Jazz Night: Hilario Durán

with Special Guest Adys Rodriguez 

For one night only, the renowned Cuban-Canadian musician Hilario Durán and special guest Cuban-Canadian singer Adys Rodriguez, perform LIVE at the Columbus Centre.


Enjoy an extraordinary night of Afro-Cuban jazz as Durán performs tunes from his acclaimed JUNO-nominated album “Contumbao,” including new original compositions and arrangements.


“Contumbao” is a heartfelt homage to Cuba’s rich musical history and spans the entire spectrum of Cuban music, highlighting Duran’s authenticity and respect for the tradition. This new Latin Jazz repertoire performs Son Montuno, Bembé 6 X 8, Danzon, and as always, enriched by the 'Tumbao.'


Don’t miss your chance. Get your tickets now before they sell out!



Date: Thursday, February 8, 7:00pm

Tickets: $25.00 (Adults) /  $20.00 (Seniors)

Location: Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre

BUY TICKETS


Sponsored by Spina Davies Law.

 

Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute

#TributeThursday – Now is the Time to Honour Your Family 

It’s #TributeThursday, where we feature immigrant histories from the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project. This week, we're sharing the story of Michele and Carolina Tedesco, who both immigrated from Pietrafitta, Calabria in 1957.

It’s #TributeThursday, where we feature immigrant histories from the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute Project. This week, we're sharing the story of Michele and Carolina Tedesco, who both immigrated from Pietrafitta, Calabria in 1957.


“Our parents, Michele and Carolina Tedesco, arrived in Canada from Italy in June,1957 as a young married couple with a small child seeking a better life.


Despite having limited funds and almost no command of the English language, they were rich in boundless fortitude. Through the dint of hard work and the unyielding principles of loyalty to family, humility, discipline and self-sacrifice, our parents settled in Toronto and raised eight children with those humble immigrant values.


At home, Mom was the vital glue that held us all together, tirelessly managing a busy household while Dad was an indefatigable force working construction jobs to support us. Together they set the path for a prosperous future. A decade after arriving in Canada, Dad bought his first 955-H front-end loader and Michael Bros. Excavating & Grading was born.”


Read the complete Tedesco family story on our Immigrant Map.

            

Now is the time to honour your own family’s immigrant experience with a customized name plaque on the Villa Charities Italian Canadian Immigrant Tribute at the Columbus Centre.


Buy your plaque today so you’ll be included in the opening of this momentous heritage installation!

Yes, I Want to Honour My Family!
 

Villa Charities

Italian Canadian Community Celebrates Senator

Toni Varone

Join the GTA’s Italian Canadian community at Montecassino Hotel and Event Centre on February 21 at 5:00pm as we honour Toronto businessman and philanthropist Toni Varone, in commemoration of his recent appointment to the Senate of Canada. Enjoy this cocktail reception with a live and silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go to the CIBPA Scholarship Fund, the ICCO Canada Scholarship Fund and the Villa Charities Scholarship Program. Co-hosted by CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada and Villa Charities Inc. Learn more about the event and reserve your free tickets now.


Register Now

“The Heart of the Matter” Exhibition – Opening Tonight!

Villa Charities in partnership with Friends in Art presents “The Heart of the Matter,” powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the things we hold in our hearts, both positive and negative. The exhibition features artists working with a range of media, each bringing their own unique perspective to this deeply personal and universal theme. Join us at the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery tonight at 6:30pm for the opening reception, featuring live performances. Exhibition continues to February 25, 2024. Supporting Canadian artists and Villa Charities.


Register Now

“The Heart of the Matter - Art & Poetry: For the Love of Expression”

Don’t miss this inspiring evening of original written works created specifically for “The Heart of the Matter” exhibition and performed by five award-winning poets. Enjoy a light meal before the show and the opportunity to tour the emotive art exhibition in the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery. Come out for an evening of heart-to-heart expressions. Presented in partnership with Friends in Art. Supporting Canadian artists and Villa Charities. Tuesday, February 6 at 6:00pm. A ‘Pay What You Can Event’ but advance registration is required.


Register Now

Book Launch for “The Dad Who Cried Calcio”

Spend an enjoyable evening with friends at the book launch party for “The Dad Who Cried Calcio” on February 9 at 7:00pm. Edoardo promises his two sons that he will organize a game between the Superdads and the Superheroes - footballers. Will he find a way to make his kids’ dream come true? This romance with a milanista twist is every Italian football fanatic’s dream. Event attendees will receive a copy of the book, drinks, pizza and other delicious food, and raffle tickets for great prizes. Presented in partnership with Giovnan8.


Buy Tickets

Carnevale Free Family Friendly Event!

In celebration of Mardi Gras, Villa Charities in partnership with Leonardo Da Vinci Academy (LDVA) and Accademia dei Ragazzi will be hosting a

special Carnevale event, on Tuesday, February 13 at 3:30pm. Join us for an afternoon of fun activities for the whole family with music, arts & crafts and performances by LDVA students. Wear a Carnival-themed costume and bring your own Mardi Gras spirit to the festivities! A ‘Pay What You Can’ Event’. Advance registration is required.


