Barb Keck of Music in Motion Canada has now extended the deadline for submissions for the MiMc Awards which will now close at midnight EST on November 15, 2023.

What inspired this music adjudication initiative?

Barb Keck has this to say of the new initiative, ”Singer-Songwriters Musicians are looking for opportunities to be heard by top-notch music professionals.
We’ve received requests from music creators to help get their music heard. This inspired us to create a break for undiscovered INDIE talent to gain connections, opportunities, and exposure to award-winning music industry professionals.

This event was initiated and designed to help musicians gain valuable feedback that will help them improve their music careers and be the catalyst for progress and success.

You may be asking ‘why is this so much more than the average fee of $25? Our event offers so much more. Personalized feedback to EVERY participant, from 3 music industry experts that specialize in music, artist management & publicity. Just for entering with $100, there is already a value of $400.

(It’s been over 40 years since The Legendary Downchild Blues Band have played the iconic El Mocambo in Toronto, so the band thought it would be fun to play the club one more time on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 8:00 pm with special guest Jeff Rogers.

Tickets for The Legendary Downchild Blues Band's show go ON SALE Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 10:00 am at elmocambo.com Tickets and Seating are very LIMITED, so get them while you can for this NOT TO BE MISSED performance!

Downchild has a long history with the “El Mo”, as it was known back then, as the house band for the club in the early ‘70’s and they recorded their live album But I’m On The Guest List there to a packed house in 1982.

In the early days, the El Mocambo was a lowdown joint on Spadina Avenue that hosted the likes of Downchild, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy. In later years bands like Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Joan Jett and U2 graced the stage and of course The Rolling Stones surprise performance at the club with Margaret Trudeau in tow, is a thing of mystical legend.

African Women Acting (AWA), celebrating their 10^th 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.

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. 

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"

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.

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.”

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. 

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, 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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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 record, while 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.

2023 marks the 50^th 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.

Mark your calendars and get ready to swing into a world of mesmerizing melodies and soulful rhythms at the much anticipated Kensington Market Jazz Festival. Returning to the heart of Toronto's eclectic Kensington Market, this year's festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of jazz in all its vibrant forms.

Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or just looking to groove to some captivating tunes, the Kensington Market Jazz Festival has something for everyone.

Born and raised in Kensington Market, founder, organizer, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.C., has been proud to showcase hundreds of established musicians on the Toronto jazz scene since the festival’s start in 2017, in one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods, in the heart of Toronto's heritage district. Over the last seven events, KMJF has presented hundreds of concerts featuring hundreds of Toronto’s jazz musicians, in local venues and with the help of over 150 volunteers.

Multi Platinum Award-Winning Songwriter/ Recording Artist, David Pomeranz, known for writing his extraordinary songs for scores of artists like Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Freddie Mercury, Richie Sambora, Danny Gokey, Kenny Rogers, The Hollies, Clay Aiken, Dennis De Young (of Styx), Phoebe Snow, Billy Dean, Lea Salonga, The Carpenters, Glen Campbell, John Denver, The Muppets, Donna Summer and Missy Elliott, has just signed an exclusive Worldwide Publishing Administration deal with Warner Chappell and is thrilled about re-establishing his long-time association with the Company. 

David Pomeranz  is an American singer, composer, lyricist, and writer for musical theater. He is also an ambassador for Operation Smile.

The Åhus-based Malin Östh Band has had performance after performance 

sold out during their gigs through Skåne.

Kiviks Hotell, Café Årum, Jazz Club Blue Bird, Vinterlust, Borgen in Osby 

and Kristianstads Teaterförening are some of the venues in the local area 

that have taken part in the band's performances.

The band was formed in autumn 2018 and plays swing and jazz.

In their diversified repertoire they cover Alice Babs, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, 

Stacey Kent, Barbara Streisand, Rigmor Gustafsson, Lisa Nilsson and Sonya 

Hedenbratt to name a few. Malin Östh Band performs these versions with passion and fervor.

Check them out on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/KmglHh6LgD4

Look out Rinkaby, Sweden, the Canadians are coming! They say good things come in threes and this summer three seasoned Canadian recording artists are setting sail for Sweden to prove that axiom true.

Canadian-born Lisa Hartt, Barry Stagg and Don Graham are packing their stories, songs and six strings and heading across the sea to hit the stages at the Lilla By Festival in Rinkaby on the Baltic Sea. This is the 3rd year of this festival, founded and produced by Jonas Tancred and Malin Östh, both performers in the successful Swedish duo Bara Jonson and Free.

Don Graham performed at last year’s 3^rd Annual Lilly By Festivalen and it will be the first time for Hartt and Stagg to experience the magic of the “little festival” by the bay. This is Don’s second year playing at the event and he is thrilled to be joined stages this year with both Lisa and Barry who has known for most of his early musical career days in Canada.