Donné Roberts: Sep 23, 2011

Batuki Music Society and the Gladstone Hotel present

The World Concert Series Relaunches the Melody Bar!

Donné Roberts is a singer songwriter, guitarist and producer. He came to the attention of a wider audience after earning a Juno Award in 2005 and was nominated again in 2007 for his contribution to the African Guitar Summit Project. He is a passionate performer. When he hits the stage he carries with him an energy that immediately exhilarates the crowd – even if they have never heard his music. He was born in Madagascar, raised and educated in Moscow, Russia and Toronto, where he now lives. His music is Madagascar traditional groove; with beautiful melody lines that makes you smile and dance.

Guest appearance by

ijo vudu Dance: founded by Nigerian dance educator, performer and choreographer Sani-Abu Mohammed Allen, Toronto’s ijo vudu Dance International is a performing company of professional dancers and drummers from diverse backgrounds, on a journey to experience and share the joy and spirit of traditional African music and dance. In the traditional language of the Yoruba people, ijo vudu (ee-joh-voo-doo) refers to the transcendent spirit in dance.

Melody Bar Relaunch: six years after its original launch, the classic Melody Bar at the Gladstone Hotel is getting a serious makeover. Working with the existing historic features, the designer Christina Zeidler is adding new contemporary art and design elements to re-enliven it, including art installations by Dennis Lin, Kathryn Walter and Orest Tataryn. The new Melody Bar resto-lounge is a perfect place to relax during the day, hang out with friends while enjoying local food and cocktails at dusk and enjoy the best in entertainment at night.

Guest DJ Apollo will be spinning from his vast collection of popular African hits.

Note the special new time: 9 to 11 P.M.

This is the fifth event of the World Concert Series, now in its third year.
The series features a diverse lineup of performers with a strong focus on African music.
Every show is all-ages and free!

The Gladstone Hotel is located at 1214 Queen St. West, Toronto.

Batuki Music Society gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Gladstone Hotel.