Congratulations to Jane Bunnett and all the musicians and participants in the Spirit of Music Fundraiser, held at Lula Lounge last Sunday night. Over $12,000 was raised to buy instruments and musical supplies for musicans and music schools in Cuba. The response to the fundraiser was overwhelming - due in large part to the very generous sponsorship by JAZZFM.91 and the support of station manager Ross Porter and host Ralph Benmergui.

Artists wishing to donate artwork should email Miriam Schacter Miriam Schacter Miriam Schacter at mir.iam@sympatico.ca. Businesses are also welcome to donate items for the auction.

Borealis Records presents Canadian songwriter, spoken word and theatre artist, Evalyn Parry, performing solo and with her band (Suzie Vinnick, Brad Hart, Ken Whiteley, and Anne Lindsay) for a live concert shoot by Riddle Films. You may have seen Evalyn perform at Lula as part of Lisa Pijuan's Red Festival. All are welcome and there is no cover.

Lula Lounge throws a private party for the event planning, film, fashion, music and publishing industry. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, we'll celebrate the madness of love and eros with a tango lesson followed by performances by the smart and saucy burlesque troupe Les Coquettes. By invitation only, for further details email amour@lula.ca.

Chase the winter blues away at Lula's Brazilian Carnaval night. Lose yourself in the rhythms of Brazil with Carnaval Braza lead by Maninhoz Costa with special guest Nick Ali.The night will also feature Toronto's newest Samba group Batucada Carioca playing hit songs from Rio's biggest samba schools. On February 11 at Lula, we're all Brazilian.

Treat your lover/spouse/friend to a night out at Lula Lounge on Valentine's Day. Enjoy a romantic dinner followed by a special Valentine's concert by beautiful world jazz singer Eliana Cuevas. Eliana's recent Canadian tour for her new CD Ventura was a huge success and we are very honoured to welcome her back to Lula. Our lover's package includes a three course tropical fusion dinner and concert tickets for two. Purchase your tickets by Feb 1 at a special advance price of $110 per couple (tax and gratuity not included). Call 416 588 0307 or email reserve@lula.ca.

Lead by the vocalist and songwriter Ambrosia Parsely, Shivaree has received much attention in Moscow, Paris and Rome. North American audiences are just catching on. Come find out why the London times calls Shivaree "One of music's best kept secrets." Tickets are $12 in advance.

Cuba's most famous exponent of contemporary 'son' music will grace the Lula stage for two unprecedented nights of Cuban-style salsa. Alvarez, known in Cuba as El Caballero de Son (the gentleman of son) will be backed by an extraordinary 16-piece orchestra. Don't miss a rare opportunity to experience in an intimate setting this giant of contemporary Cuban music singing the songs that have made him famous around the world. Advance tickets go on sale through Lula Lounge January 21. Call 416 588 0307. $30 in advance or $65 with three course dinner. Lula Members can purchase tickets advance tickets right away @ $25