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Taking place in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Showcase Series is a community initiative which features a landscape of cultural identities from the Asian, African and Caribbean, and Latin American diasporas in Toronto, amplifying voices of colour through creative expression, storytelling and cultural participation. 

This series was developed to improve representation and inclusivity within the arts in more authentic ways and to also support an understanding of the diverse identities and experiences within the diasporas.

During the months of October, February and May, these community-minded concerts successfully connect a mosaic of audiences to bring increased access to the arts and champion culturally responsive opportunities. 

February 2025: Black History Month

The second segment of the series will present four performances that feature a variety of cultural identities of artists and creatives from the African and Caribbean communities in Toronto. Participants will have the opportunity to experience musical performances which feature Trinidadian Steelpan, Afro-Cuban band music derived from Son Cubano, performances from the National Ballet of Canada, and the soulful sounds of motown and gospel.

Performance Information

Performances take place in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. All events are FREE but require registration. For School or community groups larger than five, please register through education@coc.ca. 

It is our policy to overbook. In the event of reaching full capacity, your reservation may not guarantee admission. Unclaimed reservations will be released to a standby line 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the event start time.

Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis for 120 guests. Once these seats are filled, all other guests will be standing for the duration of the performance.

Meet our Artists

Luiz Anselmo

February 6 Artist

Luiz Miguel Anselmo dos Santos, started dancing at 5 years old. From the age of 10, Luiz went to study at the Bolshoi Theater School in Brazil, the only branch of the dance company outside of Russia. This was where he began to perfect technique and learn more about the history of various styles of dance; including ballet, contemporary, character, and Brazilian popular dance. After 8 years of studying with Professor Ayrat Khakimov, Luiz graduated from classical dance and was accepted to join the youth company where he served as Principal.

In 2023, Luiz applied to the National Ballet of Canada and is currently an RBC apprentice with the Company

Joel Chambers

February 13 Artist

Joel Chambers is a gifted recording musician, producer, and musical director, whose career spans diverse genres and global collaborations. Playing the piano since the age of 5, Joel attributes his musical talent to his upbringing in the church, where he first honed his skills and deepened his passion for music. Over the years, Joel has produced for a range of renowned artists, including Congolese star Krystaal, Juno Award-winning Sharon Riley & The Faith Chorale, hip-hop icon Kardinal Offishall, and the soulful Shi Wisdom. A natural mentor, Joel has also guided aspiring musicians, artists, and producers worldwide, sharing his wealth of knowledge and inspiring others to reach their full potential. His unique blend of musicality, dedication, and mentorship continues to make an indelible mark on the industry.

Soulful Steel

February 20 Artist

Soulful Steel is a group of six friends who grew up surrounded by music in Church and blossomed into professional musicians with formal training at York, U of T, Western, Humber, and Waterloo universities. In addition to honed skills in Piano, Clarinet, Opera and Percussion, the group’s Caribbean-Canadian roots were a natural influence for their love of the Steelpan - the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.

Soulful Steel has performed in various concert environments and at the competitive level in Toronto's Caribana Festival. Individually, three of the group’s members are music teachers both privately and with GTA School Boards. Bound together with their passion for music and education, they all assist as music instructors and mentors for ages 4 - 14 at Hope Lutheran Church. During their annual summer music camp, youth have the opportunity to explore sounds and genres on different instruments including Steelpan, Guitar, Piano, and Bucket Drumming.

Roberto Linares Brown

February 26 Artist

Cuban native Roberto Linares Brown, is a talented musician with an innate passion for music since childhood. He began his musical studies specializing in Cuban and classical percussion and has had a professional career as a producer, arranger, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and musical director.

Brown has worked with various orchestras such as Valentin y los 10 del Caribe and Orquesta Azucar Negra. In June 2001, Brown joined one of the foremost orchestras of Cuba – Adalberto Alvares y su son – and worked with them for four years as a composer and arranger. Performing with Adalberto Alvares y su Son, Brown traveled internationally to over 20 countries including the United States, Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Japan and Mexico. 

Since 2005, he resides in Toronto where he recorded his first album “Que no se pierda la escencia” and created his own orchestra, Combo 76, which mixes the roots of Cuban music “Son Cubano” with the sounds of new Latin music. Integrating elements of many musical styles such as Salsa, reggaeton, Jazz, Rumba and Cumbia. 

At the same time Roberto has collaborated with most of the Latin artists inside and outside Canada as a musician and producer, contributing to the development of the Latin musical scene. His participation as an arranger on the album "Llego la hora" by Mayito Rivera, was nominated for the Anglo Grammy Award, as well as his role as an arranger on the album "Rodando por el mundo" by Jose Alberto el Canario, which won the Latin Grammy Award in 2024.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register?

All events are free but registration is strongly recommended. School or community groups larger than five, please register through education@coc.ca

I'm no longer able to attend. How do I return my ticket?

If you are not able to attend, please reply to your receipt email or contact Ticket Services at 416-363-8231 (for long distance in Canada and the U.S., dial 1-800-250-4653) or email tickets@coc.ca.

The series is Sold Out! Now what?

As this program is free, we do anticipate a number of ticket holders will not end up joining us. For that reason, unclaimed reservations will be released to a standby line 10 minutes prior to the start of the program. 

Latecomers and Readmittance

There is no late seating for performances in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre and re-admittance during the performance cannot be accommodated.

We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the event start time and remain for the duration of the performance. 

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