With engagements this fall for artists such as John Cale, The Sun Ra Arkestra, Seu Jorge, Badi Assad, Ralph Irizarry and HabanaSax confirmed, Lula Lounge is shouting from the rooftops - WE’RE HERE!!! (photo by Joanne McArthur)

We’re confident that no other live music venue in the country presents such a diversity of music and musicians -- both by supporting local talent and welcoming international performers from around the globe.

This fall Lula Lounge will host more jazz than ever before. From HabanaSax’s explosive fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz and funk to the inspired inprovisation and hard bop of the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra, Lula is the place to hear the latest sounds in all jazz directions.

In the words of New Orleans jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton, jazz was born with a "Spanish tinge." Our Latin Cool series pays tribute to the intertwined histories of jazz and latin music.

Sept 7, Oct 12, Nov 16: MPC Music Presents Norman Amadio and Tommy Ambrose Also: Jhames Lee presents A Tribute to Chet Baker as well as a night celebrating Canadian female jazz artists.

"Ralph is a star of the future who never forgets the Latin basics. This band is burning!" - Tito Puente Born in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents, Irizarry is a self-taught genius of percussion who has played with such giants as Sonora Ponceña, Cachao, Celia Cruz, Juan Luis Guerra, Ruben Blades and Ray Barretto. While Irizarry is also hailed as a master of latin jazz percussion, this fall he’ll introduce Torontonians to SonCafé - his a full-blown salsa ensemble. SonCafé’s 2005 release “Bailando con... Azucar!” simultaneously exhibits a sweet maturity and the cutting edge energy of a New York City power salsa band. Tickets on sale at Rotate This, Soundscapes, torontohispano.com.

Thursday October 6 & Friday October 7: Ralph Irizarry And SonCafé

Cubaphiles should mark the following nights on their calendar. This fall includes several nights of traditional Cuban music.

For the third year running, Lula Lounge will host a series of concerts as part of the Small World Music Festival. One of the highlights of the festival is sure to be the apprearance of Seu Jorge who is best known in North America for his role in the 2004 film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” World music lovers should also check out Palestian classical group Le Trio Joubran as well as the Swedish rock of Hoven Droven. On September 24, the stunning Capo Verdian rising star, Lura will perform a special early concert. Lura recently toured with the great Cesaria Evora to rave reveiws. On October 1, Small World presents the Canadian debut of Nawal who hails from the Comorian Islands of the coast of Madagascar. On both Saturday September 24 and October 1, the Small World Music presentations will be followed by our regular Saturday Salsa evenings. On each of these nights we're offering a dinner and show package that includes a three course dinner, a beginner salsa lesson and both the Small World presentation AND two sets by our live salsa bands.

Thanks to the musicians and Lula friends and family that came out to our picture day last week. We missed those of you who couldn’t make it but we’ll do it all again in December. Thank you to you all for your support.

Book your office or family holiday party at Lula Lounge before Sept 30 for 15 or more people and receive a free gift certificate for a dinner and show package for two (Value of $120). This December we've got great dinner, dance lesson and show packages available every Friday and Saturday. Call 416 588 0307 for details about our fabulous tropical fusion menu and great live entertainment.

Don't miss our next MPC MUSIC PRESENTATION: AN EVENING OF JAZZ featuring internationally renowned jazz pianist Norman Amadio and vocalist Tommy Ambrose in support of The Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation. The first 5 people to email mark@lula.ca will receive 2 free tickets to this concert!

Lula Lounge is the ideal spot for your office holiday party. We can help you organize the perfect party for your staff this December. From food, to dance lessons and all types of live entertainment, we’ll make your holiday event planning easy as pie. Lula is also available during the week for parties large and small. Call us now to book your office Christmas party.

Stay tuned for more details about LATIN COOL, John Cale and The Warsaw Village Band.