The African-Canadian Fusion: A Cross-Cultural Celebration Saturday, October 28

Fri Oct 20 2023
African Women Acting

African Women Acting (AWA), celebrating their 10th anniversary this fall, is set to host The African-Canadian Fusion: a Cross-Cultural Celebration of Art, Music, and Poetry this fall. On Saturday, October 28 Daniel’s Spectrum, a cultural center on Dundas Street in Regent Park, Toronto, will be transformed into a home of music and other performing arts that celebrate the African diaspora in Canada.

Founded in 2011, AWA is a nonprofit focused on empowering, preserving and promoting women issues and the heritage of African culture through African art. And it’s known for its rocking events, including its long running annual Niagara Festival, which in the waning days of summer this year took over RiverBrink Art Museum in Queenston. One donor paid for 300 tickets, too, so that fans could enjoy the full day, family-friendly program.

The Fall event, meanwhile, will feature Cameroonian Afropop singer Jbwai, spoken word artist and singer J Nichole Noel, Susan Heaten, and Nigerian vocalist Sonia Aimy, who founded AWA back in 2011.

Women in Music Introduce the new Canada Premium Membership

Fri Oct 20 2023
Women in Music

Since its inception in 2014, Women in Music Canada has seen exponential growth in its membership and offerings, helping to foster gender equality in the music industry through the support and advancement of professionals and creatives at every stage of their career. Today, we are thrilled to announce the new expanded membership program, designed to provide greater engagement and a robust benefit package, created to better meet the needs of women and gender expansive folks in artistic and industry careers in Canada. You can now sign up or update your membership here

Iconic Events and Mercury Studios Proudly Celebrate The 48 ½ Year Anniversary of Monty Python and The Holy Grail

Fri Oct 20, 2023

December, prepare to celebrate 48 1/2 years of Monty Python and The Holy Grail with a special nationwide theatrical re-release in select theaters via Iconic Events Releasing and Mercury Studios, Nationwide Film Release Launching December 2023.

This cinematic event kicks off in over 500 theatre locations nationwide on Sunday, December 3rd with encore screenings beginning on Wednesday, December 6th. Select theatre locations will also be offering a Quote-A-long version of the film for audiences to experience the joy in sharing together, as you quote your favorite lines with the characters.

In this new Quote-A-long rendition, fans not only witness the absurdity of Arthurian legend but also actively participate in the laughter. It’s a sidesplitting cinematic event that honors the timeless humor of Monty Python while inviting fans to quote, laugh, and sing-a-long like never before. Get ready to journey into a world of Medieval madness, coconut-clacking horses, and unforgettable one-liners in this uproarious Quote-A-long version of a comedy classic.

Watch the trailer here:

Van Morrison Unveils His 45th Studio Album “Accentuate the Positive”

Fri Oct 13, 2023

Van Morrison unveils his 45th studio album, Accentuate the Positive, which is now available to pre-order HERE ahead of its release on November 3rd. This electrifying homage to rock ‘n’ roll is launched alongside its first single, a new take on the Johnny Kidd classic ‘Shakin’ All Over’. Check it out on YouTube here:

CBC 2023 Searchlight Winner Mattmac Teams With Mariame On New Inspiring Single 'Find My Love'

Fri Oct 06 2023
Mattmac Teams With Mariame

Chasing a dream isn't easy, but sometimes the right song can motivate you to keep going. Alongside singer Mariame, Indigenous Garden Hill First Nation Hip-Hop artist Mattmac inspires others to follow their dreams in his new single, "Find My Love" – check it out on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h08LSVYZ68

 The songs opens with a catchy chorus and sweet vocals sung by Mariame. The lyrics show how you smile through the pain and strife while trying your hardest to achieve your dreams. It hooks the listener and leads them into the song's first verse that is rapped by Mattmac.

