Caribbean Calypso! Play & Learn

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Kaiso, Kaiso!

The music of the Caribbean is known for its clever lyricism, its soaring melodies, and its unfailing grooviness. Join Kobo Town founder Drew Gonsalves in this workshop to learn about the history of calypso, and learn and play some traditional calypso tunes. Singers and instrumentalists (of any level!) are welcome. With his trademark humour, wit and storytelling, Drew will introduce you to the rhythms, melodies, and lyrical forms of this captivating music.

Optional ticketed concert featuring Kobo Town on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 7:30 pm in Haliburton. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.haliburtonfolk.com/

Kobo Town: “Clever calypso wordplay atop unstoppable Caribbean rhythms”

Drew Gonsalves parlayed his Trinidadian and Quebecois heritage, teenage dislocation and exile plus university studies in history and political science into the clever, heady and groovy band Kobo Town. He and his merry bandmates redefine and push the calypso music’s boundaries.

Kobo Town combines an intoxicating blend of lilting calypsonian wit, dancehall reggae and trombone-heavy brass with a unique composite of rhythm, poetry and activist journalism. Drew’s songwriting captures the human condition – our quirks and foibles, anxieties and hopes, and the haunting sense of impermanence that imbues life. His innovative take on calypso’s celebration of satire, humour, storytelling and social commentary will cast a spell your head, heart and soul. Come and witness the magic that is Kobo Town.

Organizer

Arts Council Haliburton Highlands

The Arts Council Haliburton Highlands strives to provide a strong voice for the arts in Haliburton County; to serve as a catalyst for community economic development through the arts, heritage and culture in Haliburton County and, through the facilitation of collaborative relationships among artists, organizations, businesses and government, contribute to the vibrancy of the arts and community life. The Arts Council is an umbrella organization for all disciplines of the arts, including, visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts.

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