Three back to back events worth trudging through the snow for!

Tomorrow at Revival, it’s the 4th Polyphonic Ground Presents. A formidable lineup features the rhymes and rhythms of Los Poetas, collaboration of Slim Flex & Success K with special guest Samantha Cross, hip hop, rap and Afro beats of Evolution, and versatile styling of Deejay MKay to keep the groove going into the night. Lula Music & Arts Centre and Music Africa (Afrofest), curate a night full of the hard-hitting beats and sounds of African and Latin music. Share your favourite song from these artists in an email for a chance to win a pair of tickets!

Friday at the Small World Centre, a more intimate vibe brings the double bill Timna + Dario / Euphonic. Euphonic is homegrown Ontario talent with Geoff Ball on cello, Vince Waters on drums and Bob Wegner on guitar performing an eclectic mix of classical, Latino, folk, ragtime and jazz. And the duo joins us from Argentina! Watch Timna Comedi’s beautiful, Brazilian voice and Dario Acosta Teich’s virtuous Argentinian guitar bring this gorgeous Stevie Wonder cover.

The following evening, on Saturday our friend Sina Bathaie returns to the Centre to celebrate the release on vinyl of his recent album, Ray of Hope. His santur, voice and band should bring great vibes.

Friday at Small World Centre, we have another top artist in Ivan Mazuze. Global jazz at its finest, the Norway-based saxist sees jazz as a “dynamic, universal language.” He plays in Ottawa before playing with some of our city’s finest, Jeremy Ledbetter on piano, bassist Rich Brown and Marito Marques on drums. Ottawa Citizen just interviewed him, read that great piece here and get your tickets!

Next week Thursday, December 14, the monthly Polyphonic Ground presentation brings Lula Music & Arts Centre and Music Africa together at Revival. The multi-faceted party features Los Poetas, Success K & Slim Flex with special guest Samantha Cross, EVOLUTION (EVLTN) and Deejay MKay. An amazing variety of roots and new sounds from Latin America, Jamaica, Africa, and beyond, ranging from hip hop and rap, to r&b and Afrobeat. Watch Los Poetas‘ newly released music video “No Vales.”

Just announced, a pre-Christmas combo at the Centre on December 15 features the Brazilian sounds of Timna & Dario Duo, and the eclectic trio Euphonic. Tropical rhythm with jazzy harmonies and a chamber ensemble influenced by classical, spanish, folk, ragtime and more. We are giving away a pair of tickets to that night, email us for a chance to win.

A worthy fundraiser this coming Monday takes place at Lula Lounge December 11. Juno winners Quique Escamilla, David Buchbinder, Maryem & Ernie Tollar and more to perform in support of Ahmed’s dream of reuniting his family in Canada. Having faced months of danger in Iraq, they were forced to flee to Turkey last year. Come out and show your support!

We’re excited to host an innovative take on Fado music this weekend at the Small World Centre. Minha Lua, Victoria Cruz, Gabriel Pancorbo and Cesar Jiménez, join us Sunday! While rooted in Fado, their new approach to the instrumental possibilities, combined with beguiling vocals and unique arrangements, influenced by the Arabic melodies of Al-Andalus, Indian and Persian music, make them a must see. Tickets are moving on this one, so now’s the time!

The following week, it’s global jazz with Ivan Mazuze next Friday. With roots in Mozambique, and based in Norway, the sax player and his band have performed at numerous musical events and festivals around the world. Deeply rooted in African Jazz, his tunes will be backed by some of our favourite locals including Jeremy Ledbetter on piano, the inimitable Rich Brown on bass, and the remarkable Marito Marques on drums. Watch Mazuze’s quintet perform at Jazztage Görlitz Festival.

In the community, it’s Christmas Caravan on Saturday! Indulge in early Christmas celebrations with Sultans of String and special guests Rebecca Campbell and Amanda Martinez. Their album recently hit #6 on BILLBOARD World Music Charts.

In the ‘last-minute announcement’ department, we’re excited to let you know about a wonderful artist hitting the stage at the Small World Centre on December 3rd. Minha Lua is the brainchild of singer Victoria Cruz, a Spanish artist who has immersed herself in Portuguese Fado, and Gabriel Pancorbo, a brilliant guitarist and composer. Together with cellist Cesar Jiménez, the project offers a new interpretation of the tradition, delving into the possibilities of a deeply rich musical genre that is best experienced live. Watch “So a noitinha” for a glimpse.

This weekend it’s Spirit of the Narrows at the Small World Music Centre. We look forward to Capucine Onn playing the part of a young Anne Lederman discovering Aboriginal folk fiddling in Manitoba during the 1980s. Best of all, Anne Lederman takes on the roles of her current self, the townspeople and the musicians she met. A must-see for folk lovers, it showcases a distinctly Canadian music through theatre. There are only three performances and limited seats remain.

On Tuesday our friends at Harbourfront Centre stage a Canadian premiere direct from Mumbai! Navdhara India Dance Theatre presents Amaara – A Journey of Love on November 28th at the Fleck Dance Theatre. They are offering $15 tickets with promo code “Small15.”

Next month also brings global jazz with Ivan Mazuze Quartet‘s presentation of Ubuntu at the Small World Music Centre on December 8th, and the final Polyphonic Ground Presents of 2017. Music Africa and Lula Music & Arts Centre bring Slim Flex and Success K, Evolution, Los Poetas and Deejay MKay to the stage on December 14th at Revival.

Although we’ve got a ways to go before Christmas, in the spirit of the season we’re pleased to offer up a pair of ticket to Christmas Caravan on December 2nd. The annual presentation by the unstoppable Sultans of String. Celebrate the season with an adventurous musical trip around the world as the band deliver an exuberant performance featuring originals, world-music inspired classics, and seasonal favourites to warm your heart. Respond to jess@smallworldmusic.com to enter the draw!