Parking at Lula
Many Lula Lounge patrons will be aware of recent changes to the parking regulations in our area. These changes have now gone into effect. There is still some pay-and-display parking on Dundas Street West near Lula.. The cost for this is $1.50 per hour until 9pm, after which it is free. Despite the changes, parking on the blocks a couple to the west of us remains unaffected.There are also some new pay-and-display spots on side streets abutting Dundas Street West - Sheridan Avenue, Brock Avenue, Marguereta Street, and St. Clarens Avenue.
The nearest Green P parking lot - at 9 Bonar Place, a 5-minute walk from Lula just north of College Street between Sheridan and Dufferin.
Peter's No Frills at the corner of Lansdowne and Dundas has also generously allowed us to offer free parking after 10pm. Cars must be parked at the south end of the lot and be moved by 4am. .
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Haiti Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who helped with our fundraisier for Haiti on Friday night. Together we raised almost $1400 - which when matched by UNICEF, will mean close to $2800 in aid. We've had many other groups expressing a desire to organize Haiti fundraisers here over the coming weeks and months so stay tuned for more information.More
A New Year at Lula!
2010 will bring many changes for us here at Lula Lounge. This January we will launch several regular nights including Monday night's CUJAM West - a weekly Ukulele jam. Starting in February, Sean Bellaviti will lead a latin jazz jam every Wednesday at 10pm and on Fridays, we'll welcome Dominic Mancuso's 8pm Lula Live and Intimate series which will feature Toronto's top jazz, world, blues and pop musicians. Saturdays will continue to be strictly salsa and on Sundays (after our family dance lessons) Joaquin Hidalgo is launching a weekly drop in Rumba jam. More about all these events coming soon.We're also launching two new menus. In response to customer demand, on most weeknight events we will be offering a less formal menu with items such as calamari, salads, pizza and nachos.
We are also introducing a new lower priced weekend dinner package. We wanted to make the package more affordable to groups booking for birthday, stagettes and office parties without sacrificing qualitly. The new, menu will still include our most popular dishes such as the calamari, steak, snapper and creme brulee. This new package will be just $44 for all of January so start your party planning! Menu details coming soon.
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Attention High School Teachers
As part of its mandate to support global music and culture through arts presentations, artist development and education, Open City Arts will offer a series of exciting and challenging workshops and performances for Ontario secondary school students during the 2009/2010 school year. Call 416 588 0307 or email tracy@lula.ca for details.More
Lula Radio Link
If you've been frustrated by the broken Lula radio link in the upper right corner of this webpage, try it again. It's now linked to the webradio station JAZZ MEETS SALSA which is run by Lula musician Wilson Acevedo of Cache. Listen NOW!More
Trombone Ambush at Lula
Caribbean Latin Jazz group CaneFire got a surprise visit from the El Salvador People's Liberation Trombone Army at Lula Lounge in Toronto July 9 2009.More
Lula In The Toronto Sun
Errol Mazareth wrote "Ask Jose Ortega and Jose Nieves if they ever envisioned that a former Portuguese catering hall on Dundas West with the tacky name Hollywood Nights would one day become the city's hot spot for Latin music -- and they'll probably shake their heads.
"The day we went in, we weren't thinking about starting a club," Ortega told me in an interview a few years back.
"The owner happened to walk in and Jose asked if he wanted to sell the place and the guy said, 'I do.' They negotiated in Portuguese for like two minutes and Jose looked at me and said, 'Hey, I think we've got a place.' "
That was seven years back."
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The Toronto Star
John Goddard of The Toroto Star runs this article "The owners of Lula Lounge see themselves not so much as operating a club as running a catalyst for music to expand and evolve. (More on the inside)
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Roger Humbert's Photos On Display
(Donne Robers and Yeti Ajasin of Salsafrica) Roger Humbert's photos of the artists who have performed at Lula will be on display here at Lula Lounge for the duration of the Lulaworld Havana North Festivals. As the Cuban and World music scenes have grown and matured, so has Roger's uncanny ability to capture the energy and magic of live performance.
