Fatima In The Alley
Music & Art Gallery

The live jazz music scene in Toronto has been a big part of my life since I was nineteen years old. The very first time I heard live jazz music was my highschool jazz band and I was hooked! I was determined to play that beautiful music so i took grade nine music in grade eleven but was given the trumpet instead of the drums like I wanted.I didn't keep up with it until fate had other plans for me. When I left home I was fortunate enough to meet some very talented musicians who have become life long friends. It was through their generosity that I learned how to play percussion.I went onto produce my mentor's music, recorded two live performances in front of a small audience in my little warehouse space in Little Portugal ,which is now "The Art & Design District". We secured an International Independent Music award nomination and win. The beautiful Lorraine Wright had her legendary live music parties in my space for the last five years of her 30 year run (!) before she retired in 2013. It was Toronto's best kept secret music wonderland. I took over and have had regular events since with the top talent in Toronto, including many Juno winners. Pictured here is my dear friend and mentor (RIP) Jim Heineman, who was the founder of the whole scene at the Rex hotel in 1987 (Year I met him) and his bass player beautiful Juno award winning Brandi Disterheft.
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The legendary Lovely Lorraine Wright Queen of the After Hour scene
I recently changed the name of my space to Fatima In The Alley Music & Art Gallery because I am now doing more artwork. I am presently working on the outdoor walls of the space using only porcelain blue and white colours to reflect my Portuguese culture's use of these colours in their ceramic tile art. Check out the upcoming events page for shows coming up.
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If you sign up for my news letter or follow me on social media you can stay in the loop about when these events happen. They are usually on Saturday evenings at least once a month sometimes twice, as well as an open mic every four months or so. I have had music, singer song writers, spoken word, poetry, dance, comedy, story telling etc, with all levels of experience. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming so its a great way to dip your toe into the world of performance. Like most people in my generation , I had a traumatic upbringing that had me closed off and almost mute as a young adult. Music was such an important part of my healing journey. I have realized that my life purpose is to fully express myself and help others do the same.
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My events are always so much fun! I have had countless people comment on the palpable good energy in the space.I owe it all to my beloved father (RIP) who turned four walls into a livable work space when he retired. and to all the wonderful musicians that have played uplifting music in hundreds of events over the years. I have a elixir bar with healthy home made ice teas and mocktails and let people BYOB. The entry fee ranges from $15 to $25 depending on the band and let students or the unemployed pay what they can. We have all kinds of music ( Jazz, reggae, funk, blues, rock, latin etc) but it's always music you can dance to because I LOVE to dance as much as play!
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I think it is so important that we spend time gathering and being joyful. The lockdowns were a collective trauma that we are still healing from and music and dance, and gathering with good people is the perfect medicine. There is also lots of artwork on the walls to look at and enjoy, much of it is for sale. I am excited about jumping into creating more artwork and finishing my outdoor mural. Only have at least another 30 feet to go! I am having a big party when its done and you are all invited!

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