The Canadian Artists Network Announces 'Creativity Forever' The Canadian Artists Network Annual Conference

Thu Oct 03 2024
The Canadian Artists Network

The Canadian Artists Network is thrilled to be bringing Creativity Forever [formerly Maintaining Creativity] back for its ninth year from October 28 to November 1, 2024. Sharing perspectives on how creators maintain vibrant artistic careers while surmounting the challenges of ageing, this year’s event will feature speakers from visual art, theatre, dance, film, music and journalism streams. The conference will be available to attendees from coast to coast to coast via Zoom.

Register here: Conference - CanArtNet

Three engaging chapters, spaced over the three days of the conference, will focus on the physical and mental health benefits of creativity, how the ageing process and other circumstances impact our creative process over the years, and the importance of mentoring and intergenerational collaboration.

The conference opens with legendary Canadian actor and singer [and CAN board member] Tom Jackson delivering the land acknowledgement and a presentation of his music video I’m Not Saying, I’m Just Saying.

Master Tour Announces Partnership With Berklee College Of Music To Support Next Generation Of Touring Professionals

Thu Oct 03 2024
Master Tour Announces Partnership With Berklee College Of Music

Equipping up-and-coming tour professionals with Master Tour’s state-of-the-art tools

Industry-leading software Master Tour, is partnering with the Berklee Popular Music Institute (BPMI) at Berklee College of Music to bring its platform to the next generation of tour professionals. Through this partnership, students in the institute’s BPMI Live program will learn about Master Tour through the course curriculum. Students will be granted access to the platform to manage events and concerts on campus–invaluable early exposure to the software that they will almost certainly encounter in their careers following graduation.

Women In Music Launches Eq Live Presented By Sirius XM Canada

Fri Sep 27 2024
Women In Music

TORONTO, ON – September 24, 2024 – Women In Music Canada is thrilled to announce the launch of EQLive, presented by SiriusXM Canada. EQLive is an exciting new showcase series dedicated to uplifting women and gender-diverse artists and crews as they develop toward the biggest stages. This fall marks the inaugural season, with live performances scheduled in Calgary (October 19), Whitehorse (October 30), Ottawa (November 29), and Toronto (December 20). Each event will feature affordable ticket pricing ($15 - $25) and, where possible, will be streamed nationwide to maximize reach and opportunity. Visit eqlive.ca for details.

The Irish Descendants Christmas 2024 tours Atlantic Canada and Ontario, November 22 - December 22

Fri Sep 27 2024
The Irish Descendants Christmas 2024 tours

Enjoy festive tunes, tales and merriment in The Irish Descendants Christmas 2024 starring multi award-winning Newfoundland folk group, The Irish Descendants with longtime front man Con O’Brien. The group will be joined by Mark Manning and Aaron Collis of the popular Newfoundland folk band, Rum Ragged, creating a powerful ensemble that will tour throughout Atlantic Canada and Ontario, November 22 – December 22. 

Our Lady Peace Announce 30th Anniversary Tour With Collective Soul

Fri Sep 27 2024
Our Lady Peace

Olp30 Tour Kicks Off February 2025 With Dates Across Canada
Pre-Sale Begins Thursday, September 26, 2024

In celebration of their 30-year career, iconic Canadian rock band Our Lady Peace (OLP) has announced their highly anticipated OLP30 Tour, kicking off in February 2025 with shows across Canada, including the Avenir Centre in Moncton, March 12 and the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax on March 13.

Following the release of OLP30 Vol. One—featuring the new single “Sound The Alarm”—this tour will be a powerful tribute to the band's three-decade legacy and an unforgettable experience for fans both old and new.

Our Lady Peace will revisit their biggest hits and introduce new tracks. Each performance will celebrate the band’s evolution while delivering an energetic, one-of-a-kind show.

Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Francine Honey Announces Retirement From The Road, Clears The Decks For Rockets In My Boots, Vol II

Fri Sep 27 2024
Francine Honey Photo Credit Jeff Fasano

A feeling of transition emanates from every note of musical treasure in Francine Honey’s focus single, “Unfinished Business.” And that’s totally appropriate for an artist who’s in the midst of taking stock of her past while charting a bold change in her career trajectory, including announcing her retirement from the road and concentrating on the studio.

