Celebrating Black History Month with the message ‘ Calypso History is Black History!’.

Friday February 17, 7PM Toronto, Holy Blossom temple, Philip Smith Hall. Tickets on Eventbrite $40

The concert features Jesse Ryan, a Trinidadian born Black Canadian saxophonist who is the grandson of one of the great calypsonians – the late Clifton Ryan, aka the Mighty Bomber . Kaiso Street Collective is a new ensemble lead by Jesse. In the spirit of honouring calypso’s greatest figures while celebrating the connections between jazz and afro-Caribbean traditions, the ensemble will feature the music of two calypso veterans, the Mighty Bomber and The Mighty Spoiler.

The Collective’s line up for this concert will feature the rhythm-section of guitarist Andrew Marzotto, pianist Ewen Farncombe, vibraphonist Michael Davidson, Juno award-winning bassist Roberto Ochipinti and Cuban-Canadian drummer Anthony Daniel. Fronting the ensemble is Cuban-Canadian trumpeter Alexander Brown, trombonist Kelsey Grant, tenor saxophonist Jeff La Rochelle. Ryan will function as music director and play alto & soprano saxophones.