NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH BLACK HERITAGE SOCIETY
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The theme for Black History Month 2020 is 'Groundbreaker. Pioneer. Trailblazer.' Black History Month celebrates the worldwide contributions made by people of African and Caribbean descent. February provides a month-long opportunity to learn more about these achievements, both globally and locally, through live performances that embrace this history (that includes the settlement, development and growth of Canada), culture and daily impact on our lives.
The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) presents:
- Lantern Ale Re-IGNITED at Royal City Brewing Company – Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020
Step out, listen to the music of DJ Emmitt and enjoy some food with a drink of Lantern Ale - a distinct artisanal brew in honour of Black History Month. This event will feature the launch of the 2020 Black history month calendar.
Drop-in from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Royal City Brewing Company, 199 Victoria Rd S Unit C8. Free admission.
- A Guelph Tribute to the Music of MOTOWN at Royal City Church – Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020
As an irresistible force of social and cultural change, Berry Gordy’s legendary Motown made its mark not just on the music industry, but society at large, with a sound that has become one of the most significant musical accomplishments and stunning success stories of the 20th century. Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson & the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Lionel Richie & the Commodores; their music communicated and brought together a racially divided country and segregated society, as well as around the world, touching all people of all ages and races.
The tribute will feature performances by D'Eve Archer, Rufus John, Savannah Taylor, Tannis Slimmon, Jessy Bell Smith, Nicolette Hoang, Alanna Gurr, Jenny Mitchell, Transstar, Bry Webb and Steph Yates. This talented group of musicians will be backed by the House Band featuring Nick Zubeck: guitar, Tyler Wagler: bass, Thomas Hammerton: keyboards, Amadeo Ventura: percussion, Nathan Lawr: drums, Dan Gooch: trumpet, Brent Rowan: sax and Karen Ng: sax.
Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets in advance $25 adult, $15 student. At the door $30 adult, $20 student. Royal City Church, 50 Quebec Street, Guelph.
To purchase tickets online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/motown-tribute-tickets-82952024739
- International African Inventors Museum at Heritage Hall – Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020
The International African Inventors Museum (IAIM) teaches people about the important contributions that Africans have made throughout history. The IAIM is a mobile museum which features a range of African inventions including the window cleaner, the eggbeater, space shuttle retrieval and more. The exhibit showcases Innovators of African descent from the Europe, United Kingdom, Africa, Caribbean, North America, South and Central America and Oceania.
Drop-in from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. Suggested donation $10 per person. Heritage Hall, 83 Essex Street, Guelph.
- “In Remembrance of Me” Art Exhibition at Boarding House Gallery – Feb. 11, 2020 to Feb. 29, 2020
A mixed media art installation by University of Guelph students documenting the history of the Guelph Black Heritage Society and the renovation & transformation of Heritage Hall. “AFTERSHOCK” featuring youth art will be displayed at Capacity 3.
Opening night reception Thursday, Feb 13/20 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free admission. Boarding House Gallery, 6 Dublin Street South, Guelph
- Art Exhibition at Laurie McGaw Gallery – Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020
Laurie McGaw is well known for her vibrant portraits of such renowned figures as jazz artists Oscar Peterson and Gene Di Novi and film director Norman Jewison. She is also known for her award-winning illustrated books; Polar the Titanic Bear, nominated for a Governor General’s Award, has sold over 680,000 copies in five languages. A New York Times review described her portraits for African Princess as “stunning”; she was honoured for her work by the NAACP. Portraiture has been featured on four collector’s coins that she has designed for the Royal Canadian Mint, including the 2007 proof silver dollar and a $300 gold coin series celebrating the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Drop-in from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Laurie McGaw Gallery, 28C Douglas Street, Guelph.
- Fourth Friday at the Guelph Civic Museum – Friday, Feb. 28, 2020
Featuring musical performances by Sasha Henry and Aaron Ridge. Sasha Henry always had a love for music but it wasn’t until she began singing that she discovered her passion for it. She started singing in choirs and then went on to directing those same choirs, travelling all over North America with her group United. Sasha discovered her passion for musical theatre, leading shows such as Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast and Mamma Mia. Aside from musicals and choirs, Sasha also works as a vocal coach, a resident singer for three years for SundéSocial (a monthly live music event), back-up vocals, and special events like (weddings, fundraisers, banquets).
Toronto-born R&B artist Aaron Ridge is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in local music circles. A multi-musician, a singer, and an occasional rapper, he is one of the most versatile artists you'll encounter. His work uses elements from a variety of musical styles and genres, including both classic and modern R&B, gospel, and a bit of folk. His lyrics are catchy, relatable, and profound. His sound is smooth and effortless. In May of 2018, Aaron released his first album "Love, In Moments", with the indie label 10K Label Group. In February of 2019, he followed that up with the EP "Cinq". He's performed for dozens of events around the city and beyond, including Afrofest and Spoken Soul Fest.
Event starts at 7 p.m. Free admission, Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph.
For more information, email [email protected]
Proceeds from Black History Month events will support GBHS programming and the “Freedom Project”. The “Freedom Project” promotes universal accessibility to Heritage Hall and will enable all people to attend events at the building. The Heritage Hall “Freedom Project” will help GBHS fulfill its mandate to be community centred, promote inclusiveness and be respectful of all Canadians: past, present and future. Donations of labour and materials will be accepted to help off-set construction costs.
The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) is a registered charity. Registration # 80158 3907 RR0001. Tax receipts will be issued for donations.
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