BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Liife Thursdays. A name whispered like a legend. The flame flickered, the rhythm faltered, and the silence that threatened to follow was a chilling prospect, but in the hushed anticipation of that impending void, a spark ignited. A defiant ember, born from the shared yearning for connection, for the raw, unbridled energy of live music.
From the ashes of a fading era, a new vision surged, a dream to not just replicate, but to elevate. A promise to forge a sanctuary, a haven where the soul could breathe, and the spirit could soar. This wasn’t just about a band, or a night out. This was about crafting a space where the very air vibrated with acceptance, where the music wasn’t just heard, but felt, and where every soul departed, not just entertained, but profoundly nourished. This was the genesis of Sundé Social.
Someone should have warned me. On Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to the launch of Sundé Social Season Nine at Stackt Market! I had no idea that I would be diving headfirst into an unforgettable celebration of creativity and community. I arrived in enough time to immerse myself in the captivating art exhibit by the one and only Chika Oh. As per usual, her work was a visual feast that set the stage for the evening.
Walking into that event at Stackt Market was like stepping into a curated dream. The raw, industrial chic of the shipping containers, juxtaposed with Toronto visible through the expansive glass, instantly created a visually arresting atmosphere. Last Sunday, it wasn’t just a space; it was a canvas, perfectly primed for a memorable evening.
There was a sense of balance and harmony, a feeling that the space had been thoughtfully arranged to encourage positive energy flow. The open layout, the natural light from the city filtering through the glass, and the carefully placed vendor stalls all contributed to this sense of effortless flow. Even the placement of the seating areas seemed designed to encourage interaction and connection.
“This is NOT just another event. Sundé Social is a whole experience!”
The first thing that hit you was the buzz. A low, vibrant hum of conversation mingled with the pulse of the music. It wasn’t overpowering, but rather a compelling undercurrent that drew you further into the space. Then. Well, I am not sure how to speak about the soulful live performances of Sasha L Henry and Jermal, their music weaving stories and rhythms that resonated.
Then came the sensory feast. The aroma of gourmet bites wafted through the air. The drinks were equally impressive. I asked the bartender to make me something unique, and he expertly crafted me a cocktail. A diverse crowd, all dressed with a sense of effortless style, added another layer of visual appeal. There was an energy of excitement and anticipation, a sense that everyone was there to enjoy themselves. Conversations flowed easily, laughter echoed through the space, and connections were being made.
I had a chance to catch up with Nate Fray-Smith, Co-founder of Sundé Social, and we chopped it up a little.
“Tell us about your process for curating the art and music for this event.”
“It is not as difficult as it seems,” Nate shares. “My business partner and I were lucky to be around music a lot. I grew up a Seventh Day Adventist, and have been around music for a long, long time. I have learned how to create a good show visually and sonically. When we started off, we started with our core group of musicians. We would have rehearsals and help to mentor the musicians, especially the upcoming ones. Once we realized the caliber of our musicians was so high, we employed these artists to bring other musicians who were on the come up.”
“We continue to bring in new artists, and musicians and we want to put them in a space, alongside Black entrepreneurs. Now that we are more formal, we ask them to share any live videos of themselves performing, and then have them send over their music. They also would like them to come to at least one Sundé Social before they perform. It is a great way for them to orient themselves with the event and the vibe.”
Nate shared with me some of the biggest challenges that come with planning an event that combines so many different artistic and social elements.
“Venues are always a challenge. Structural racism is always there. When it comes to working with Black owned venues, they don’t always have all the bells and whistles, and at times not the best management, which means that the customer service is not always great. Our clientele knows us for customer service. We are purposeful with the vendors that we use. We let them know, the smile is part of your uniform.”
“Finances are a challenge as well. It is difficult to pull together an event like Sundé Social, especially keeping it high end.”
I was curious about some of the feedback that he had received. I had a fantastic time, but all my elements were checked off: food, music, art. What did other people think?
“Most of the feedback was very positive. People enjoyed the space. 75% of the attendees were names we had never seen before. It means that people were able to experience something for the first time. I know the regulars what they want. Some people wanted it to be longer, some people didn’t like that it was downtown. We do our best to ensure we create the best experience possible for all of our guests.”
The combination of all these elements – the stunning visuals, the delicious food and drinks, the captivating music, the beautiful people, and the carefully curated atmosphere – created an experience that was more than just a party. It was a moment of enjoyment, a reminder of the power of sensory experiences to create lasting memories. It was like stepping into a perfectly orchestrated symphony of the senses, a truly unforgettable evening at Stackt Market.
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