Manifesto joins forces with Sound Academy and Union Events to present Talib Kweli as part of the LEGENDS OF HIP HOP series, and we've got a special offer to get you a ticket at a $4.50 discount.

Click on the link below, and use the code "Legends" in the "Special Offer" field.
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1000488AFF03D568?artistid=806239&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=3

This also supports Manifesto as a portion of the ticket sale with this code will go back toward Manifesto Festival programming.

Check out the newest single/video from Talib Kweli shot during The Occupy Movement...

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Although some of you may have seen this little piece of goodness, we thought we would share as it's all about fostering the youth, especially those who have amazing minds and ideas.

Caine Monroy is a 9-year old boy who spent his summer vacation building an elaborate DIY cardboard arcade in his dad’s used auto parts store.  Caine dreamed of the day he would have lots of customers visit his arcade, and he spent months preparing everything, perfecting the game design, making displays for the prizes, designing elaborate security systems, and hand labeling paper-lunch-gift-bags. However, his dad’s autoparts store (located in an industrial part of East LA) gets almost zero foot traffic, so Caine’s chances of getting a customer were very small, and the few walk in customers that came through were always in too much of a hurry to get their auto part to play Caine’s Arcade. But Caine never gave up.

The film is directed by Nirvan Mullick (@nirvan), with editor Hilda Rasula (@HildaRasula) who grew up in Ontario and doing big things in Los Angeles (shout outs to Hilda!).

Find out more about Caine and his arcade at: www.cainesarcade.com

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Manifesto is proud to co-present the critically acclaimed film 'Marley', along with the newly revamped Bloor Hot Docs Cinema and Jamaica 50.

Directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, One Day in September), the feature film delivers the long-awaited authorized biography of reggae legend Bob Marley. A world renowned icon whose socially conscious lyrics have transcended time and catapulted the inspiring singer/songwriter into a cultural phenomenon, Marley is remembered on a most personal level through affectionate first-hand accounts from his family and inner circle as a father, lover, rabid football fan and revolutionary, but most importantly, as a passionate and dedicated musician. Macdonald fully immerses us in the artist's larger-than-life history through beautiful scenes shot on location in Nine Mile and Trenchtown, Jamaica, rare archival interviews and enough concert footage to satisfy even the most devoted fans. The epic film provides further insight into the social impact Bob Marley continues to have around the world, demonstrating how his captivating energy and influence still resonates with such strength today. Playing exclusively at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema later this month, Marley is sure to be a fan favourite and one of the year's most monumental films.

In addition to co-presenting the film, Manifesto will be giving away tickets to select screenings throughout the Bloor Cinema run. Check the Manifesto facebook and twitter soon for details.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Slaight Music Presents
The Ultimate Music Industry Conference

Stylus SpinFest Presented by Pioneer DJ
In Association with MANIFESTO
Presents
It Starts With The DJ
Sponsored by FACTOR

Saturday May 26th, 2012
Jackman Hall - Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario

Admission - $10
Doors open at 12 noon

Featuring Live Interview with
RAEKWON (Wu-Tang Clan) & JD ERA (Ice H2O)

Last year, Raekwon launched his Canadian record label Ice H2O Records with its home base right here in Toronto. This keynote discussion will provide a first-hand look into the background and future for Ice H20, his decisions in signing the label’s first two Emcees; JD Era and Gangis Khan AKA Camoflauge, and what listeners can expect from his new movement. Come out to hear their outlook on today’s music industry and how this label is making a difference on Canada’s landscape, along with building a bigger and better industry.

ALSO DO NOT MISS THE ULTIMATE
PRODUCER PANEL
Featuring some of Toronto’s top music producers:
Boi1da, T-Minus, Adrien Gough, Rich Kidd, Bobby Brass(Kuya), Saukrates

----------------------------------------------------------

Round 1:
Producer Panel – Innovating the Industry
1:00pm – 2:15pm
In the last couple years Toronto producers have been behind some of the top artists and hits around the world. This panel will feature some of Toronto’s leading producers and songwriters. They will provide their stories and insight on gaining success within the industry, along with their insight on the challenges and benefits with technology.

Round 2:
Keynote Interview with Raekwon & JD Era (ICE H2O Canada)
2:30pm – 3:45pm
Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon will be speaking on the making of his Canadian label ICE H20 Records and what the future holds for developing artists and building careers of the unseen talent from across the country. As the first Artist signed to Ice H20, Toronto hip hop emcee JD Era will provide his experiences as they address breaking boundaries, the challenges & successes coming from Canada’s own backyard.

Round 3:
One on One - Creating Relationships
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Back by popular demand, we’re dedicating one hour to the importance of networking. Unfortunately, many artists do not have relationships with key industry executives and this creates obstacles for artists to receive exposure. Each artist will book five minutes with one of the advisors of their choice, and either play their music and receive feedback or advice. Once their five minutes have been completed, the artist will proceed to the next person on his appointment schedule and continue until their entire schedule has been completed. Our goal is to have each advisor meet with a number of people during the hour. One on Ones can be a great benefit to artists because it not only gives them a chance to network in a more intimate setting, but it allows the artist to properly strategize the next step in their career.

Harbourfront Centre World Stage 2012 season is well under way, and Manifesto is featuring a second production as a part of this season.

Young Jean Lee, a rising star of American theatre, dissects what it means to be black in America in this hilarious and shocking play. Brazenly theatrical and transcendentally lyrical, THE SHIPMENT moves from the urban dreams of would-be rappers to the sitcom realism of yuppie domesticity, proving that nothing is ever as it seems. With an ending guaranteed to leave jaws hanging, this is contemporary theatre at its biggest, boldest and most daring.

More info: www.youngjeanlee.org

Buy Tickets Here:
http://tickets.harbourfrontcentre.com/production.aspx?id=16840

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Released a few days ago - loving this one.

A slightly more eloquent approach to "Read a book, read a book - read a muth@fu*!in book!

Performed by La Shea Delaney (@lashea_delaney) & Annabelle Quezada (@annabelleqv).

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Moka Only and NYC producer Ayatollah have just released a collaborative project Bridges, where Moka raps from the vantage point of his alter ego Ron Contour, and Ayatollah contributes the backdrop (some used before, some new).

An accompanying video was shot by Colby O’Neill in beautiful Vancouver.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Coachella went down this weekend, with another blockbuster line-up, including 2011 break-out alt-soul sensation Frank Ocean.

Not too far from home, Frank Ocean extended his hand to Canada to bring Toronto jazz-hip-hip trio BadBadNotGood (BBNG) along for his debut Coachella performance.

YouTube has recorded all the performances at Coachella, so you can check out his set below. A bit choppy at times, along with monitoring issues, Frank pushed through a set that showcased his unique raw alt-soul/R&B sound, over the sometimes improvisational approach of BBNG. All considering, the band likely only had a couple weeks of rehearsal time with the vocalist, it comes off as a fairly interesting performance.

00:55 Bob Dylan - Long Time Coming (cover)
03:20 FO- Thinking About You
06:52 FO - Strawberry Swing
10:10 FO - Swim Good
15:12 Odd Future (Main. Tyler, Frank) - Analog 2
17:35 FO - Whip Appeal
21:05 FO - Voodoo
24:11 FO - Love Crimes
28:48 FO - Novacane
34:23 Odd Future (Main. Frank) - White

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

A bio and performance piece from Ian Kamau.

His album One Day Soon released this past fall, can be picked up via his bandcamp here.

www.iankamau.com

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]