May 22, 2025 – February 27, 2026
Archives of Ontario, 134 Ian MacDonald Blvd
The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) proudly presents its latest exhibition, B’LACK THEN: Muted Melodies, now on display at the Archives of Ontario. This compelling exhibit uncovers the untold stories of Black musicians from Ontario, whose contributions have often been overlooked or forgotten.
Spanning over 100 years of history, the exhibit features more than 20 artists across 10 music genres. Through photographs, albums, newspaper clippings, film, and discussion panels, visitors can explore the remarkable journeys of gospel pioneers like Rev. Richard Amos Ball of the Ball Family Jubilee Singers; Canada’s first internationally acclaimed Black opera singer Portia White; jazz icon and trailblazer Salome Bey; rhythm & blues star and transgender performer Jackie Shane; reggae and ska legend Jackie Mittoo; classical composer Nathaniel Dett; and award-winning rapper, playwright, and spoken word artist Motion, among others.
The exhibit runs from May 22, 2025, to February 27, 2026, at the Archives of Ontario, located at 134 Ian MacDonald Blvd, on the York University campus. Hours are weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
As part of Toronto’s Doors Open weekend, the Archives will host special programming on May 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Highlights include a live performance and presentation by Pan Man Pat (Pat McNeilly), a pioneering steelpan educator and performer who has played a key role in bringing steelpan music to Toronto schools and has performed at every Toronto Caribbean Carnival since 1967. Also featured is a screening of Different Timbres by Claire Prieto and Roger McTair, a documentary exploring the steel drum’s cultural influence in Ontario during the 1970s and 1980s.
“We’re thrilled to showcase these powerful and lesser-known stories,” says Sean Smith, Senior Manager of Outreach and Education at the Archives of Ontario. “The CBMA has curated a deeply engaging exhibit using materials from our own collection, giving new life to Ontario’s rich Black musical heritage.”
CBMA Executive Director Phil Vassell adds: “Muted Melodies represents a major milestone for us, following our recent Hip Hop Culture exhibit at the Toronto Archives. This new showcase broadens the lens to include a century of Black musical excellence in Ontario.”
Supported by the Archives of Ontario and the Toronto Arts Council, B’LACK THEN: Muted Melodies is a tribute to the voices that shaped Ontario’s musical legacy.