''Everybody if you hear me time to wake up
Get your grind, get your coin, get your Cake up
Yeah just ride with the boy I’m on the way up
I’m feeling young, feeling free and Feeling dangerous
This for the haters
To all the brave ones
We just doing our thing can you Blame us
We on fire let’s Show em what the flame does
It’s a vibe yeah we on that New wave son
It’s a celebration"

Classic Rock Supergroup Studio D'Lux Ignite A 'Slow Burn' With Latest Single

Fri Oct 06 2023
Studio D'Lux

Studio D'Lux, the Classic Rock/Yacht Rock musical powerhouse comprised of industry legends, led by singer-songwriter Doug Kistner is back with a newly released single, "Slow Burn." Check it out on YouTube here:

 Distinguished, long-time musician Doug Kistner gathered a talented ensemble of world-class artists to create the supergroup Studio D’Lux. Joining the New Jersey singer and songwriter are legendary vocalist, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and former Chicago lead singer Bill Champlin, the iconic Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto, Steely Dan guitarist Jon Herington, Elliott Randall, known for his classic ‘Reelin in the Years’ solo, Whitesnake guitarist - Joel Hoekstra and Glen Burtnik, formerly of Styx, The Orchestra, and The Weeklings.

Best New Age Grammy Award Winning/Two Time Nominees Opium Moon Release 3rd Album “Where We Are Gathered”

Fri Oct 06, 2023

“Where We Are Gathered” is the 3rd album release of the award winning New Age artists Opium Moon, garnering much attention in the just released offering of new music. 

Winning a Grammy in 2019 for their debut album, Opium Moon, they were again honored with a nomination for their sophomore release, “Night + Day” (2021). 

Opium Moon creates sensuous, enchanting soundscapes that evoke ancient worlds while remaining thoroughly contemporary. Elegant yet deeply emotional, their distinctive sound draws upon the diverse backgrounds of its members: Iranian santoor master Hamid Saeidi, innovative Israeli bassist Itai Disraeli, sought-after American percussionist M.B. Gordy, and virtuosic Canadian-American violinist Lili Haydn.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/album/4Q9LDRGNMa9KFULcXANcw5

Folk Legend Sylvia Tyson Looks Back at A Life Well-Lived

Fri Sep 29, 2023

Having just turned 83 and after a decade lay-off from recording on her own, Sylvia Tyson announces the release on November 3rd, 2023 of her most powerful, and most incisive recording to date, “At The End Of The Day,” on Stony Plain Records – and shares that this will be her final album.

“It was time,” says the beloved Canadian artist, renowned for her independence, intelligence, and songwriting prowess. “It is kind of a gathering of all of the things that I wanted to record, but never got around to I just felt that it was time to record. I really feel that this may be the best album that I have ever done.”

With her final studio album, the aptly titled recording combines an intensely personal artistry with a broader vision of a public figure at peace with her ordered life as a songwriter, and as an artist. For a woman who has lived a public life for decades, Tyson is the most private of household names.

Shannon Thunderbird + Sultans of String + Orchestra Soar with New Video and Single "Black Winged Raven"

Fri Sep 29 2023
Shannon Thunderbird + Sultans of String + Orchestra

Black Winged Raven is the new single off the album Walking Through the Fire by Sultans of String. It is a foot-stomping barn burner of a song that celebrates the project with Ts’msyen artist Shannon Thunderbird, who is originally from the Pacific Northwest coast of British Columbia: Gilut'sau Band of the Royal House of Niis'gumiik, Gispudwada (Orca) Clan. The lyrics are sung in Sm'algyax, with the music beautifully arranged with Sultans of String and the epic strings of the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

“Raven is the culture hero of the Pacific Northwest Indigenous People” explains Shannon, whose fireside chats, lectures, and original music open the minds and hearts of audiences to the rich culture and history of Canada's Indigenous people. “My sister Kate and I grew up with the stories of Raven. He is a very robust character that our people, the Coast Ts’msyen love and respect – to this day we listen to these stories.”

EDM Artist Paul Manchin Returns with Master Album, Eliciting Nostalgia with "First"

Fri Sep 29 2023
Paul Manchin

Solo artist Paul Manchin, whose songs have charted on international radio, is ready to rock the airwaves again with the release of a new album inspired by a song that takes listeners on a nostalgic journey down memory lane. 

The indie singer and songwriter from Toronto announced he will officially unveil the album, Master, out now.

It will consist of 40 tracks, some of which have already been released in the past digitally. But it was when the musician was visiting his family and reflecting on his life that he thought to include them into the new double compilation CD album. 

