West-Can, a non-profit organization our mission is to use the performing arts to create community among people from the West Indies and their allies. We are dedicated to preserving, sharing, creating and promoting Caribbean arts, culture and heritage.

The group has expanded its horizons to include Haitian folklore and traditional African dance styles. During its 30+ years of existence West-Can has touched the hearts of many with their exciting performances, theatrical presentations and drum and dance workshops. Over the years West-Can has offered drum and dance classes to the children of the Caribbean community, ensuring that the rich Caribbean folk culture is passed down to the next generation.

The group has maintained its position as an ambassador of Caribbean folk culture throughout Quebec and Canada and has performed at Montreal Grand Prix, Nuits d’Afrique, The International Reggae Festival, Montreal Caribbean Fashion week 2015 and the International Folk Festival in Drummondville, Quebec and at the 32nd edition of the Folklore Festival in Schoten, Belgium (Werelddansfestival Hello! Schoten). The company has also performed in various festivals in Ontario, Western Canada and the museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Recently (June 2013), West-Can was invited to perform at the Port-of-Spain Town Hall as well as participate in the re enactment of the Canboulay riots of 1881 (March 2014, February 2016, February 2018). All this and more on today's OFC Podcast Radio.

With us today is Ms. Christine Mark

Founder & Artistic Director of Ben Frito & Cultural Arts Performing Company

Ms. Mark is a dedicated leader from the Belmont community and the visionary behind Ben Frito & Cultural Arts Performing Company, which she founded in 1998. For over 26 years, Christine has been at the forefront of preserving the traditional culture of Trinidad and Tobago through the performing arts. As the Artistic Director and Vice President of the company, her work focuses on folk dance, music, drama, and drumming, while also introducing young people to a variety of artistic disciplines.

Under Christine’s leadership, Ben Frito & Cultural Arts Performing Company teaches five core disciplines: music, dance, drumming, drama, and arts & crafts. The group was created to keep young people engaged and off the streets, offering them a meaningful path through the performing arts while teaching them about their cultural heritage.

Christine’s commitment to fostering creativity, tradition, and community continues to inspire the youth, ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural history is passed on to future generations.

Ms. Christine Mark live on today's OFC Podcast Radio

This week, West-Can, a non-profit organization who's mission is to use the performing arts to create community among people from the West Indies and their allies; are dedicated to preserving, sharing, creating and promoting Caribbean arts, culture and heritage.

The group has expanded its horizons to include Haitian folklore and traditional African dance styles. During its 30+ years of existence West-Can has touched the hearts of many with their exciting performances, theatrical presentations and drum and dance workshops. Over the years West-Can has offered drum and dance classes to the children of the Caribbean community, ensuring that the rich Caribbean folk culture is passed down to the next generation. Sharing this and details to their upcoming trip abroad, all on today's episode of OFC Podcast Radio.