Inspired by a dream Honey once had of a timeless love in a canyon, the song explores the themes of destiny, choice and possibilities. But its implications are significantly more personal than that. Her musical vision conjures up memories of relationships that ended badly and finds her wondering if she would ever be find real love. Picturesque lyrical images of canyon dust filling the air and white smoke “rising up in prayer” contribute to an eerie Western gothic in which those ghost riders in the sky may be specters of a now-painful past—or guides into a promising unknown. The song sticks with you long after the final chord has been struck, leaving a sensation of wistful hopefulness that’s the perfect metaphor for where Honey now finds herself as an artist.

Pop Singer/Songwriter Peter Foldy Has a Remedy for the Alienation Blues in “Toxic World (Remastered)”

Fri Sep 27, 2024

Photo Credit: Jonathan Stoddard

Has it ever struck you that this planet we all share might be getting … well, meaner? Colder? Less conducive to a rewarding, peaceful time for everybody who has to live here? Peter Foldy has certainly noticed. And on the lead track from his new EP entitled “Toxic World (Remastered),” the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter declares his dismay over the situation in no uncertain terms. 

Will someone tell me what’s going on?” he sings, over a deceptively skipping rhythm and a rolling acoustic-guitar figure that make for a perfectly ironic counterpoint to the grave subject matter. “People talking hate, they don’t know right from wrong.

Canada's Teen Jam Announces Second Finalists Showcase Due to Overwhelming Submissions

Fri Sep 20 2024
Canada's Teen Jam

Canada’s Teen Jam is thrilled to announce a second Finalists Showcase due to an overwhelming number of submissions. Mark your calendars for February 27, 2025, when the nation’s most talented teen musicians will take the stage at the iconic TD Music Hall. The October 10, 2024, showcase is now officially complete, and the response has been nothing short of phenomenal.

Renowned live music producer Mark Higgins, the visionary founder of Canada’s Teen Jam and Big Music Fest, which has featured legendary acts like Aerosmith, Soundgarden, Bryan Adams, Slash, The Tragically Hip, and ZZ Top, shared his enthusiasm for the program's success:

 "Our Discovery Program is creating the next generation of musical superstars, and I only wish I had started this program a decade ago," said Higgins. "Teen musical growth is absolutely essential for the future of our music industry! Without supporting our musical teens, the creative wall will stop."

 The October 10, 2024, showcase at TD Music Hall promises an unforgettable evening as these young artists take the stage to share their talent and passion.

Toronto’s Kensington Market Jazz Festival – Led By Molly Johnson – Announces Lineup For September 27-29

Fri Sep 20 2024
Kensington Market Jazz Festival

Cue the scatted syllables and snapping fingers: The Kensington Market Jazz Festival is returning to the streets of Toronto the weekend of Sept. 27-29, 2024. And when it arrives, it won’t be as just a revered local tradition, but the embodiment of an enduring vision. This ninth edition of the annual salute to all that jazz will make good on legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.O.C.’s ongoing, dogged determination to fill the city’s beloved heritage district with the sounds and sensations of musical excellence—and to do it better each and every time.

youtube.com/channel/UCSlJBByVP0JA-8x2_IFrwzA

Last year’s KMJF saw more than 200 world-class players and vocal stylists taking the stage for a whopping 92 performances, in a best-yet showcase of the rich diversity of Canadian jazz. The 2024 schedule is poised to top even that landmark success, with a stunning assemblage of talent delivering a shot of musical adrenaline straight into the vibrant heart of Toronto.

Gary Richardson Going Home

Fri Sep 20 2024
Gary Richardson

Veteran singer songwriter, Gary Richardson has taken a musical journey from Odessa, Texas to Austin, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada to Los Angeles, California to Montreal, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario and back home. With years of experience and wisdom behind him, Gary has found himself back where it all started in Odessa, Texas,

“Musicians never really retire. Unlike athletes who retire in their 40s and younger, we can keep going into our advanced years and actually even get better than we were when we were younger. I’ve been very fortunate in my musical journey. I’ve been in show bands in Vegas, country bands, soul bands, rock bands, and solo gigs and recorded in some of the finest studios in the world with some of the best musicians in the world. Matter of fact, we’re just remastered and released an album I did in the 70s in Los Angeles called American Standard. Check it out wherever you stream your music from,” Gary said from his home in Odessa. “But the real highlight for me is this new single we just released called “Going Home”. Of all the things I recorded this is the most honest representation of how I feel and who I am. I’m really proud of this record.”

