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The calendar may be forcing us to think about the cool days of autumn, but Toronto seems unwilling to give up the fun and sun of summer.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Latin-filled event schedule, which takes over the city this fall. The pulse of Latin art, music and culture is ready to keep the spice of life going for all of those suffering from summer withdrawal.

Here's a look at the stunning Latin events keeping Toronto hot, hot, hot.

Latin-Afro Fest II presents the Hands On artists group exhibition until Sept. 14 at Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen St.). This contemporary multi-disciplinary arts festival, presented by the Latino Canadian Cultural Association and CANORAA, highlights the fusion between Latin-American and African artists, as well as the influence of their multicultural societies.

The festival highlights music, dance, video and the visual arts. Featured artists at this year's event are Karen Miranda Augustine, Julian Calleros, Marina Dempster, Alda Escareno, Stephen Fakiyesi and Gomo George. Visit www.latinoafrofest.com for details.

Back for its fifth year, BRAZILFEST Toronto comes to the Sunnyside Pavilion (1755 Lake Shore Ave.) on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 2 to 11 p.m. This day brings together Brazilians and the wider community in a celebration of Brazilian culture.

A variety of musical styles will be on display to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Brazil. International artists who will be taking the stage include Salviano Pessoa, who is known throughout Latin America for his unique musical style. Pessoa has been performing professionally in his home state of Bahia, Brazil, for more than 10 years.

Since he began to learn to play guitar at age 14, Pessoa has composed and registered more than 200 songs and he brought his music to a global audience through the film Lingua Brasileira, which he filmed in Canada.

Another much-anticipated act, which take place at Brazilfest, is Grupo Axe Capoeira. The group, which began in Recife, Brazil, now has academies throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. Backed by the worldwide release of six albums and a number of performance videos, the popularity of Axe Capoeira continues to increase. The group lands in Toronto for Brazilfest, demonstrating the precision and passion of this historic art form.

Visit www.brazilfest.ca for details.

Last but certainly not least, critically acclaimed performers Los Lobos hit the Massey Hall stage on Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. For nearly three decades, Los Lobos has been exploring the possibilities of American biculturalism, moving back and forth between their Chicano roots and American rock, fusing norteno, blues, country, Tex-Mex, ballads, folk and rock.

The band has been guests on albums by Ry Cooder, Elvis Costello, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Roomful of Blues and Paul Simon, while their music has been featured in films such as La Bamba, Eating Raoul and The Mambo Kings. For fans of the Tex-Mex fusion sound, this is a concert not to be missed.

Visit www.masseyhall.com for ticket information.

These events provide a wonderful opportunity to experience Latin culture at its finest. Be sure to get out and enjoy the Latin spice of life.

 

Jon Sarpong is a diversity consultant. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.