DROM’S SIDESTAGE
7.00
Every second Thursday at Drom we will be welcoming some of the talented humans who make up our family to set the stage.
We’ve stayed hidden and cute in our little corner for many years, connecting with the incredible talent in our city, country, and the world. Whether it’s promoters, producers, festival organizers, established musicians, now we want to let some of our community heroes show us their faves.
On each of these magical nights a different panel of community members will take over the programming for the evening, putting together a set list of their favourite acts - and showcasing the best of what our music culture has to offer. They will be responsible for booking talent, we will stay responsible for doing what we do best: connecting people with one another through food, drinks and immaculate vibes.
🎶 THE BANDS
SEU
Seu is a Mexican singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past four years, he has performed extensively across Canada and internationally, gracing festivals, private events, and concerts in countries such as Germany, Spain, Ireland, Mexico, and Canada. His music reinvents the traditional bolero genre by fusing it with contemporary influences like reggae, funk, dancehall, soul, dub, jazz, and R&B.
In recent years, Seu has showcased his talent at prestigious festivals in Mexico and Canada, including the Festival Alternativo (MX), the National Cheese and Wine Fair (MX), Winter Song Music Fest (CA), Markham Village Music Festival (CA), and Bloom Fest (CA), among others
GLORIA GIFT NANKUNDA
Gloria Gift Nankunda is a multifaceted artist - musician, producer, director, curator, voiceover artist, and performer. Her unique sound blends Ankole-Ugandan traditions with African genres, languages, and cultures.
As a powerful voice for the African diaspora, Gloria explores themes of blackness, identity, social justice, and cultural heritage. She has showcased her Afro-folk soul style on various stages, including Habari Africa Festival, Muse Arts Happening Festival, African Music Week Toronto, and Small World Music Festival. Gloria has also participated in international conferences and trade markets and moderated the Women in Music Business Panel at African Music Week Toronto. She hosts a weekly show, "Nankunda's Nest," on Regent Radio and founded Gisha Nankunda Arts Association, serving East African and Caribbean communities through Arts and culture in the GTA.
With a passion for collaboration and creativity, Gloria is a force in the music and entertainment industry in North America, Africa, and the diaspora.
💕MAY'S CURATORS
Paula Sofía is a true gem of the Drom family. She is a Guatemalan singer-songwriter based in Toronto, whose Latin American Pop folk music brings vibrancy and connection to every stage she graces. A true cutie, her performances are genuine like no other - she invites you in a shared and heartfelt experience via her storytelling and she is charming as hell. With a background in arts administration, Paula Sofía has contributed her skills to organizations such as MUSE Arts and Small World Music, where she has supported emerging artists through community-rooted programming, outreach, and mentorship.
Rashid Mohiddin is a guardian of our living room's doors, and a legendary community builder. Born in Ottawa and raised in Africa and Europe, Rashid (he/him) is a human currently living and working in Toronto. His multicultural, international childhood made Drom Taberna a natural home, where he spends his time hosting and writing for coin to sustain his existence in this capitalist hellscape. Cynicism aside, Rashid believes in the transformative power of art, expression and community, which guided him to co-found the Drom Artist Collective with Celeste Ganon. Over the years, he has independently published over a dozen books and magazines, with topics ranging from restaurants, to the history of Canada to community art magazines, all of which you can find at Drom.
LIVE MUSIC
11.00
Details on their way
BOTANY
2.30
Botany, an electronic music/live remix group. What we bring is a blend of planned electronic textures, beats and vocals and real-time improvisation, creating an immersive experience that is experimental while incredibly danceable and recognizable. Our performances have been compared to a live mixtape/DJ style performance, but with the added energy and appeal of a live band. In combining a wide range of rhythms, tempos, and harmonies while also seamlessly transitioning between songs, we are able to create an engaging musical experience for the audience, delivering a unique and memorable show.