 KELLY LEE EVANS RETURNS TO LULA
We're delighted to welcome Kelly Lee back to Lula Lounge as part of the maaf.ca fundraiser later this month. The night, entitled Verao Vibes: Jazz and Afro-Brazilian Beats features the soulful singer/songwriter Kelly Lee Evans performing pieces from her fabulous new CD "Fight or Flight" followed by Brazilian drumming troupe Maracatu Nunca Antes. Proceeds from the evening will be directed to a school in rural Uganda. For more info about this project visit www.maaf.ca.
Just Announced @ LULA
AUGUST FRIDAY CONCERT SERIES
Come early for our great series of 8 pm Tropico Jazz concerts. Refresh and recharge with our cool tropical cocktails and latin fusion menu while mellowing to the sound of Toronto’s best tropical jazz artists. The series features vocalists Eliana Cueveas, Amanda Martinez and Laura Ocampo as well as international artists such as Brazil’s Badi Assad.
Each show (Aug 4, 11, 25) is $54 and includes 8:00pm concert, 3 course tropical fusion dinner, salsa lesson and salsa band at 10:00pm. Members free after 9:30 pm.
 Eliana Cuevas (followed by Caché at 10 pm)
Venezuelan born Eliana Cuevas sings in Spanish, Portuguese and English coninuing to make her mark as a bandleader and songwriter.
 Amanda Martinez (followed by Lady Son at 10 pm)
Amanda’s stylized mixes of bossa-infused Afro Cuban rhythms, Mexican folk, and jazz leave Latin music lovers enthralled, amused and blissfully mesmerized.
 Laura Ocampo (followed by Café Cubano at 10 pm)
Drawing on the traditional folkloric music of her native Argentina, Ocampo blends chacarera, zamba and traditional ballads.
 Badi Assad (followed by Maracatu at 11 pm)
Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad redefines solo guitar performance! "Revelatory, a brilliant display of innovation, imagination and skill... almost hypnotically compelling."
~ LOS ANGELES TIMES.
BIO RITMO SALSA MACHINE
"The ensemble's live show have become a notorious guaranteed good time - as energetic and full of flavor as the music being played."
~ The Washington Post
"Who says there's nothing new under the salsa sun? Bio Ritmo's latest album turns out to be the group's most experimental yet - even as it ostensibly cleaves to salsa classica."
~ The Village Voice, NYC
After the huge success of their tour last spring, Bio Ritmo returns to Lula Lounge for two nights with their red-hot "rhythm of life". With its infectious band personality and character and experimental vibe, Bio Ritmo Salsa Machine is one of those exceptionally rare salsa bands who make both traditional and experimental salsa lovers smile and dance, inspiring new fans of the music wherever they play.
FOR BILLY BRYANS
Join us to celebrate and support Toronto musician, promoter, DJ and friend, Billy Bryans. Featuring Parachute Club, Amanda Martinez, Alberto Alberto, Juan Carlos Bulnes, Latin Street, Madagascar Slim, Son Ache with more to be announced.
As a record producer, musician, promoter and dj, Billy Bryans has been one of the prime movers of the world music scened in Toronto. After producing a Juno-Award winning compilation of world music in 1991 he went on to produce records for Diego Marulanda, Punjabi By Nature and Tarig Abubakar. He has promoted shows with international artists such as Sally Nyolo (Cameroon), Sierra Maestra, La Charanga Habanera (Cuba), Wasis Diop (Senegal) The Puentes Brothers (Canada) Perhaps best known for his work as drummer and co-founder of The Parachute Club, Billy has also played with local bands Siyakha, Downchild Blues Band and The AfroNubians. He is one of the resident DJ's at Lula Lounge.
A recent lung cancer diagnosis has meant that Billy has been unable to work for several months. Join us to celebrate Billy's contributions to the Toronto music scene and to help him as he gets back to the work he loves so much.
 ESTONIAN INNOVATOR KIRILE LOO
Small World Music is proud to present a rare appearance of Estonian innovator, Kirile Loo. Renowned for her exploration of ancient Runic verse and a blend of Esto-ethno elegance with tradition. Kirile Loo's recordings "Saatus (Destiny, 1994) and "Lullabies of Husbands" (1999) are lovely crafted blends of folk-pop with electronic textures.
Ticket prices tba.
July @ LULA
WEDNESDAY JULY 26
KITSCH'N SYNCH III
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $10 at door, adv tix - jcalder@graffiti.net., Dinner reservations guarantee seating.
A night of performance including poetry and music featuring Fem-Fait-all (pictured) and performances by Jen Calder, Mark Brown and Marissa Gregories.
THURSDAY JULY 27
VERAO VIBES: JAZZ AND AFRO-BRAZILIAN BEATS!
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $25, $60 with 3 course latin fusion dinner
Featuring Kelly Lee Evans and Maracatu Nunca Antes, this MAAF.CA fundraiser will raise money for a school in rural Uganda.
FRIDAY JULY 28
CUBAN FRIDAYS W/ CAFE CUBANO!