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Ricardo Lemvo CD Review - Isabela
Given the miserable state of the record biz these days, it's unlikely that Ricardo Lemvo's 5th release 'Isabela' will get the kind of exposure that made him one of the biggest stars on the international music circuit. Which is a shame, since 'Isabella', is arguably his best recording since the early releases that produced such dance floor classics such as 'Mambo Yo Yo'. (Cont'd on inside)
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Lula Brunch makes NOW Magazine's Top Picks
Lula is proud to have made it to Now's list of best brunch spots in the city. Chef Crinson's Tres Huevos or Papa a la Huancaina, is guaranteed to strengthen you in preparation for our Sunday 1pm family-friendly salsa lesson! And no, we don't think it's too early for a mojito. It's Sunday! - TracyMore
Article On Lady Son in Toronto Sun
From Errol Nazareth. "Ajasin's story is as interesting as her background, and for me, it makes her the quintessential Toronto music story. Where else would you find an Italian-Jewish-Nigerian-Canadian who didn't speak Spanish singing and playing congas in a multicultural salsa band and also leading a Latin rap group? Oh, and she's also a member of the groundbreaking group SalsAfrica. And she's accomplished this in a male-dominated Latin music scene...." (Link to the whole article on the inside)More
"The Verdict on Lula - loved it"
Here is a review of Lula s Sunday Brunch from Sheryl Kirby in TasteTO. Congrats to chef Derek Crinson and his team.- billy09/07/08More
Monday, 08 February 2010
cujam west
get real! get real! The ukulele brings awesome people together because it's simple and it's real. Hook up, make music and have fun at Toronto s most happening new weekly event. Find out more and sign up at cujamWEST.com
Friday, 12 February 2010
Dominic Mancuso: Lula Live and Intimate (8pm)
A weekly Friday concert series entitled "Lula Live and Intimate with Dominic Mancuso" that showcases top Toronto world, jazz and pop musicians with surprise special guests. This week Dominic welcomes Roberto and Michael Occhipinti as well as Davide Direnzo. Crossing borders, genres and languages with ease. Followed by The Arsenals at 10pm.
Friday, 12 February 2010
Skalentines with The Arsenals and DJ Anousheh (10pm)
The Arsenals have successfully created a signature blend of authentic Jamaican ska, rocksteady rhythms and pop. Since 1994, they have built a broad and dedicated following, keeping their audiences entertained with irresistibly charismatic performances, superior musicianship and a wide selection of catchy numbers.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Valentine's Salsa Saturday with Ricky Franco and DJ Billy Bryans
Celebrate Valentines Day with Ricky Franco and the P Crew Orchestra. This high energy, salsa band never fails to pack the dance floor. Valentine's dinner and show package for just $49 or come later for just the dancing. $15
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Valentine's Day with Sinal Aberto featuring Luanda Jones
A night of Brazilian jazz for lovers and for lovers of music featuring Rio de Janeiro-born Luanda Jones and a cracker jack band lead by Gord Sheard featuring Mark Kelso, George Koller and Maninho Costa. Dinner and show packages on sale now. Or come for just the music and stay for our Brazilian Carnaval party with Batucada Carioca.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Brazilian Carnaval Party (10pm)
Stay for the party after our Valentine's Day concert with Sinal Aberto and Luanda Jones, Maninho Costa's Batucada Carioca brings carnaval to Toronto. Performing traditional hits from the best known samba schools of Rio, Batucada Carioca combines cavaquinho, bass and trombone with special guest vocals for a high-energy performance! With DJ General Eclectic.
Monday, 15 February 2010
cujam west
get real! get real! The ukulele brings awesome people together because it's simple and it's real. Hook up, make music and have fun at Toronto s most happening new weekly event. Find out more and sign up at cujamWEST.com
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
A Benefit for Haiti with Alvaro Oyarce and Friends
A local community of Latino musicians unites to raise funds to help the people of Haiti. Featuring Grupo Generaciones (Chilean song), Anima Fado (Portugal fado), Claudia Santilli (Boleros), Projecto Altiplano (Andean Folk), Jaime Smalbach (Rock, Colombia) and Ojos Negros (Rumba flamenco).
Friday, 19 February 2010
Dominic Mancuso: Lula Live and Intimate (8pm)
A weekly Friday concert series entitled "Lula Live and Intimate with Dominic Mancuso" that showcases great world, jazz and pop musicians with surprise special guests. Crossing borders, genres and languages with ease, Dominic Mancuso is defining a rich hybrid sound fueled by the highly diverse and cultural backdrop that Toronto provides. Followed by The Arsenals at 10pm.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Super Rumba Jam (2 to 5pm)
Promoting the 4th Annual Cuba Dance & Drumming Retreat, Soul Drums, Rumberos and Lula Music present Super Rumba Jam featuring Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo, Consuelo Herrera and Rumba Iyabo. Join us every Sunday from 2:00 - 5:00 pm with your drums and dancing shoes and have the opportunity of learning the most authentic expression of Cuban culture.
Monday, 22 February 2010
cujam west
get real! get real! The ukulele brings awesome people together because it's simple and it's real. Hook up, make music and have fun at Toronto s most happening new weekly event. Find out more and sign up at cujamWEST.com
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Thursday, 25 February 2010
African Guitar Summit: African Canadians for Haiti
Indulge in the sounds of the finest Canadian guitarists of African origin -- 2005 Juno Award winners for World Music Album of the Year -- African Guitar Summit. This star-studded collective unites the talents of 9 musicians, each an expert in their individual style, together creating musical magic. Presented by Goldengoose Productions.