Check it out on YouTube here:

 Manchin was transported back to his childhood and expressed that by picking up a pen and sitting down at his piano. Together, with Black Jack, they produced ‘First’, a powerful single which Manchin unveils in the upcoming album. 

New Bruce Cockburn Single, "Us All,” Announced for September 26, Along with Additional World Tour Dates in Continuing Support of Critically-Acclaimed Latest Album, O Sun O Moon

Fri Sep 22 2023
Bruce Cockburn in the Studio Nashville Photo Credit Daniel Keebler

As the universal accolades and extensive airplay continue to pour in for the 78-year-old Bruce Cockburn’s 38th album, O Sun O Moon, True North Records has announced the release of a new single, “Us All,” on September 26, along with a string of additional world tour dates. Check it out on YouTube here:

Bruce Cockburn has enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat styles while earning high praise as a prolific, inspired songwriter and accomplished guitarist. He remains deeply respected for his activism and humanist song lyrics that thread throughout his career. On all his albums Cockburn has deftly captured the joy, pain, fear, and faith of human experience in song.

JUNKHOUSE Celebrates 30 Years of "Strays" with Vinyl Release and Four Ontario Shows

Fri Sep 15 2023
JUNKHOUSE

JUNKHOUSE, the iconic alternative rock band that took the 90s by storm, is thrilled to announce the 30thanniversary celebration of their seminal album, "Strays." To mark this significant milestone, Sony Music Canada has released a limited-edition vinyl of "Strays" and JUNKHOUSE embarks on a special tour with four exclusive show dates.

"Strays" was a game-changer in the alternative rock scene when it was first released in 1993, catapulting JUNKHOUSE to the forefront of the music industry. The album quickly became a classic and has continued to influence generations of music lovers and artists. As vinyl had all but disappeared in the music marketplace in 1993, as a result, “Strays” was never released on vinyl until now.

This limited-edition release will feature the original album artwork, with additional mastered bonus tracks filling out Side 4, in this double disc deluxe package .It's a special treat for long-time fans and collectors.

Legendary Musician Dave Bidini Sets Aside Guitar to Save Local Journalism As West End Phoenix Celebrates Its 7th Year

Fri Sep 15 2023
Dave Bidini

Historic new issue coming on September 30th!

Fundraiser on Oct. 5th at Mildred’s Kitchen to Celebrate 7 Years in Existence with Sarah Polley and Ken Dryden in Conversation.

Tickets here: westendphoenix.com/shop/wep-fall-classic-fundraiser

A thriving community usually goes hand in hand with a healthy local media, and no one is more aware of that than musician, writer, filmmaker and publisher Dave Bidini. Over the past seven years, the Rheostatics guitarist has assembled a talented editorial staff and countless first-rate contributors to, against all odds, put out the non-profit West End Phoenix, whose readership stretches across Toronto and across the country. The newspaper nobly serves its community, and also aims to encourage local journalismthe world over.

Lilla By Festivalen The Little Festival With A Big Heart

Fri Sep 08 2023
Night Performances at Lilla By Festivalen

Summertime means sunny days, cool, breezy nights, and music festivals. And no festival puts a closing touch to the season better than the Lilla By Festivalen in beautiful Rinkaby, Sweden.

Held annually in the last week of August, it’s a unique event in so many ways. The Lilla By Festivalen translates in English to Little Village Festival, and though technically it’s in its third year, in reality, this year was the second year of ‘in-person’ activities as the first year was held virtually due to Covid restrictions.

What makes this event unique is that it's multi-layered. First is its physical location; Rinkaby is a small village, about a 15-minute drive from the city of Kristianstad, and has a population of about 800 people. It’s situated on private property with lots of green grass and a spectacular view of the sun setting over the lake at day’s end, before the night concerts begin.

What sets it apart from other festivals is it’s got something for everyone. A family friendly environment with rides and activities for the kids and a wide variety of genres of music for all ages, both legendary and new indie artists.

