You're invited to join us for spoken word, drumming, story-sharing, affirmation, body percussion, song-writing, open mic and more... this Wednesday March 16!
Zoom Link to join is the same for all workshops:
MUSIC & AFFIRMATION: TOOLS TO NAVIGATE STRESS
with Roxanne Christian
During this workshop participants will experience a process of affirmation creation and learn about its effects on our mental health and well-being. Song-writing is a form of personal expression and a tool to shift stress and anxiety. Roxanne will guide us in a singing meditation and share an easy process for song-writing that anyone can do, regardless of experience.
About Roxanne
Roxanne Christian is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. She has over a decade of experience working with physical, mental, emotional and cognitive needs within district school boards, municipal nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals and other populations within the community. Roxanne is registered and Board Certified through the Certification Board of Music Therapists in the USA and the Canadian Association for Music Therapy. Visit her online at livelovelifemusic.com
THE VALUE OF VOICE
with Greg Frankson and guest Dovie Rochester
At the heart of Greg Frankson’s artistic work is a deceptively simple idea: Every voice has value. In this session we will talk about how owning one’s voice and sharing it more effectively in conversation, or through art forms like spoken word poetry, can have a positive impact in the community, teach you important lessons about yourself, and contribute powerfully to social change.
About Greg
Since 2004, Greg Frankson has featured in numerous audio recordings, videopoems, public speeches, articles, anthologies, and literary journals, published four poetry collections, and edited the widely acclaimed AfriCANthology: Perspectives of Black Canadian Poets. He is a 2012 national poetry slam champion, a 2013 inductee to the VERSe Ottawa Hall of Honour, and won Best Author in the 2021 ByBlacks.com People’s Choice Awards. He appeared on the CBC TV show Canada’s Smartest Person in 2012 and is the former poet-in-residence on the CBC Radio One show Here and Now Toronto. Greg is passionately focused on living according to his personal mission statement – to present the vision that inspires others to positively change the world.
SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCE
with Al St.Louis
Experience the flare of Al St.Louis’s Spoken Word. One of the foremost Toronto-based Spoken Word artists today, Al St. Louis has been using the art of performance poetry to strengthen his skill and passion acting. St. Louis,the storyteller, has been re-enacting words and sharing the writer’s tale since 1998. His love for the arts has given him an amazing career as a spoken word poet, traveling throughout the United States and Canada as a Motivational Educator.
Inspired by a need for change and a hunger to share his gift, Al has been compelled to perform on many and create his own stages. His talents have allowed him to work collaboratively with many reputable entertainers including John Singleton, Spike Lee, James Brown, Roy Ayers, Andre 3000, Tyrese, 50 Cent, Malik Yoba, Hill Harper just to name a few. Al’s debut album “Dear Diary” released in 2018 has been making waves on all streaming platforms. Backed by his band the SoulMates, St. Louis brings the power of spoken word poetry to life and along with it, a life-changing message to listeners all over the world.
www.alstlouis.com
BODY PERCUSSION, DJEMBE AND STORY-SHARING
with Elisha MacMillan and guest Dr. Leroy Clarke
In this workshop we’ll explore drumming and body percussion as a tools for wellness. I’ll teach the rhythm on djembe and as body percussion, come with or without a drum! You can do this seating or standing up! We’ll track how the percussion is affecting our mood and energy levels. There will be opportunity for sharing in circle.
About Elisha
Elisha MacMillan is a mixed-ancestry dancer, sociologist and equity arts educator. Elisha believes that drum and dance are powerful tools to foster connection and celebrate uniqueness. She draws inspiration from her ancestors from Jamaica, Scotland and West Africa. Elisha has been performing and teaching for over twenty years, and studied drum and dance in Guinea, Mali, Ethiopia and Brazil. She works with schools and non-profit organizations across Ontario and founded Rhythm is for Everyone in 2009 and co-founded the Intergenerational Hub with Dr.Leroy Clarke in 2021. Elisha is passionate about intergenerational community building, education and the arts.
About Dr. Clarke
Dr.Leroy Clarke brings over thirty-five years of experience spanning elementary to post-secondary institutions as well as industry including former Resource Teacher/Consultant – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Durham Catholic District School Board. Dr. Clarke is a member and advisor on several local and national boards and committees including the Durham Council on Aging (DCoA) and External Assessor (2021) for Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). Leroy has received several honours and awards, he is most proud of his roles as spiritual leader, husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, community advocate and much more. Dr. Clarke has a passion for youth and is convinced that investing in them through mentoring, training and coaching is investing in the future.
OPEN MIC AND TALENT SHARE
with Cora Reid and Raphael Francis
Come ready to be entertained by the talents of others, or share your own singing, poetry, story-telling, spoken word, dance…! Hosts Cora Reid and Raphael Francis will weave reggae, calypso and anecdotes throughout the open mic!
About Cora
Pictured above, Cora Reid is a singer, community activist and motivational Speaker. She is host of the Black Rose of Durham Radio Show and has won numerous music awards including Top Reggae Gospel Female Singer in the 2003 Canadian Reggae Music Awards, Best Reggae/Soca recording for the 2003 Maja Awards and in 2010 the Reggae Achievement award. Her organization Black Rose Movement is about inspiring young black youth to greatness while educating others on the issues of systemic racism and anti-black racism.
About Mr.Francis
As a young man Raphael Francis realized his passion for radio, where he could sit in one place while broadcasting sound and music around the world. He’s been in the business of telecommunications for decades and shared his knowledge as a professor at Durham College. Mr.Francis hosts a Thursday afternoon Zoom radio show called, “Soundtraks” which features reggae, calypso and classics that bring back memories and make you want to dance.
Click 'Register' to sign-up for this free exciting InterGenerational event for youth ages 12-30 and adults 55+.
