Well, we got through January… always a nice time to be in Toronto! As we enter a new month, we have some sweet upcoming events to talk about.

February 21st the Small World Centre hosts a double dose of Afro-Cuban vibes put together by our friends at Lula Music and Arts. Blending jazz, Afro-Cuban and classical forms, Elizabeth Rodriguez and Magdelys Savigne of OKAN bring a fresh perspective through their powerful vocals and potent lyrical content. Closing that night is the soulful, all-Cuban, Toronto-based quartet, Guaracha y Son. Expect classic son montuno, guaracha, boleros and guajira from the 30s to 60s alongside original compositions. This is a video of OKAN at the Women in Percussion Festival at Lula Lounge last fall.

Exactly one month from now, March 1st, Tamar Ilana and Ventanas perform a homecoming concert after their BC tour. Moving effortlessly from heart-wrenching flamenco arrangements to mournful Sephardic love songs, and playful Balkan party tunes it’s no surprise that the group has been nominated for four Canadian Folk Music Awards.

This Saturday Batuki Music Society and Alliance Française de Toronto celebrate Black History Month with Okavango African Orchestra, winner of the 2017 JUNO Award for Best World Music Album: 12 instruments, 10 languages, 7 countries… one special concert.

A special treat; An Idan Raichel ticket giveaway! Well known and loved as the leader of the Idan Raichel Project, a multi-ethnic tour de force that changed the face of Israeli popular music, Raichel tours his new solo piano concerts titled  ‘Idan Raichel – Piano Songs.’  The first responder to jess@smallworldmusic.com wins a pair of tickets to join the audience at the Toronto Centre for the Arts February 24th.

Tomorrow evening at Koerner Hall, it’ll be warm sounds for a winter night with Calypso Rose and Kobo Town. The legendary singer combines forces with local Caribbean heroes to create a dynamic cross-generational sound. On her website, there’s a fascinating timeline of the history of Calypso, which includes the remarkable fact that in 1967, she performed with Bob Marley and the Wailers – that would’ve been a concert for the ages!

Next week the Aga Khan Museum and Istituto Italiano di Cultura present a unique event – Musical Inventions by Paolo Angeli. The Sardinian musician takes to the stage with his invented 18-stringed hybrid of guitar, baritone, violoncello, and drums. Adorned with hammers, pedals, and even propellers operating at various speeds, Angeli’s instrument enables a wholly new type of performance — combining free jazz, folk noise, and minimal pop music. Special offer for Small World Music fans, access tickets at 10% off with promo code PAOLO, or buy through the link here. This is Angeli’s “Mascaratu“… enjoy!

Some sweet Ethio-jazz tonight on Danforth when the Barnes/Woldemichael Ethio-Jazz Quartet play Hirut Cafe, just west of Woodbine subway station. Drummer and composer Daniel teams up with saxophonist Girma Woldemichael the last Thursday of every month. Expect melodic groove music, both original and classic, rooted in Ethiopian music traditions, and the creative intermingling of other regional sounds.

Last but not least, Uma Nota Winter Nite offers a samba-infused late night dance party. Friday it’s Batucada Carioca live with DJs General Eclectic, J. Lai & Win-win at Super Wonder Gallery on College.