Register Now

Special Community Film Screening of “The South”

Italian-Canadian filmmaker and recording artist Andrea Ramolo brings her documentary film “The South” to the Columbus Centre on Wednesday, February 21 at 7:00pm. Following the death of her matriarch and beloved grandmother, “The South” follows Andrea to the Salento in southern Italy to explore the rich history of its folk music and dance. Q & A with Andrea and special guest moderator Gianpietro Nagliati from OMNI TV, following the screening. Tickets are only $10! With funding from the Canada Council for the Arts.


Buy Tickets

Discover Contemporary Italian Literature with “Club del Libro”

Register for our next online book club on Wednesday, February 22, where we’ll be discussing “Resto qui”/ “I’m Staying Here” by Marco Balzano. In this sweeping historical novel, a mother recounts her life story to her long-lost daughter about a community torn between Italian fascism and German Nazism. Our online book club is an opportunity to explore and discuss notable contemporary Italian literature while learning Italian. 


Register Now

Dust Off Your Dancing Shoes for Ballo Liscio

The Italian tradition of Ballo Liscio continues at Villa Charities. Bring friends, partners, or come on your own and enjoy these popular social dancing nights featuring live musical performances. The next event is on Wednesday, February 7, and tickets are $5.00 at the door. 


Learn More

Book Your One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with Marco

Have a question about our programs and services? Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. Appointments are 20 minutes each between 11:00am and 12:00pm and must be scheduled in advance. The next Friday Chat is scheduled for Friday, February 9. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.


Book Your Meeting

 

Villa Charities Foundation

 

Ride with FREE Registration for Giro Cycling Fundraiser 

Have you registered for Villa Charities’ Giro yet? Ride with us at our annual cycling fundraiser on Sunday, May 26 at Veneto Centre and demonstrate your commitment to supporting programs and services that celebrate and honour Italian culture and heritage. Whether you are a previous Giroparticipant or have never taken part in a ride, we have a route option to fit all cycling skill levels.


Don’t miss out on our Early Bird Promotion, which runs until February 25, 2024. That’s right, NO registration fee (a savings of $100!) for everyone who registers before February 25, 2024. 


Register Today

 

Columbus Centre

50% Off for New Members: Extended for 2 Weeks Only!

You’re in luck! Due to popular demand, we’re extending our #NewYearNoExcuses offer into February. You now have until February 15 to secure this great deal: Zero enrollment fees, 50% off your first 2 months, and discounts on select personal training for new Members only. Get access to our 11,000 sq.ft. main gym, state-of-the-art equipment, squash and racquetball courts, new spin studio, large indoor pool, indoor running track, and tons of group fitness classes, all under one roof!


Learn More and Sign Up Today!

Take Your Fitness to the Next Level with Personal Training

At the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, we have a team of highly experienced, certified Personal Trainers who are ready to help you reach your fitness goals.

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, add muscle, or improve your all-round health, our one-on-one personal training sessions will motivate you to stay on track. Or try our Small Group Personal Training program to enjoy the camaraderie of group fitness with the individualization and the attention of a personal trainer, but at a fraction of the cost.


Meet our Trainers!

Improve Your Painting Skills at our Landscape Workshop

Integrating both landscape and abstract, the Less Defined Landscape workshop will inspire students to interpret, simplify and edit photo references using less traditional techniques and colour palettes, while encouraging creativity and imagination. This 4-week painting workshop runs from March 6 to 27 and is suitable for intermediate to advanced students with prior experience.


Learn More

 

A MESSAGE FROM A VALUED ARTS PARTNER

TLN Media Group Presents the Best in Italian Cinema

TLN Media Group is your monthly ticket to never-before-seen Italian films (with English subtitles) in Cineplex Theatres across Canada!


This February 10 & 12, catch “The Bride in Red (Sposa in Rosso)” starring Sarah Felberbaum, Eduardo Noriega, and Anna Galiena. This heart-warming rom-com is guaranteed to have you smiling as a single mother and a journalist who are in financial straits decide to devise a fake wedding to help solve their financial problems – it’s a story of love and endless laughter!

 

Click here for more details and to secure your tickets for these limited screening

VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert Presents “Ernani” by Giuseppe Verdi

Experience the magic of Verdi's masterpiece! Join VOICEBOX: Opera in Concert on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at 2:30pm at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (27 Front Street East) for a captivating performance of “Ernani.” Let the stunning vocals of Rocco Rupolo as Ernani transport you to a world of passion and drama. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in one of Verdi’s most popular operas. Reserve your seat now for an unforgettable afternoon filled with music that resonates through the ages! 


Special offer for Villa Charities: 30% off using code VILLA30 to unlock. Tickets available through TOLIVE.com or call the box office: 416-366-7723.

 

Buy Tickets

 
 


Our Mission:

Enriching lives through experiences and services that honour Italian culture and heritage.


Our Vision:

Inspiring people to explore the Italian in all of us.

Villa Charities Inc. | 416-789-7011 | info@villacharities.com | www.villacharities.com

901 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON, M6A 1C3 I About Us
Villa Charities Foundation Charitable Registration Number: 89337 0767 RR001

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