The Canada Black Music Archives is shining a light on the untold stories of over 20 of Ontario’s Black Canadian artists. B’Lack Then: Muted Melodies opens May 22nd at the Archives of Ontario (AO), located at York University. This exhibition will explore the hidden histories of foundational Canadian music figures through a collection of vinyl’s, instruments, photographs, newspaper clippings, selected film screenings, and discussions.

B’Lack Then: Muted Melodies will be featured at this year’s Doors Open weekend. As a part of this event, steelpan musician Pat McNeilly, otherwise known as Pan Man Pat, will be performing three 30-minute presentations. The Trinidadian born steelpan teacher was an instrumental figure in its establishment in Toronto schools and has been performing at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana) since its 1967 founding. His stylings will take place in between screenings of Different Timbres. The short documentary by filmmakers, Claire Prieto and Roger McTair, looks at steel drum production, education, performance, and cultural influence in Ontario in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Doors Open is a free event that allows attendees to explore the city’s architectural, historical, cultural, and socially significant buildings. The Archives of Ontario will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm on May 24th