The crowd came out in huge numbers at the Chandni Speranza Banquet Hall in Brampton on Saturday, September 16 to support the effort of New York-based TV personality Buddy Singh who is, among other things, a benefactor for several projects in his native island of Wakenaam, Guyana. The event was called "Chutney Wine" and brought together a galaxy of stars from Canada, USA, Trinidad and Guyana who contributed their talents in the areas of songs, dances and music.
Buddy Singh successfully staged "Chutney Wine" in New York in April last year and used the proceeds to assist the Wakenaam Island Secondary School in obtaining Internet, an AC Projector, school supplies and sporting equipments. He also procured some medical supplies for the Wakenaam Hospital and in December 2016, an EKG Machine, through a third party.
For the Toronto show last weekend, Buddy teamed up with a compatriot of his, Tyron Madramuthu, who lives in Toronto and who shares his passion to help the folks and institutions in their homeland. Their sights are set on helping to improve the living conditions of a young man in Wakenaam who is in need of a home; a prosthetic leg for a teenage boy; and to further assist the hospital and school.
Inspired by their success in this first Toronto venture, the promoters are contemplating a repeat performance to be announced later. They are hoping to extend the areas that will receive their support in Wakenaam.
And for the overwhelming support they received here, they are extending their appreciation and thanks to all involved.

The Toronto Tabla Ensemble (TTE) has released another exciting single titled Sare Nau, written in a rare rhythmic cycle of nine-and-a-half beats. The piece was composed by the Ensemble’s artistic director Ritesh Das and features an energetic layering of rhythms from the tabla, mridangam, ghatam, and drum kit.
Sare Nau is the first collaboration between the TTE and drummer Nilan Chaudhuri, who transcribed the entire composition from the language of tabla to perform it on the drum kit. Chaudhuri is also an accomplished tabla player and the son of legendary tabla maestro, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri. His background and mastery of both instruments has allowed him to provide a unique presence and sound on the track.
The single is the second to be heard from TTE’s sixth album, Bhumika scheduled for release in early 2018. The album focuses on the technique, energy, and versatility of classical North Indian rhythms augmented through collaboration and contemporary arrangements. Other guest artists include sarod player, Swapnamoy Banerjee, composer and multi-instrumentalist, Donald Quan, and Japanese taiko master, Kiyoshi Nagata.
Since 1991, the TTE has helped bring North Indian classical music to the mainstream in Toronto with its innovative concerts and recordings. The Ensemble has produced three music videos and five original albums, including the Juno-nominated Firedance. The Ensemble’s original music has been used in numerous films and commercials, and in 2003 the Ensemble was commissioned to create the current theme music for CBC Radio’s daily morning show, Metro Morning.
For more information on the new album and upcoming TTE concerts, visit: Toronto Tabla Ensemble.

The Caribana™Arts Group in conjunction with Pheonix Concert Theatre and DJ's – Dr. Jay, Bandit, Scratch – and a host of other Artistes and performers will be presenting a fundraiser for the Caribbean Islands devasted by hurricane Irma.
The program will be held on Wednesday, September 27th 2017 at the Pheonix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street Toronto at 8pm.
As is well known, Irma was a most powerful Atlantic hurricane that pummelled several islands including Barbuda, St Maarten, Anguilla, Antigua and St Barts, Tortola, and more. Thousands of residents have been rendered homeless. The Prime Minister of Barbuda is calling the island “barely habitable”.
Funds raised will be distributed through the Caribana Arts Group to Consulates and local organizations on the islands. Caribana will be setting up a bin at the event asking all attendees to bring with a non-perishable food item which will be passed on to the Antigua/Barbuda Consulate.
“Caribbean Relief and Rhythms” will feature DJ sets from legendary DJs D’Bandit, Dr. Jay and D.J. Starting from Scratch, as well as appearances from a number of musical guests, including multi Juno Award Winner Exco Levi, and Soca For Life, creators Kerwin DuBois and Lyrikal. Tickets are $20, and are available through ticketgateway.com.
Caribana has set up a separate account to receive cash donations @ TD Bank, 55 King Street W, Transit Number, 1020, Account Number 5526306.
For anyone wishing to donate items to this cause, please see list below of priority items. The drop off location is Tropicana Community Services, 1385 Huntingwood Drive, Scarborough, ON M1S 3J1. Drop off times are as follows: Mon-Fri 10:30am - 3:00pm; September 21st – 10:30am - 7:00pm
Needs List - Barbuda Relief And Recovery
Food (dried and can), diapers, wipes, baby food, dried and can milk, baby clothes (new), baby bottles, soap, disinfectant, pillows, sheets (all sizes), blankets, toiletries, sanitary pads, underwear – male/female (children/large), garbage bags, medical supplies, first aid kits, painkillers, shaving kits (men and women), towels (new), batteries, tooth brushes and tooth paste, flashlights etc.
For enquiries, contact Monica Pollard 416-706-4848 or email: mxpollard@yahoo.com

Toronto Arya Samaj invites holds its annual dinner and awards presentation on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 4345-14th Avenue, Markham, Ontario. Reception will be from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Dinner at 7:30 pm.
The program will include entertainment with dance performances by the Panwar Dance Group and songs and music by popular artistes.
The recipients will Pt Suresh Sugrim of New Jersey, who has spearheaded the Port Mourant Skills Development Centre in Corentyne, Guyana and Mr Krishndat Persaud, retired Magistrate of Guyana who has also been involved in several charitable projects in Guyana.
Tickets are at $45 each.
For further information and tickets please call Adit Kumar 647-866-1926; Anand Rupnarain 416-917-3841; Yudhbeer Singh 416-740-4825, Satish Sharma 647-717-3087.

Durban Hindu Heritage Centre will hold its 1st Diwali Gala on Friday Oct 13 at 7pm at Chandni Grand Banquet Hall, 3895 McNicoll Ave, Scarborough. Tickets $50 includes dinner. For info, callKamal Soni 905-767-0072, Pt Damodar Sharma 416-577-1641 or Mohan Bissoondial 647-769-5961.

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