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10, Members FREE! , $49 - 3 course dinner + dance class + show
We’re proud to present one the most exciting bands in Toronto with five performers formerly with Valentin y los del Caribe. They have joined up with other great Toronto musicians to form "Cafe Cubano!" Dance class @ 9 + DJ BIlly Bryans!
SATURDAY JULY 29
SALSA SATURDAY w/ MAPALE´!
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10 Includes dance lesson, $49 includes Dinner, Dance Class and Show
In Colombia, Mapalé is a traditional dance of African origins. It is sensual and dynamic - a flirtatious exercise meant to free the spirit, celebrate the body and inspire the soul - much like the music of Mapalé. Dance Class: Ana Machado, DJ:Fab!
August @ LULA
TUESDAY AUGUST 1
TORONTO FINGERSTYLE
Doors @ 7:00pm, Admission $5, Dinner reservations guarantee seating.
CD release party for a great collection of solo guitar composed and performed by twelve of Toronto's finest guitarists.
THURSDAY AUGUST 3
KOBO TOWN
Doors @ 8:00pm, Show @ 9:00pm, Admission $10
Named after the historic neighborhood in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where traditional calypso (kaiso) was born, Kobotown continues to extend the tradition of rhythmic and melodic cross-pollination that marks Calypso music.
FRIDAY AUGUST 4
ELIANA CUEVAS
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $15 or $54 dinner package (includes 8 pm concert, 3 course tropical fusion dinner, salsa lesson and salsa band at 10:00) Members free after 9:30 pm.
Venezuelan born Eliana Cuevas sings in Spanish, Portuguese and English coninuing to make her mark as a bandleader and songwriter.
FRIDAY AUGUST 4
CUBAN FRIDAYS W/ CACHÉ
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10 or $54 dinner package (includes 8 pm concert, 3 course tropical fusion dinner, salsa lesson and salsa band at 10:00) Members free after 9:30 pm.
TORONTO’S FIERCEST SALSA BAND! CACHÉ plays hardcore Salsa music inspired by the art of vintage salsa sound of the 1970's. Salsa dance class with Ana Machado + DJ Fab!
SATURDAY AUGUST 5
SALSA SATURDAY W/ CAFE CUBANO!
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10 includes dance lesson, $49 includes three course dinner + dance class + show
We’re proud to continue to present the hottest salsa band in Toronto! With five performers formerly with Valentin y los del Caribe. They have joined up with other great Toronto musicians to form "Cafe Cubano!". Dance Class @ 9pm + DJ Fab!
SUNDAY AUGUST 6
KENYAN FAMINE RELIEF
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, $10, $5 before 10 pm
An evening of music to raise funds for the famine relief efforts in Kenya. Featuring The Falling Trees, Jemo, Plazma Crew, Winston Paddy and more.
THURSDAY AUGUST 10
NICK CUDA
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $20
Guitarist, composer and recording artist Nick Cuda's return to Lula Lounge. Enjoy our tropical fusion menu before the show.
FRIDAY AUGUST 11
AMANDA MARTINEZ
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:30pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $15 or $54 dinner package (includes 8 pm concert, 3 course tropical fusion dinner, salsa lesson and salsa band at 10:00) Members free after 9:30 pm.
Amanda’s stylized mixes of bossa-infused Afro Cuban rhythms, Mexican folk, and jazz leave Latin music lovers enthralled, amused and blissfully mesmerized.
FRIDAY AUGUST 11
LADY SON Y ARTICULO VEINTE
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10 or $54 dinner package (includes 8 pm concert, 3 course tropical fusion dinner, salsa lesson and salsa band at 10:00) Members free after 9:30 pm.
Powerful vocalist Yeti Ajasin (Lady Son) leads this up and coming Afro-Cuban rumba / son band .
SATURDAY AUGUST 12
SALSA SATURDAY W/ CACHE
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10, $49 for 3 course dinner (includes dance class + band)
TORONTO’S FIERCEST SALSA BAND! CACHÉ plays hardcore Salsa music inspired by the art of vintage salsa sound of the 1970's. Salsa dance class with Ana Machado + DJ Fab!
MONDAY AUGUST 14
D'BI YOUNG
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 7:30pm, Admission $10, Dinner reservations guarantee seating.
jamaican-canadian playwright d'bi young launches the publication of her new play - blood claat: one womban story
TUESDAY AUGUST 15
DAY OFF CLASSICAL TRIO
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, $20, $15 students and seniors
A Classical Trio - A live band - A cinematic ensemble. Day OFF is violinist Simon Claude, cellist Alexandre Castonguay from Montreal and pianist/composer Njo Kong Kie from Toronto.
THURSDAY AUGUST 17
BIO RITMO SALSA MACHINE
Doors @ 6:00pm, Dance Class @ 8:00pm, Show @ 9:00pm, Admission $15 ADV @ ticketweb.com $20 @ door, $54 dinner, dance lesson and show
Salsa clasica inspired yet as progressive as it gets, Bio Ritmo returns for two nights with their red-hot "rhythm of life". With DJ Gury Gury and dance lesson by Stephanie of Mambo Tribe.
