamenco artists from Spain, she touched the ground with the experience of Flamenco and Cuban beats. Now she sings in French and Spanish. Her music is a seductive marriage between warm, sensual Andalusian and Caribbean rhythms.

12:00 - 12:45 :: High Plains Drifter

High Plains Drifter is an eclectic collective whose funk and world beat live performances have captivated audiences across Canada. Leaning towards original material, they are a groove force whose goal is to keep dancehalls packed and bodies in constant motion. They draw inspiration from artists as diverse as James Brown, Breakestra Orchestra and Wes Montgomery. The group, known for their unpredictable stage show, has enjoyed collaborations with musicians from all over Canada. Formed in 2003 at Nova Scotia's premier Jazz School, High Plains Drifter has performed at the Evolve Festival, Halifax Jazz Festival, Come Together Festival and clubs across Central and Eastern Canada.

1:00 - 1:45 :: Masaisai

Masaisai’s music is based on the traditions of the mbira dzavadzimu, a giant thumb-piano from Zimbabwe. The sound of interlocking mbiras is both energizing and healing. Many fans become students of the instrument. Masaisai’s music is an ageless medicine for children, youth, adults and elders. It has a universal appeal both to those who know it well and to people who have never heard this kind of chimurenga music. The band came together because of the waves, the masaisai, that have spread from Zimbabwe, and because they love to remember how good their home is through music. They will transport you there.

2:00 - 2:45 :: Nomadica

Born from FunkaBelly, Toronto’s reigning monthly bellydance party, Nomadica is an exciting new live band playing the most electrifying fusion of Roma, Balkan and Middle Eastern sounds that ever funked a Toronto dance floor. The band features a united tapestry of Roma, Cuban, Jewish, Palestinian, Turkish and Serbian players. Nomadica is: David Buchbinder (trumpet, alto horn), Roula Said (vocals, zylls), Drew Jurecka (violin, alto sax), Atalay Altinok (percussion), Nemanja Pjanic (accordion) and Caner Ustundag (bass).

3:00 - 3:45 :: Rebel Rhythm

Burning Latin and Funk beats sizzle as they are embraced by cool Jazz harmonies, just as flowing lava does when it meets the ocean. Rebel Rhythm’s music is an amazing amalgamation of styles, personalities and contrasts, which encompasses the past and future of Latin, funk and house music. The influences of Eddie Palmieri, Miles Davis, Masters at Work and Tower of Power resonate in a unique and unforgettable manner. The band can be described as a group of music biochemists that know when to turn up the heat and when to keep it cool!

4:00 - 4:45 :: The Thing Is

Balkan/Jazz fusion, off-kilter rhythms and heavy basslines, all original, lead by Tova Kardonne's voice and writing, backed by orchestral atmospheres of a horn section with flute, sax and trombone. They've played Wavelength, Toronto Alternative Fashion Week, the Rex Hotel, Clinton's, Rancho Relaxo and National Music Camp. The band features: Tova Kardonne (vox), Graham Campbell (guitar), David Atkinson (piano), Amy Medvick (flute), Mike Wark (also sax), Christian Overton (trombone), Trevor Falls (drums) and Bret Higgins (bass).

5:00 - 5:450 :: Njacko Backo

Njacko Backo is a multi-talented Cameroonian artist - he is a musician, composer, dancer, choreographer, author, educator, workshop facilitator and an energetic and dynamic entertainer. Musically and spiritually, Njacko draws on the lessons he learned in Africa from his family, mentors and village life. Since 1990, his band Kalimba Kalimba has gone through many permutations. It’s latest incarnation includes a world flavour by blending traditional instruments (kalimba, djembe, ngoni...) with more modern sounds (bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, accordion...) and other traditional percussion (bata, tabla, drum kit, berimbau...).