Building a residency program is something. I know this, as I've been working on a weekly series with my partner, Rhandy, called Afro Brasilica.
It takes place every Thursday evening (7-11 pm) at CONTXT - the child of a former OG jazz club in Toronto - Trane Studio - known to locals, visitors, industry. Back in March, Trust The Process Press was invited to curate and produce this residency that had a frame, yet the image wasn't fully composed. It had a a venue, a name from the venue's founder (the great Frank Francis) a time, a place. People, food, ideas and inspiration. It sought out a team that could breathe life into it, expanding the core ideas. The two words - Afro Brasilica - are not solely about culture or music - but in relation to its namesake wood material: ever-evolving and layered. You can read more here.
The aspect of gathering amongst acquaintances, strangers, friends, family - bound by mutual interest at the intersection of art, dialogue, music, cuisine and movement - is something that has always been a part of my life. Whether helping others with their platforms and programs through music curation (Syzygy Toronto) to supporting longstanding organizations and record labels uplifting emerging artists (The Academy, Honey Jam, We Are Time, Pretty Girls Siiing) to co-founding with others (TTPP, Sonic Sancocho).
Last month, I was invited to play an intentional set of music for We, Otherwise, an incredible residency at Tranzac Club in Toronto by Paula Sofía, Neda Mohamadpour and Camille Neirynck-Guerrero, my friends and music colleagues, respectively, who are individually and collectively doing incredible work in their communities.
The evening unfolds in three parts: a conversation where the invited musicians speak about their practice, lineage, and influences; a live musical exchange where they respond to one another in real time; a participatory artistic activation that invites the audience to move from observers to co-holders of the space.
In honour of Mother’s Day, I chose some of my most cherished records and profound works by a diverse lineup of artists, sharing sounds that represent introspection, care, nourishment, joy, catharsis and resistance. The music was woven to evoke a sonic narrative, with hopes to create a unique experience for individual ones to surface, through unapologetic reflection and expression. Check out some of the night here.
Playing solo, then joint, sets before me featured stunning performances by guzheng performer, Lina Cao, and Radhika Baskar, who plays the veena. Blending an array of acoustic arrangements with electronic instrumentals (sometimes giving UK underground - I wanted to enthusiastically shout 'ardcore junglist massive!' several times) it was unlike anything I've witnessed before. A true delight and one-of-a-kind moment for mind, body and soul to meet through the music.
As I witnessed the audience in awe, and glanced at faces new and familiar as I spun my set, there was a real peace in the room - one that I often feel about Afro Brasilica, too. It's a regular occurrence to regroup in a 'home-like' setting.
A safe place for like-minds and a way to feel seen, heard and perhaps understood at times, for bringing your medium and message through the door to not only take residence in the venue, but one of the heart.
Is there a local residency you love that we should know about?
Feel free to send me a note - would love to help spread the word!
