Artist Ashley Barnes: Black Diamonds

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Among the many Black History events this month, visual artist Ashley Mckenzie Barnes  presented her newest collection Black Diamonds  2012. The collection is currently on display at the intimate and cosy Nawlin’s Jazz Bar & Dinner Lounge located at 299 King Street West.  A commemoration of  7 influential woman performers in Black Entertainment history, the original (mixed media and acrylic) pieces pay tribute to entertainment icons: Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, the late Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Diane Ross and Billie Holiday.

Check out some of the pieces on display (below).

Stop by before Feb 29th to view some of entertainments iconic “Black Diamonds”.

Black Diamonds 2012.

Better Mus Come

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Sometimes words aren’t enough. Here’s the trailer to the Storm Saulter directed movie, Better Mus Come.

Thrilling!

1loveto x Done Different x ISAX

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Just before the holidays, I took in the soulful sounds of saxophonist and musician ISAX, courtesy of 1loveto’s Done Different event. The 4th and last installment of the series for the year took place at the upscale Thompson Hotel.  ISAX known too many as ISAX InJah, was a great compliment to a mature evening out.

His musical journey began in his teenage years with Canadian legends Lighthouse and Downchild Blues Band.Subsequently drawn to the deep grooves of Toronto’s Jamaican reggae scene, his playing flourished in a very open musical enviroment. Isax’s musical abilities were welcomed in the Rastafarian community and the following years led to performances and studio work with all of the great Jamaican musicians that passed through Toronto,including Jackie Mitoo,Dennis Brown,King Jammy,Ken Boothe,Morgan Heritage,Dean Fraser,The Abyssinians,Etana,Queen Ifrica and Sly and Robbie to name a few. Isax has lent his signature sound to recordings by Gregory Isaacs, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe as well horn section work for many Canadian reggae artists.Outside of the reggae world Isax has toured and recorded with Nelson Riddle, Bass Is Base,Esthero,Glen Lewis,Ivana Santilli,Blue Rodeo,NOJO Jazz Orchestra,Kollage,Eddie Bullen and others.

Check out the video here