Hey folks,

I just wanted to let those of you who may be in/around Toronto this week know about an awesome event called RAISE, happening Saturday, April 22nd (full DETAILS below this letter). I played the last show and I can attest to its being one of the hottest collaborations going - and I'm not just saying that because I'm involved. Think: Cirque Du Soleil meets Queen West gallery district. Plus you get to see me bang the big sordu drum (sorta the Brazilian samba version of the Japanese tai-ko). Plus it's all for a good cause!

If you like acrobatics, dance, music, and/or other art and can come, do. I promise you won't regret it. Entrance is sliding scale, so don't worry if you can't afford the suggested $20 - nobody will be turned away. FYI, there are different drummers scheduled for the final show (the 29th), so I probably won't be in/at that one.

Hope to see you there this Saturday :)

Saludos,
Cara


DETAILS:

Circus performers, musicians, artists and filmmakers have come together to create RAISE, a fundraiser for Carolyn Pioro, an injured circus performer. It takes place every Saturday in April at the DeLeon White Gallery (1096 Queen W.) at 8pm. Cover is $20 (suggested donation) and you can call 416-597-9466 for more details.

Members of Samba Elegua (including me!) will be opening up the show,in concert with some fine dancers, so show up on time! The set then transitions into awesome aerial performances of several varieties (trapeze, silks, rope, etc.), while the dancers keep doing their thing on ground below. If you feel like dressing to match the theme (think:
pirate meets cabaret), go for it!

On the second floor, there will be an art installation piece by Brian Corte involving self-made clouds watched from a comfy faux-fur covered bed below (watch out - this one can suck you in!), along with a cash bar, free baked munchies and a silent auction. The rooftop patio will be host to our second percussion set, as we accompany the fire
spinners' dazzling performances.

RAISE is being held in support of Carolyn Pioro, an aerialist performer and instructor with Cirque Sublime in Toronto, who in September fell from her trapeze and injured her spinal cord. All those involved are her friends and peers, or, like me, performers volunteering for the cause. The entire event is coming from the community as donated, volunteered, and gifted services and materials. All proceeds from the event are going to Carolyn and her family to aid them in medical costs and for investment for her future care. Hence, RAISE is a celebration of life and physicality in her honour.