Besides their music and fans, the true test of an artist’s merit has to be their accolades from fellow musicians and collaborators.  LAL’s accolades as 10 year veterans in the Toronto music scene could go for miles.  Fitting because they are about to embark on a cross Canada tour before traveling to India to record their 4th studio album… (more…)

When you think of Africa, you will no-doubtably think about the poverty, civil wars, and the AIDS epidemic.  Although that is not what the heart of Africa is all about, it is the reality in many regions (although sometimes hyper-sensitized and convoluted by the media).  To me Africa means a lot of things.  I come from a community of displaced African people, but still we carry forward a culture rich and strong, just like the vibrancy of all my brothers and sisters from the various parts of the continent. (more…)

The other day, I was at the Manifesto offices, taking a break from work when I heard some beautiful sounds coming out of the studio.  As I walked by, I heard a female voice say ‘Women are the weaker race’..I just had to turn back… (more…)

There is nothing sweeter than the gut wrenching, soul shaking sound of Toronto’s female artists. In fact the only thing that IS sweeter is seeing them, hearing them and feeling them all on one night, at this years Honey Jam taking place Sunday, August 16th at the Mod Club. (more…)

Join MANIFESTO and L.I.F.E. Movement as we welcome back the Teacher and close out the weekend with an intimate jam at Revival hosted by KRS ONE.

On the Decks:
DJ WRISTPECT
SWEET TOUCH FOUNDATION

Doors at 12am
$15 before 1am.

NO GUESTLIST

See you in the middle!!

Toronto’s summer kick off jam of 2009 definitely happened last weekend when we played host to TORONTO PRIDE.  This has got to be one of the hypest dance parties I’ve been to in a while and for anyone who has partied with the gay crowd, you know how dope that can be!! (more…)

Manifesto is now accepting submissions to perform and exhibit at this year’s festival! Whether you’re an established artist or an emerging talent.. submit your stuff so we have you on our radar!

Submission Deadline: July 10th, 2009

www.themanifesto.ca

Submitting artists will be considered by Manifesto’s music committee to perform as part of a variet of programming for the entire 4-day festival, and artist information will be compiled into a database intended to help map artists in the city and beyond that will help us and others plan, mobilize, and communicate better!

Artist selections will be made by early August, you will be notified via email as to the status of your application. We wish we had enough stage time to accommodate everyone!.. but time is tight – so if you aren’t selected this year, don’t stress! We want to make sure as many artists as possible get a chance to participate and showcase their talent as part of Manifesto!
Good luck!

PS. applications for Dance, Workshops, Volunteers, and the Freshest Goods Artists Market coming soon!

What’s good Toronto? Really… I want to know!!! I’ve only been back a few months, but I have to say that all and all Toronto is LIVE and I am sooo excited to be here!!!

Thanks to Ty and Rez for having me rep my *new* hometown (I miss you MTL). This blog is going to chronicle all my crazy adventures taking in what community organizations are up to in the City of Toronto, as well as checking out the many, many cultural initiatives and campaigns that are happening throughout the summer.

I’m also going to fill you in on issues affecting residents of the City and how youth, artists, community organizations/initiatives and other do-gooders are mobilizing to create awareness, empowerment and change in the dot.

I recently took up residence at the Manifesto Studio, and believe me when I say that I am in the middle of it all!! This will be the official spot to find out about what happening on the festival side of things and how you can, and should be involved! Check out their website at www.themanifesto.ca for more!

To let me know about the work you are doing or an event you want me in the middle of, please hit me up!!!: munira@bene-fete.com.