Donné Roberts with Kiiola
Now based in Toronto, Canada, singer-songwriter/guitarist Donné Roberts was born in Madagascar. He’s earned a matchless reputation for his compositions, strong catchy melodic lines that makes his audience sing along with him during live performances, strong message on the lyrics, also the excitement and the high energy and professionalism of his live shows.
Donné Roberts is a passionate performer. When he hits the stage, he carries with him an energy that immediately exhilarates the crowd even if they've never heard his music before. Donné performs mainly in Malagasy mother tongue from his birthplace of Madagascar. Yet this never proves to be a barrier to the audience, providing living proof that music truly does transcend languages.
Donné came to wider recognition in Canada after he released his albums “Rhythm Was Born”, “Internation” and the most recent release “OYA” was released in October 2021. Also got recognitions for his contribution as one of the members of the African Guitar Summit project, which won a JUNO Award in 2005 and was nominated for another one in 2007 and also as a former original member of Okavango the African Orchestra that won a JUNO Award while he was a member in 2017. Also known as one of the African musicians in Toronto who’s been invited to collaborate and co-write songs with various Canadian musicians such as the Sultans Of Strings, Amanda Martinez and more.
Kiiola is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter, keyboardist, educator, and award-winning broadcaster. Blending her Japanese roots with folk, pop, and jazz, she collaborates globally to create a warm and hopeful sound that bridges cultures. Born on World Hello Day, she carries a spirit of connection to every song.
Deeply committed to Japanese folk music, Kiiola has worked to bring traditional music to international audiences. This includes producing and hosting a Canadian tour for a Japanese min’yo group with the support of the Japan Foundation. In Amami Oshima, she studied shimauta (island song) under master vocalist Yutaka Tsuboyama. She also pursued professional development in Akita folk traditions through Umewaka Geino Kikaku, supported by the Canada Council for the Arts’ Explore and Create grant. These experiences continue to shape her distinctive sound, weaving traditional and contemporary music together.
In 2020, she released her single “Inori”, introducing an authentic Japanese folk melody through a contemporary arrangement.
Ukulele Orchestra of Toronto
Winter Concert
Sat Dec 12 at 7 pm
310 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
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Tickets will be available at the door.
Ukulele Orchestra of Toronto
The Ukulele Orchestra of Toronto is a learning ensemble led by Eve Goldberg. The group includes members with a wide variety of playing experience-- from advanced beginners all the way to veteran ukers! We play most music using written music notation (scores) and some music by ear. All our music has easier and harder parts so that everyone has a part that suits their playing abilities.
For this concert, we will be treated to performances by current and former members of Ukulele Orchestra of Toronto, including Brenna MacCrimmon, Cat Goykhman, Eve Goldberg, and more.