Foonyap Top CMW Pick in Toronto Star! Must-See Gaelynn Lea & Ticket Giveaway

Our Asian Music Series, sponsored by TD Bank, hits the dance floor tonight with a special edition of Globetrotter, presented in association with Architextures. Bollywood beats prevail as DJ Amita, the pioneering South Asian fusion DJ and founder of Besharam shares Round with Globetrotter resident DJ medicineman, accompanied by VJ SEKS. Raja Rhyhmics & synapps’ live DJ set start the party.

Then a busy weekend at the Small World Centre, starting with two nights by two rising stars known for pushing sonic boundaries: Foonyap & Holy Hum. Both are informed by their Chinese and Korean cultural heritage respectively and represent the cutting edge of Canadian music. Foon also made Ben Rayner’s picks for what to catch at Canadian Music Week in the Toronto Star: “Brittle, cathartic, classically influenced electro-strangeness from one-woman band Foon Yap. Think of her as Calgary’s answer to Björk and you’re getting there.” This is “Mourning Coup” from her acclaimed “Palimpsest.”

The following night, Gaelynn Lea, a unique concert in association with Martin Atkins and Jafri Music. Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys describes her as Karen Dalton and Joanna Newsom melded together, “set about absolutely obliterating your heart.” Since gaining notoriety on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest a mere two years ago, she has played over 200 shows. Ali Jafri opens and there’s a talk after the show.

Also this weekend, our friends at Hugh’s Room Live have Harry Manx on stage. The slide guitarist has been dubbed an ‘essential link’ between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of Indian ragas. His unique sound is bewitching and we’re able to offer a pair of FREE tickets to the show. First response to jess@smallworldmusic.com who names the Indian slide guitarist that we’ve presented several times, and was Manx’s inspiration, wins!

And last but not least, Labyrinth Ontario offers a vital new addition to Toronto’s rich global music landscape every Saturday from this Saturday until June 2nd. The festival and workshop is devoted to Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Central Asian traditional music.