Shelley Hamilton, Canada's Black Country Music Queen Makes History

Fri Sep 20, 2024

Photo Credits: Danielle Blancher

Shelley Hamilton's dynamic lead vocals are on full display in the single "Carry On" with a release date October 3rd, 2024. This reconversion of the song creates an entirely new space for the historically rooted music genre of country reggae.

The new rendition of "Carry On" is produced by Canadian reggae band Reggaddiction and is featured on their latest album "Reggae Rodeo". It's an exciting collaboration and a ground-breaking part of Canadian music history. "Carry On" blends country music with Jamaican reggae to create a unique genre: Canadian Country Reggae.

Shelley Hamilton can’t be pigeonholed into a specific sound or category; her talent is all-encompassing with a sound and style all of her own.

I caught up with her manager Lynx Dean at his home here in Toronto, Canada.

“Talent like Shelley comes along once in a lifetime. Honestly, she could sing the phone book and the audience would love it.”

Lynx Dean is no stranger to success, being the lead of the popular band, Random Order, who broke into the scene in the 90’s and have a huge following to this day.

Bill King – Rhythms of a Lifetime

Fri Sep 13, 2024

"Rhythms of a Lifetime" is the only way to describe Bill King's multifaceted career, from his beginnings as a musician, (which he still is to this day) his transition into writing, mentoring and his passion for photography. ((First Photo Credit Bill King Vintage photo says it all)

Lee Underwood and Linda Ronstadt off to Rehearsal 1968 Photo Credit Bill King
Lee Underwood and Linda Ronstadt off to Rehearsal 1968 Photo Credit Bill King

Bill's creative journey has been marked by exploration, innovation, and a willingness to constantly change with the times. His experiences offer valuable insights into the artistic process, the music industry, and the power of reinvention, combined with his ongoing passion, curiosity and tenacity.

Toronto Classical Crossover Artist Elisa Rose Shines Light On Autism With Inspiring "You're My Everything" and Performs At Autism Benefit Concert Sept. 12

Sun Sep 08 2024
Autism Benefit Concert Sept. 12

Soprano vocalist Rose will perform alongside Songsbury and Elvis tribute artist Bruno Nesci at a benefit concert for Surrey Place on Sept. 12 at The Venetian Banquet Hall in Concord, Ontario; Tickets are $85 and include an open bar and l'antipasto bar.

Tickets Available here:  https://elisaroseofficial.com/

CJ Cooper - Crossing Borders Building Bridges

Fri Sep 06 2024
CJ Cooper Photo Credit Per Jahnke

CJ Cooper has packed a lot into her short 24 years on this planet. Reading her list of musical accomplishments you realize how far she’s already come in such a short period of time. She has already released two albums, has performed for companies like National Bank Open, Sportsnet, TD Bank, and the CFL. She has open for Biff Naked at Canadian Music Week and played at the London Music Hall.

And this summer CJ got to take it to the next level. As an award winner in the Music In Motion Canada contest she was invited to perform at the 4th Annual Lilla By Festivalen in Rinkaby, Sweden. This was an opportunity to perform in front of a global live audience and delegates from around the world and representatives of major events. Her performances included a main stage set and a set in the more intimate and personal setting in the Kanada Barn.

Listen on Spotify here: open.spotify.com/artist/6HzCzSnCZEUNqSl8j6fMfz

“It was my first time performing overseas so I was excited and a little nervous. But more so a nervousness of anticipation rather than of fear.”

Deadline September 10th for the Special Offer to Register a .MUSIC Domain

Fri Sep 06 2024
global community

Cashbox Canada Yourname.MUSIC Domain GIFT Only 4 days left to Claim the First Year FREE!

