The Small World Centre hosts two top notch concerts this weekend. On Friday, Myrica Faya combines roots music from the Azores with influences that range from classical to blues and jazz. Their rousing sound encompasses vocals, viola-ca-terra (the traditional 15-string Azorean lute), bass, accordion, piano, ukulele, guitars, flutes and percussion. Watch them play earlier this year at Festas da Praia and experience what’s been termed “new Azorean music.”

Then Saturday’s performance by Máire Ní Chathasaigh and Chris Newman promises a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, hot jazz, bluegrass and baroque, spiced with striking new compositions. It’s “Brilliant, innovative harping and guitar-playing of astonishing virtuosity and versatility” according to Songlines.  The celebrated pair have presented their unique musical vision in twenty-two countries, from the tiniest of village halls to London’s Barbican and Sydney Town Hall. A great chance to see them up close and personal.

Also coming to the Centre, our friend Jay Danley and his band releases the debut recording ‘Ethiojazz Volume 1‘ with special guest Hilario Durán on October 28. More on that to come.

And last but not least, an event of note at Koerner Hall, Chilean band Inti-Illimani are on tour in celebration of their 50th anniversary. Having spent decades at the forefront of global music – their songs, performed on more than 30 wind, string, and percussion instruments, are a treasure. The show on the 27th also features passionate singer-songwriter, poet, and multi-instrumentalist Nano Stern. We are delighted to contest two pairs of free tickets to this superb show! Send us an email before end of day Thursday for a chance to win.

Tomorrow evening’s triple bill presented by Polyphonic Ground at Revival looks especially great as Batuki Music and Uma Nota team up! Matatu Express is a who’s who of local music legends reminiscent of African Guitar Summit: Donné Roberts, Madagascar Slim, Adam Solomon, Pa Joe, Kofi Ackah, Ebenezer Agyekum and dancer Mabinty Sylla. It’s somewhat nostalgic to watch them here. The Future Primitive connect the dots between Toronto and the Latin America of their childhoods to create their Tropical Soul sound, and Beny Esguerra & New Tradition explore tradition and change through Afro-native Colombian music with an inner city edge.

On Monday we invite all culturally diverse musicians, managers and agents interested in getting more market exposure to rsvp to get in on the Polyphonic Ground Conversation! Light refreshments and childcare will be provided.

A week from today at Lula Lounge, our friend Justin Gray and his Synthesis band release their debut album, New Horizons. The album draws inspiration from Justin’s wide range of musical influences, including Indian classical, jazz, western classical and R&B, leading to a unique combination of rich sonic textures, inspiring melodies, and exotic grooves. If you’re feeling lucky, email us before end of day for a chance to win tickets.

Next weekend, two international acts of the highest order grace the stage of the Small World Centre. Myrica Faya originate from the Azores and explore the deep roots of their music with a personal approach that ranges from classical to blues and jazz. Following that, the partnership of Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman unites ‘one of the UK’s most influential acoustic guitarists’ (fROOTS) with the recipient of Irish Traditional Musician of the Year.

Lots coming up as we segue into October, including a nice way to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with one of Montreal’s finest groups, Ensemble Tessala, Saturday at the Small World Centre. The trio features classical guitar by Samuel Bonnet, percussion (riqq & bendir) by Nathaniel Huard and Khalil Moqadem on oud. Watch them perform traditional Arab-Andalusian melodies, Jewish music from the medieval and baroque periods, and reinterpreted Quebec folklore.

Next Thursday marks the second Polyphonic Ground Presents at Revival. This time round, Batuki Music and Uma Nota mix it up with three exciting acts. Matatu Express present Ghanaian highlife and more, while Beny Esguerra & New Tradition mix hip hop and soul with Afro-Colombian percussion. The Future Primitive fuse Latin and Caribbean styles with raw, catchy songwriting into ‘Tropical Soul’ music.

The following Monday at Lula Lounge, an event of interest to all culturally diverse musicians, managers and agents, Polyphonic Ground Conversations: Inclusive Programming for Musicians. It’s a participatory opportunity for artists struggling to break through to programmers to share their experiences and insights. The discussion will encompass what barriers people are facing, what is working and what’s not, before building strategies that promote change for fellow musicians – and secure more gigs!

It’s that time of year when our friends at the Music Gallery present their X Avant Festival – a boundary crossing program of new and experimental music. This year the theme is Resistance, from silent protest to high-volume critiques. Highlights include: Chino Amobi, a night with Indigenous music platform RPM, a collaboration with electro-soul legends LAL and East African punk arts collective Babely Shades, and events remembering composers James Tenney and Pauline Oliveros.

This week at the Small World Centre, Autorickshaw celebrates 15 years with two CD release concerts! On Thursday and Friday, Toronto’s twice Juno-nominated Indo-fusion ensemble showcases ‘Meter‘, their 5th album. With new originals, fiery fusion and unique spins on cover songs, Dylan Bell, Ed Hanley and Suba Sankaran create an impressive and expressive journey from traditional to modern.

Next week at the Centre it’s Ensemble Tessala, classical guitar by Samuel Bonnet, percussion by Nathaniel Huard, and Khalil Moqadem on oud. The Montreal trio draws inspiration from Arab-Andalusian music, Jewish melodies from the medieval and baroque, and Quebec folkloric traditions.

Shortly thereafter, the second Polyphonic Ground presentation at Revival looks like a party! Batuki Music and Uma Nota mix pan-African traditions with the sounds of South, Central and North America. It’s a triple bill featuring the newly formed supergroup Matatu Express, The Future Primitive, and Beny Esguerra & New Tradition. Learn the story behind the later and enjoy clips from their recent album here.