Grant Avenue Studio is Now Under New Ownership of Industry Veterans Mike Bruce and Marco Mondano

Fri Sep 08 2023
From left to right Marco Mondano, Mike Bruce, and Head Engineer Andrew Lauzon

Open House For Everyone Friday, September 8 – Sunday, September 10 During Supercrawl
38 Grant Avenue, Hamilton, ON L8N 2X5

Fri Sep 08

Supercrawl - 6pm - 1am

Open House - 5pm - 8pm

Sat Sep 09

Supercrawl - 12pm - 1am

Open House - 12pm - 8pm

Sun Sep 10

Supercrawl - 12pm - 8pm

Open House - 12pm - 5pm

The legendary Hamilton, ON-based Grant Avenue Studio – established in 1976 and home to the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Cash, U2, Sarah McLachlan and more – has officially changed ownership. It was sold to music and film industry pros Mike Bruce and Marco Mondano. 

Indigenous Artists and Sultans of String Walking Though the Fire - A Trailblazing Musical Response to the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action

Fri Sep 08, 2023

I have been personally listening to and watching music and videos from Sultans of String for years now, and I consider myself to be one of their biggest fans. Always collaborating with artists that have a cause and especially artists who need a voice, the empathy that this group shows in their choices for their recordings not only has extremely talented participants but always presented with a moral compass.

 What do Crystal Shawanda, Leela Gilday, Northern Cree powwow group, a dozen other Indigenous artists, and Roots band Sultans of String have in common? They have all come together in the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and Final Report which calls for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to work together to create Walking Through the Fire. This album and live show are a powerful collection of collaborations between the roots group and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists from across Turtle Island, with the CD releasing September 15, 2023, and a live concert tour launching on September 28, leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Long Running Canadian Jazz, Blues & Gospel Label Justin Time Records Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Fri Aug 25 2023
Justin Time Records

August 22, 2023 the long-running Canadian jazz, blues and gospel label Justin Time Records celebrated its 40th Anniversary and releases 40 Years of Justin Time Records, a compilation of 40-songs from quintessential releases past and present.

Founded in Montreal in 1983 by Jim West, Justin Time began its renowned history by releasing the first recording from jazz pianist and 2023 Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Oliver Jones. Now 40 years later with over 600 recordings released by some of the finest musicians in the world, Canada’s premiere jazz, blues and gospel label celebrates this milestone as an homage to the passion and diversity that are the cornerstones of the label. The Anniversary Collection features selections from the label’s roster past and present, including Oliver Jones, Ranee Lee, the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, Diana Krall, David Murray, Oscar Peterson, Susie Arioli, Frank Marino, Christine Jensen, David Clayton-Thomas, Hank Jones, Halie Loren, Paul Bley and many more.

An Evening With Blue Rodeo Heads East in October

Fri Aug 25 2023
Blue Rodeo

This October, legendary alt-country rockers Blue Rodeo will be on tour celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the band’s massively successful fifth studio album

Five Days in July.  Fans can look forward to seeing the band hit the stage at the Avenir Centre in Moncton on Saturday, October 21 and the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on Sunday, October 22, and hearing songs from the six-time platinum classic recordwhile also enjoying some more favourites from over the years.

“We have a rare opportunity to revisit Five Days In July in its entirety,” says Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy. “This being the record's 30th birthday, we thought we would do a few special shows and play the record front to back. Should be fun.”

Blue Rodeo Fan Club members can access pre-sale tickets beginning tomorrow,Tuesday, August 22. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week. The general on sale begins Friday, August 25, 10 a.m.

Skylark’s Classic ‘Wildflower’ Celebrates 50th Anniversary: Canadian Music Pioneer BJ COOK Still Rockin At 81

Thu Aug 24 2023
Skylark

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Skylark’s Wildflower, the classic Canadian love ballad that endures genres and generations like sidewalk chamomile with over 100 covers and sample versions to become one of the most beloved and performed songs in the history of Canadian pop music. 

“Let her cry for she’s a lady, let her dream for she’s a child…”

Listen and watch “Skylark” on YouTube here: youtube.com/watch?v=9MJ8flVWL1I

This tender refrain is recognized around the world, and though written and most often sung by men, the song owes its enduring success in large part to three women: BJ Cook was the force that envisioned and formed the band Skylark and midwifed its record deal; CKLW Program Director Rosalie Tremblay picked Wildflower as a hit and ensured its release as a single; and music publisher Valley Hennell has protected the copyright for half a century.