There are only 4 days left (by September 10th) to claim your Cashbox Canada gift of the first year free of your .MUSIC domain (ID verification of only $1.99 per domain), SmartBadge QR Code & SmartPage (landing page/linktree) with no hosting costs or web design fees. The .MUSIC SmartPage is built to maximize SEO optimization of all your links including Social Channels, DSPs, as well as additional brand sites, Wikipedia etc.

Drake Jensen Releases Poignant Cover of Bruce Cockburn’s "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" Amid Rising Violence Against LGBTQ+ Communities

Fri Aug 30, 2024

Drake Jensen Releases Poignant Cover of Bruce Cockburn’s "Lovers in a Dangerous Time" Amid Rising Violence Against LGBTQ+ Communities

Acclaimed LGBTQ+ artist Drake Jensen is set to release his powerful new single, "Lovers in a Dangerous Time," a cover of the iconic Bruce Cockburn song, on August 14, 2024.  This release comes at a critical moment as the world witnesses a troubling surge in violence against LGBTQ+ communities across the globe.

A Timely Anthem for Resilience and Love:
"Lovers In a Dangerous Time" is more than just a cover; it is a deeply resonant anthem that speaks to the fears, struggles, and unwavering resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals facing increased hostility and violence.  Originally penned by Bruce Cockburn in the 1980s during a period of social unrest, the song’s message of love and resistance is as relevant today as it was then.

In Its 9th Year, Toronto’s Kensington Market Jazz Festival – Led By Molly Johnson – Back For September 27-29

Fri Aug 23 2024
Kensington Market Jazz Festival

Cue the scatted syllables and snapping fingers: The Kensington Market Jazz Festival is returning to the streets of Toronto the weekend of Sept. 27-29, 2024. And when it arrives, it won’t be as just a revered local tradition, but the embodiment of an enduring vision. This ninth edition of the annual salute to all that jazz will make good on legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.O.C.’s ongoing, dogged determination to fill the city’s beloved heritage district with the sounds and sensations of musical excellence—and to do it better each and every time.

youtube.com/channel/UCSlJBByVP0JA-8x2_IFrwzA

Last year’s KMJF saw more than 200 world-class players and vocal stylists taking the stage for a whopping 92 performances, in a best-yet showcase of the rich diversity of Canadian jazz. The 2024 schedule is poised to top even that landmark success, with a stunning assemblage of talent delivering a shot of musical adrenaline straight into the vibrant heart of Toronto.

Standby for artist announcement and details on times of performances!

COLIN JAMES Adds Heavy Hitters to the Line-Up on The Newly Released Album "Chasing the Sun"

Fri Aug 23, 2024

To a recording artist, having a bunch of big-name guests on your album can be a double-edged sword: It’ll get you some attention, sure, but there’s always the danger you’ll find yourself pushed out of the limelight—a supporting player in your own production.

Fortunately, no one elbows Colin James into the wings. With nearly four decades in the business—and an armload of sales records and peer accolades to show for it—the Vancouver blues-rocker has thrown open the door to welcome a house party’s worth of friends and mentors on his 21st and latest, Chasing the Sun. Appearances by the legendary likes of Charlie Musselwhite, Lucinda Williams, Darryl Jones and Charley Drayton energize an album that cooks with the intensity of a thousand spotless reputations. But the formula remains 100-proof James throughout—a distillation of the singular and passionate vision that’s enshrined him in the hearts of millions of record buyers worldwide as a musician’s musician.

Toronto’s Liss Gallery Celebrates The Rock Visions Of Legendary Photographer Bob Gruen

Fri Aug 16 2024
John Lennon

September 3, 2024 – October 5, 2024: Liss Gallery, 112 Cumberland Street, Toronto

If you’ve ever thumbed through a music magazine or gazed in admiration at a poster of a legendary rock star, the chances are good you were looking at the work of Bob Gruen. From his iconic portraits of John Lennon in New York to his seminal studies of the punk explosion of the late 1970s, Gruen has been at the forefront of capturing our culture heroes on camera for over half a century. And now the public gets to see the proof up close via a retrospective exhibit of his absolutely electric rock photography at Toronto’s Liss Gallery.