Entertainment Beat

The St. John’s Catholic Church adult choir will be joined by a special guest on Thursday, June 11.

Soprano Monica Parisi will sing a number of Puccini pieces at the performance, including O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Schicchi, Un Bel Di from Madama Butterfly, and Addio Mio dolce amor from Edgar. She will also sing Mascagni’s Regina Caeli accompanied by the choir.

Parisi has performed throughout Italy, including playing roles in several operas. She studied under mezzo soprano Ada Finelli and accompanist Raffaella Vignudelli.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 794 Kingston Rd.

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The 16th annual Muhtadi International Drumming Festival will bring the beat to Woodbine Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14.

Drummers at the 2014 Muhtadi International Drumming Festival.
BEACH METRO NEWS FILE PHOTO

The free festival celebrates all things percussive, with a diverse lineup including artists ranging from traditional African to heavy metal. More than 30 drum groups and master drummers will take part in concerts, workshops, and clinics on two stages. There will be a children’s area, arts, crafts, and drum booths, food trucks, and a drink area near the main stage.

Performers include Amara Kante (Ivory Coast), Baque de Bamba led by Aline Morales (Afro Brazilian), Hummingbird Tassa Group (Trinidad), Isshin Daiko (traditional Japanese), Northern Legs Southern Fists (Kung Fu, dragon, and lion dance team), perennial Toronto favourites Samba Squad, the festival namesake’s own Muhtadi and the World Drummers, and Protest the Hero drummer Michael Ieradi.

A drummer with Tabla House reacts as the group speeds up the beat on June 7 at the Muhtadi International Drum Festival in Woodbine Park.
PHOTO: Andrew Hudson