Live Entertainment
DJ & MC
Cleopatra Marshall-Walker
Born on the beautiful island of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Cleopatra Marshall-Walker valways loved to sing. Winning a talent search in her hometown, Campden Park, reinforced her dream of becoming a successful entertainer and increased her passion to sing. She would like to encourage everyone to follow their dreams as she has always inspired her daughter to do. Cleopatra has performed extensively in Canada and the US. As a community activist, she works with several community organizations, using her talent to bring awareness to their cause.
Lorraine Klaasen
Lorraine Klaasen, the daughter of the late legendary South African Jazz singer Thandie Klaasen, is one of the few South African artists who have preserved the classic sound of ‘Township Music', which continues to be the most distinctive sound to come out of South Africa. Born and raised in Soweto and now based in London, Ontario, Lorraine has electrified audiences worldwide with her dynamic stage presence and showmanship
In 2008, Lorraine released the highly charged album ‘Africa Calling’. Through working with South African record producer Mongezi Ntaka, and featuring bassist Bakhiti Khumalo (who also memorably performed on Paul Simon’s landmark album, Graceland), Lorraine accomplished her childhood dreams of taking Township music to the rest of the globe and making a truly African record that touches every heart & soul that beats the world over.
Her CD 'A Tribute To Miriam Makeba’ won Lorraine the 2013 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year and was nominated for an APCMA Award in the Best International Indigenous Artist category. It is a tribute to the legendary songstress, who remains the most important female vocalist to emerge out of South Africa.
Lorraine’s 2017 Juno Award nominated release ‘Nouvelle Journée’ showcases some of the musical styles that Lorraine had not yet recorded in her long musical career. On this album she sings in the Tsonga, Sotho, isiZulu and Xhosa languages of South Africa as well as English and French. For her latest undertaking – Lorraine teams up with long-time collaborator, guitarist and producer Mongezi Ntaka. Entitled ‘Ukubonga (Gratitude)’ (2022), this recording is a collection of songs from the Southern Africa’s Township music songbook and features songs written by some of Southern Africa’s celebrated singers and composers.
Performance highlights include the prestigious Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Festival International Nuits D’Afrique, Music of the Rainbow Nation and Hommage à Miriam Makeba in Toronto – as well as a very successful month-long US tour. Lorraine’s life on the road continues – with performances in South Africa, the United States, Barbados and at festivals in Ontario and Quebec.
Nino Flamenco
Nino Flamenco is a 22-year-old new artist from Montreal. “I first discovered music through my parents, mostly through my mom”. His mom developed her skills with the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir. Nino says that “black music was never out of my ears growing up”. Journeying through Metal, Jazz and R&B. Nino is now composing his own music and leads the band Electric Soul which seeks to bring people together and get people collaborating. The project is called Nino & Electric Soul. “From here on out, it's all about good vibes and spreading love” says Nino.
DJ Don Smooth
Determined Not to be just another Dj , Don Smooth is also a radio host & journalist. Don made a name for himself entertaining audiences for the past 2 decades. His years of experience and music knowledge led him to host and open for countless celebrities. From concerts , corporate, weddings or private he will elevate your event. Most recently he has started an online show and you can see him live on twitch.tv/donsmooth Tue - Wed. 3pm (est)
Pat Dillon Moore
Actress, Broadcaster, Publicist
Patricia "Pat" Dillon-Moore has led one of the most interesting professional lives this side of the Atlantic. Diversely experienced, with a repertoire of skills that includes writing, performance, and as a beloved emcee of Canadian cultural events.
Pat Dillon-Moore is a shining example of passion, prowess and personality. As an actress she has carried a film (1986's Sitting in Limbo, directed by John N. Smith); racked up notable theatre credits through the Black Theatre Workshop; founded a company (Black Arts Production); co-founded another (Amanda Jackson Communications); written and acted out a humorous and satirical Jamaican monologue series (Clemmie Is Mi Frien').
In 1990, was appointed as a radio station manager of CKUT 90.3, the first Black woman to do so in Quebec. In her long-held position as a publicist for the National Film Board of Canada, she has inspired a great deal of admiration, and has even been hailed as one of the geniuses in the field by esteemed writer Christopher Moore.
For the last 30 plus years, Pat has been a Montreal broadcaster on the FM band. She currently produces a Black magazine and music format weekly show, Bhum Bhum Tyme. Pat is a mother of three girls and a grandmother of three.