Friday, 26 February 2010
Dominic Mancuso: Lula Live and Intimate (8pm)
A weekly Friday concert series entitled "Lula Live and Intimate with Dominic Mancuso" that showcases great world, jazz and pop musicians with surprise special guests. Crossing borders, genres and languages with ease, Dominic Mancuso is defining a rich hybrid sound fueled by the highly diverse and cultural backdrop that Toronto provides. Followed by The Arsenals at 10pm.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Super Rumba Jam (2 to 5pm)
Promoting the 4th Annual Cuba Dance & Drumming Retreat, Soul Drums, Rumberos and Lula Music present Super Rumba Jam featuring Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo, Consuelo Herrera and Rumba Iyabo. Join us every Sunday from 2:00 - 5:00 pm with your drums and dancing shoes and have the opportunity of learning the most authentic expression of Cuban culture.
Friday, 05 March 2010
Dominic Mancuso: Lula Live and Intimate (8pm)
A weekly Friday concert series entitled "Lula Live and Intimate with Dominic Mancuso" that showcases great world, jazz and pop musicians with surprise special guests. Crossing borders, genres and languages with ease, Dominic Mancuso is defining a rich hybrid sound fueled by the highly diverse and cultural backdrop that Toronto provides. Followed by The Arsenals at 10pm.
Saturday, 06 March 2010
Saturday Night Salsa: Lady Son y Articulo Veinte
Considered one of the top voices on todays Canadian salsa scene, Yeti Ajasin (A.K.A. Lady Son) has been making waves with her powerful vocals, the bands NuYorican-style arrangements and original compositions influenced by Cuban Guajiro and Son Montuno. Admission includes 9pm beginner salsa lesson.
Sunday, 07 March 2010
Sicilian Jazz Project
An intriguing mix of Sicilian folk and the best elements of modern jazz, world music, funk, blues, and chamber featuring some of Canada's finest musicians, including Dominic Mancuso, Kevin Turcotte, Ernie Tollar, Louis Simao, Barry Romberg, Michael and Roberto Occhipinti, Maryem Tollar, Hugh Marsh and Rick Lazar.
Friday, 12 March 2010
Dominic Mancuso: Lula Live and Intimate (8pm)
A weekly Friday concert series entitled "Lula Live and Intimate with Dominic Mancuso" that showcases great world, jazz and pop musicians with surprise special guests. Crossing borders, genres and languages with ease, Dominic Mancuso is defining a rich hybrid sound fueled by the highly diverse and cultural backdrop that Toronto provides. Followed by The Arsenals at 10pm.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Saturday Salsa Party with Moda Eterna
Lead by one of Torontos leading arranger/musicians, Luisito Orbegoso, Moda Eterna perform a classic salsa repertoire inspired by the late, great Ray Barreto. Admission includes 9pm beginners salsa dance lesson. $15 for dancing only or $49 for the dinner package.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Hilario Duran Latin Jazz Band with special guest Jane Bunnett
Cuban piano player and composer Hilario Duran brings his 13 piece latin jazz band to Lula for a special concert before their performance as part of the Vancouver Olymic Games. Very special guest Jane Bunnett joins this all-star group. Don't miss the latin jazz event of the season!
Friday, 19 March 2010
Dominic Mancuso: Lula Live and Intimate (8pm)
A weekly Friday concert series entitled "Lula Live and Intimate with Dominic Mancuso" that showcases great world, jazz and pop musicians with surprise special guests. Crossing borders, genres and languages with ease, Dominic Mancuso is defining a rich hybrid sound fueled by the highly diverse and cultural backdrop that Toronto provides. Followed by The Arsenals at 10pm.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Ron Manfield in concert with Norman Amadio and more
As a singer/pianist, Ron appeals to mature and sensitive listeners. His mellow voice and unique piano stylings never fail to delight his audience. With Norman Amadio (piano), Pat Labarbara (tenor sax), John MacLeod (flugelhorn), Rosemary Galloway (bass) and Don Vickery (drums).
Friday, 26 March 2010
Dominic Mancuso: Lula Live and Intimate (8pm)
A weekly Friday concert series entitled "Lula Live and Intimate with Dominic Mancuso" that showcases great world, jazz and pop musicians with surprise special guests. Crossing borders, genres and languages with ease, Dominic Mancuso is defining a rich hybrid sound fueled by the highly diverse and cultural backdrop that Toronto provides. Followed by The Arsenals at 10pm.
Thursday, 01 April 2010
Paula Gardin
Singer-songwriter Paula Gardin launches her debut CD titled A Little Rain Must Fall - a mixture of mostly original Jazz, Latin and Contemporary music largely influenced by Paula s world travels. The CD is a collaboration with Toronto guitarist Lou Bartolomucci and features Guido Basso on Flugelhorn and Harmonica and Gordon Sheard on piano.
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