FRIDAY AUGUST 18
BIO RITMO SALSA MACHINE
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:30pm, Show @ 10:30pm, Admission $20 ADV @ ticketweb.com $25 @ door, $54 dinner, dance lesson and show
Salsa clasica inspired yet as progressive as it gets, Bio Ritmo returns for two nights with their red-hot "rhythm of life". With DJ Radames and dance lesson by Stephanie of Mambotribe.
SATURDAY AUGUST 19
SALSA SATURDAY w/ MAPALE´!
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10 Includes dance lesson, $49 includes Dinner, Dance Class and Show
In Colombia, Mapalé is a traditional dance of African origins, from Guinea to be precise. It is sensual and dynamic - a flirtatious exercise meant to free the spirit, celebrate the body and inspire the soul - much like the music of Mapalé.
SUNDAY AUGUST 20
FOR BILLY BRYANS
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, $20
For Billy: A night to celebrate and support Toronto musician, promoter, DJ and friend, Billy Bryans. Featuring Parachute Club, Madagascar Slim, Amanda Martinez and many more.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 23
TAKA TRIO
Doors @ 8:00pm, Show @ 9:00pm, Admission $10
Taka trio mixes electronic and acoustic, jazz and rock with the sounds of Chile, Argentina and Uruguay to create Neo Folk.
THURSDAY AUGUST 24
LULA SHOWCASE NIGHT
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $10 , Dinner reservations guarantee seating.
Featuring Evaristo Machado, Rojitas, Ricky Morales, Dirty Maria and The Alchemistas.
FRIDAY AUGUST 25
LAURA OCAMPO
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $15 or $54 dinner package (includes 8 pm concert, 3 course tropical fusion dinner, salsa lesson and salsa band at 10:00) Members free after 9:30 pm.
Drawing on the traditional folkloric music of her native Argentina, Ocampo blends chacarera, zamba and traditional ballads.
FRIDAY AUGUST 25
CUBAN FRIDAYS W/ CAFE CUBANO!
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10 or $54 dinner package (includes 8 pm concert, 3 course tropical fusion dinner, salsa lesson and salsa band at 10:00) Members free after 9:30 pm.
We’re proud to present one the most exciting bands in Toronto with five performers formerly with Valentin y los del Caribe. They have joined up with other great Toronto musicians to form "Cafe Cubano!" Dance class @ 9 + DJ BIlly Bryans!
SATURDAY AUGUST 26
SALSA SATURDAY w/ RICKY FRANCO
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10 Includes dance class, $49 includes Dinner, Dance Class and Show
Billed as Canada's #1 Latin R&B Sensation, Ricky Franco returns to Lula with his salsa powerhouse P-Crew Orchestra . Salsa class with Ana Machado.
SUNDAY AUGUST 27
CAN I KISS YOU
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $12 at the door, Dinner reservations guarantee seating.
CAN I KISS YOU OR WOULD THAT BE WEIRD?: A Musical Theatre Exploration of Relationships. Featuring: Devon Hubka, Natalie Janik, Andrea Pressburger & Larissa Schneider.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30
SMALL WORLD PRESENTS: KIRILE LOO
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 9:00pm, Admission tba , Dinner reservations guarantee seating.
A rare appearance by Estonian innovator, Kirile Loo. Loo is renowned for her exploration of ancient Runic verse and a blend of Esto-ethno elegance with tradition.
THURSDAY AUGUST 31
LUCID DREAMS CD RELEASE
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 9:00pm, Admission $10 or $15 with CD
One of the G.T.A.'s hottest new rock bands Lucid Dreams celebrates the release of its debut full-length The Way I Feel.
September @ LULA
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 1
CARIBE SON
Doors @ 7:00pm, Dance Class @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10, $49 Dinner and show package., Dinner reservations guarantee seating.
Don't miss this great sextet direct from Cuba. With DJ Billy Bryans.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7
KOBO TOWN
Doors @ 8:00pm, Show @ 9:00pm, Admission $10
Named after the historic neighborhood in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where traditional calypso (kaiso) was born, Kobotown continues to extend the tradition of rhythmic and melodic cross-pollination that marks Calypso music.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10
ROB CURTO'S FORRO FOR ALL
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 9:30pm, Admission $15 , Dinner reservations guarantee seating.
In the tradition of Luiz Gonzaga, Rob Curto’s Forró For All is a band dedicated to the sound of “forró pé-de-serra”, but performed with a sensibility born of New York City’s diverse and dynamic musical culture.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 28
MR. SOMETHING SOMETHING
Doors @ 9:00pm, Show @ 10:00pm, Admission $10
Mr. Something Something's Afrofunky grooves
October @ LULA
FRIDAY OCTOBER 13
GARY TOPP PRESENTS BADI ASSAD + MARACATU NUNCA ANTES
Doors @ 7:00pm, Show @ 8:00pm, Admission $20 ADV at www.ticketweb.com, $59 dinner and show pacakge
Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad redefines solo guitar performance! "Revelatory, a brilliant display of innovation, imagination and skill... almost hypnotically compelling." -LOS ANGELES TIMES
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