JAZZ.FM91 proudly presents the fifth season of Discover Women in Jazz, in collaboration with the Pat and Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts and support from the Brian Facey and Julie Soloway Fund for the Arts.
JAZZ.FM91 is committed to entertaining, inspiring, and connecting our community through inclusive, high-quality programming, education, and storytelling. As Canada’s only 24/7 all-jazz radio broadcaster and a charitable arts organization, we embrace our responsibility to champion greater equity and diversity in the arts.
This concert series promotes, champions and highlights women’s contributions to jazz as musicians, composers, lyricists and bandleaders and has featured artists such as Joy Lapps, Debi Botos, Joanna Majoko, Virginia MacDonald and more.
Discover Women in Jazz features five artists from the Greater Toronto Area selected by an informed panel consisting of artist/educator/JAZZ.FM91 Board member Shirantha Beddage, former educator/former JAZZ.FM91 Board member Catherine Mitro, former Discover Women in Jazz featured artists Virginia MacDonald and Joy Lapps-Lewis, and former Jazzology featured artist Ewen Farncombe.
Through this program, JAZZ.FM91 offers these talented women support, space, funding and marketing to foster their careers.
One concert will be broadcast live to air and live-streamed to YouTube each week from Thursday, July 31 through Thursday, Aug 28. Concert dates are: July 31st, August 8, August 14, August 21, and August 28. Each concert will take place between 8 to 9 p.m. ET.
Plus, tune in to Jazzology, supported by RBC Foundation on JAZZ.FM91 each Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. ET between July 30 and August 31 to get to know more about this year’s artists leading up to their concerts.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Madelein ertel – July 31st
Madeleine Ertel is a trumpeter, composer, and arranger known for her melodic approach. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Trumpet Performance from the University of Toronto (2020) and became active in the Toronto music scene, playing in ensembles like Brodie West’s Eucalyptus. A two-time finalist for the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Emerging Jazz Artist Award (2022, 2023), she studied composition with David Braid and attended the Engelsholm Jazz Workshop. In 2021, she participated in the Banff Musicians in Residence program. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Jazz Composition at the Jazz-Institut Berlin.
Racha Moukalled – August 7th
Racha Moukalled is a Lebanese vibraphonist and pianist based in Toronto. Originally studying jazz piano at York University, she discovered a passion for the vibraphone and improvisation. Inspired by artists like Bobby Hutcherson, Joel Ross, and Ziad El Rahbani, her music blends emotional expression with playful experimentation. Her work often explores the intersection of sound and visual art, as seen in her 2022 Women from Space Festival project inspired by Hilma af Klint. A self-taught musician for much of her life, Racha now teaches privately and performs with local groups including The Shop, Orbital Ensemble, Never Was, and Triio.
Micaela Rae – August 14th
Micaela Rae is a Toronto-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her lyrically rich and intricate compositions. Beginning her musical journey at age ten, she later studied jazz voice at Humber Polytechnic, drawing inspiration from vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Cecile McLorin Salvant. Her debut EP “Saccharine” (2024) showcases four originals and a reimagined jazz standard, highlighting her expressive guitar work. Influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, Micaela performs regularly in Toronto and is excited to join the 2025 Discover Women in Jazz series.
Grace Jiji Gayle – August 21st
Grace ‘Jiji’ Gayle is a powerhouse vocalist whose roots began in the West Toronto Church of God. A graduate of Humber College’s Vocal Jazz program, she’s become a sought-after collaborator, performing with artists like Daniel Caesar, Jully Black, and Kim Burrell, and sharing stages with legends including Stevie Wonder and Mariah Carey. Her voice has been featured in film, TV, and commercial projects, and in 2021 she released her debut album Living, Loving, Learning. Grace is also a member of the Juno Award-winning Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale.
Aretha Tilloston – August 28
Aretha Tillotson is a Canadian bassist, composer, and bandleader, known for her dynamic performances and thoughtful compositions. She has toured across North America with artists like Kris Davis, Walter Smith III, and the Jensen sisters. Her debut album Introducing Aretha Tillotson (Bent River Records) won the 2024 Western Canadian Music Award for Jazz Artist of the Year. Her upcoming release, Kinda Out West (Nov 2025), features Ingrid and Christine Jensen and Dave Laing. A Berklee Global Jazz Masters graduate, Aretha studied with John Patitucci and Linda May Han Oh. She has performed with Mick Flannery and in the Broadway and Mirvish Theatre productions of SIX, and currently teaches bass and theory at MacEwan University.