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MIRF 2017
By : Brian Kotler
Almost all of the hype for Canada ’ s 150th seems to have bypassed Montreal this summer when it came to Caribbean type events and the 14th edition of the Montreal International Reggae Festival was no exception . The weather did co-operate and there is no better venue that the Old Port of Montreal for a venue . Maybe due to
Mystery P
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the fact that Montreal was also celebrating its 375th Birthday , it seemed like the MIRF organizers planned for a more modest event . That being said , all artists gave it their all with a result of pure awesome performances . From one of Montreal ’ s favourites Sanchez , to Tanya Stephens who made her first appearance at MIRF , everything was irie . |
Konshens
Rat , General Degree , Konshens and more , with the Sunday finale including Montreal ’ s Jah Cutta and superstars Etana and Tanya Stephens . As usual the crowd loved everything and everyone went home happy .
Sanchez
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Overall it was a very good event and the best by far for reggae fans in Montreal to enjoy this past summer . Toronto really seemed to out shine Montreal when it came to Reggae and Dancehall events for the summer . The silver lining in the cloud is the fact that next year will be the 15th edition of MIRF and you know that the event organizers will definitely turn up heat a few notches , so start making your plans to attend from now . |
ROOTS AND BRANCHES
Roots and Branches youth and children ’ s cultural arts program was started by Tamla Matthews in October 2010 to preserve , promote and celebrate traditional and contemporary African Caribbean culture through dance , music and related cultural arts . We teach urban and contemporary dance forms and the connection between the past and present forms of black culture arts
Born out of her vision to develop powerful performers , children are invited to Roots and Branches to bolster their cultural knowledge , confidence and pride in who they are as African and Caribbean Canadians . We value community , culture and advancement and provide each participant with character-building volunteer , performance , showcase and competitive opportunities .
We are more than just a dance program ; we are an African Caribbean Canadian arts village . We engage the entire family : we invite parents to attend special dance classes , commit to 4 parent meetings and volunteer where
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possible throughout the year .
Our annual activities include a yearly showcase , field trips , specialty workshops , Halloween kids party , and participation Kiddies Carnival . Roots & Branches runs from October to June and accepts children 4-18 years old . 2017 Cost per child is $ 150 for the first term ( October 14th to December 16th , 2017 ). The program features a weekly healthy snack program and Saturday morning Drum & Percussion program . Roots & Branches is delivered in partnership with the Scarborough Caribbean Youth Dance Ensemble . ( SCYDE ). Gail Wilson is the program ’ s Administrator . Teachers are Kimya Hypolite , Shanna Porter . Keith Pascall is Drummer and our cultural elder / consultant .
Classes : Malvern - Saturday noon – 2pm at Berner Trail Community Centre ; Brampton - Saturday 4:30-6pm at the Knowledge Bookstore . For more information call Administrator Gail @ 647-981- 1186 or email : rootsandbranchesdance @ gmail . c om .
FB @ facebook . com / rootsandbranche sdanceprogram ;
IG
@ rootsandbranchesdance .
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