Our Asian Music Series, sponsored by TD Bank, hits the dance floor tonight with a special edition of Globetrotter, presented in association with Architextures. Bollywood beats prevail as DJ Amita, the pioneering South Asian fusion DJ and founder of Besharam shares Round with Globetrotter resident DJ medicineman, accompanied by VJ SEKS. Raja Rhyhmics & synapps’ live DJ set start the party.

Then a busy weekend at the Small World Centre, starting with two nights by two rising stars known for pushing sonic boundaries: Foonyap & Holy Hum. Both are informed by their Chinese and Korean cultural heritage respectively and represent the cutting edge of Canadian music. Foon also made Ben Rayner’s picks for what to catch at Canadian Music Week in the Toronto Star: “Brittle, cathartic, classically influenced electro-strangeness from one-woman band Foon Yap. Think of her as Calgary’s answer to Björk and you’re getting there.” This is “Mourning Coup” from her acclaimed “Palimpsest.”

The following night, Gaelynn Lea, a unique concert in association with Martin Atkins and Jafri Music. Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys describes her as Karen Dalton and Joanna Newsom melded together, “set about absolutely obliterating your heart.” Since gaining notoriety on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest a mere two years ago, she has played over 200 shows. Ali Jafri opens and there’s a talk after the show.

Also this weekend, our friends at Hugh’s Room Live have Harry Manx on stage. The slide guitarist has been dubbed an ‘essential link’ between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of Indian ragas. His unique sound is bewitching and we’re able to offer a pair of FREE tickets to the show. First response to jess@smallworldmusic.com who names the Indian slide guitarist that we’ve presented several times, and was Manx’s inspiration, wins!

And last but not least, Labyrinth Ontario offers a vital new addition to Toronto’s rich global music landscape every Saturday from this Saturday until June 2nd. The festival and workshop is devoted to Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Central Asian traditional music.

Spring has truly sprung and with it, a flurry of great concerts as part of Small World’s 16th Annual Asian Music Series sponsored by TD Bank.

On Saturday, our friends at Raag-Mala Toronto present a two-part evening combining sarod by Pandit Partho Sarothy, with a vocal recital by Vidushi Shruti Sadolikar. The renowned Sarothy trained under the guidance of Pt. Ravi Shankar. Sadolikar is an award-winning and admired vocalist.

Next week the series goes contemporary, starting with Globetrotter, presented in association with Architextures. Bollywood hits the dance floor with Besharam legend DJ Amita, a pioneering South Asian fusion DJ and host of Masala Mixx radio. The event also features the visual artistry of SEKS alongside resident ethnomixologist DJ medicineman.

Canadian Music Week is about to hit town and we’re pleased to partner with them and Wavelength Music for two nights of new sounds that push musical boundaries. Calgary-based Foonyap performs experimental-folk that CBC called “… as disconcerting as it is captivating,” where dark soundscapes meet powerful electronica. Holy Hum, project of multidisciplinary artist Andrew Lee, delves into ambient post-rock to create gorgeous, atmospheric music. Watch “Flower in the Snow” featuring Kathryn Calder from New Pornographers on vocals. Directed by and starring Angela Seo of Xiu Xiu.

The following night, shifting gears to American folk revival, a unique concert in association with Martin Atkins and Jafri Music. Since Gaelynn Lea won NPR Music’s 2016 Tiny Desk, she has played over 200 shows and been featured at The Kennedy Center and on BBC World News. Performing from her electric wheelchair, she loops her classically trained melodies beneath deeply personal songwriting. Experience her captivating sound and be drawn in by Ali Jafri’s eclectic, big-hearted twist. Jafri sings and plays guitar, sitar, percussion and bass, heightened by electronic effects.

An amazingly diverse choice of events coming up in our Asian Music Series, supported by TD Bank!

On Sunday it’s the Royal Conservatory of Music’s presentation of two great musicians of our era, teaming up for a sold-out concert. Crosscurrents: Zakir Hussain & Dave Holland brings the celebrated tabla virtuoso and jazz bassist together with an all-star band for an ‘Indian music meets jazz’ extravaganza.

Next weekend, sarod master Partho Sarothy and singer Shruti Sadolikar are featured in a two-part Indian classical concert presented by Raag-Mala Toronto at Glenn Gould Studio. These great players are supported by Neelesh Nadkarni on harmonium and Ramdas Palsule on tabla.

The series takes a sonic detour the following week, starting with Globetrotter’s – Bollywood Beat May 10. It will be a mashup of spicy beats courtesy of ‘Besharam’ legend DJ Amita, with visuals by SEKS, alongside resident DJ medicineman – tickets at the door.

That’s followed by two nights presented in association with Canadian Music Week and Wavelength, with Foonyap and Holy Hum at the Small World Centre May 11 and 12. Innovative soundscapes and powerful electronica are the hallmark of these two remarkable young artists.

Then a unique event at the Centre, Gaelynn Lea with Ali Jafri May 13. With an adapted playing style, holding her violin like a tiny cello and looping classically trained melodies, Gaelynn creates something truly individual. Witness “Someday We’ll Linger in The Sun,” one of her songs that won NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016.

Last but not least, this Saturday Hot Docs and Small World co-present a screening on the life and music of Indigenous singer/songwriter Gurrumul. With mesmerizing concert footage and intimate home videos, director Paul Damien Williams delivers a poignant portrait of this complex artist.

Apart from appalling April weather, we’re feeling good about our 16th annual Asian Music Series, sponsored by TD Bank. With a full slate of upcoming events inside the series and out, there are good sounds to warm us.

This evening at the Small World Centre, a special mid-week concert by Itamar Erez brings top-notch guitar composition to the stage. Itamar’s unique palette of influences brings together his classical training with jazz and flamenco. Now based in Vancouver, he comes to town just after performing at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel auditorium with Omar Faruk Tekbilek. Tonight, violinist Jessica Hana Deutsch and singer Flavia Nascimento join as special guests.

On Saturday, Autorickshaw Trio returns to the Centre. At the forefront of the world music landscape after their recent tour of India and JUNO nomination for ‘Meter,’ Suba Sankaran, Ed Hanley and Dylan Bell’s indo-fusion jazz is delightfully unique. The video below speaks volumes for the confidence and elegance of the band’s vision and continued artistic growth.

Last chance to grab a three-concert ticket bundle and save! It’s an amazing opportunity to see world-renowned tabla master Zakir Hussain with the legendary Dave Holland at Koerner Hall, along with a sarod and vocal recital presented by Raag-Mala Toronto and Near East’s album release. This offer, made possible through our partners, ends April 25 – buy yours here.

And we’re delighted to partner with the Hot Docs festival again. Their screening of ‘Gurrumul‘ tells the story of Indigenous singer/songwriter Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, one of the most important artists to come out of Australia. Blind from birth, creating music inspired by his community in the far northeast of Arnhem Land, Gurrumul shied away from the rewards and obligations that came with fame and notoriety. But with his unforgettable, soulful sound, he captivated audiences across the globe.