Originally from Créteil, French pianist Simon Denizart arrived in Montreal in 2011 and wasted no time in getting his music heard.
Initially working with the Canadian label The 270 Sessions, he produced three albums, Between Two Worlds (2015), Beautiful People (2016) and Darkside (2017). This productive period earned him the Radio-Canada Revelation award in 2016 and two ADISQ nominations in 2017 and 2018.
Released in 2021 on the Laborie Jazz label, his fourth album NOMAD offers a dynamic and original encounter between the piano and the calabash. It was again nominated for an ADISQ award in the Album of the Year Jazz category that same year.
Critically acclaimed, “Croyez-nous c’est un sacré talent” (Radio-Canada), “Simon Denizart, retenez bien son nom!” (FIP – Jane Villenet), he performs all over the world (France, Canada, Czech Republic, Cuba, etc.) and leaves no one indifferent.
“Simon Denizart is a pianist in a class of his own, with obvious jazz influences, but also rock, world music and even neo-classical music” (Jérôme Davieau, sors-tu.ca). “Cultivating a fluid, dynamic sound that brings him very close to the late Swedish pianist Esbjörn Svensson” (Christophe Rodriguez, sortiesjazznights.ca), he plays sensitive, energizing music, sprinkled with subtle, accessible melodies.
In 2023 he began a new collaboration with the prestigious Canadian label Justin Time Records, which produced his forthcoming fifth album: Piece of Mind.
With his debut solo album, To Begin With, Ritesh Das invites listeners to join him on a groundbreaking musical voyage that seamlessly blends the vibrant mastery of the tabla and transcends borders with a fusion of genres. This energetic and visionary album is a harmonious blend of meditation, psychology, and celebration.
The second single and music video from this album, “Forgiveness of Trees,” as a distinctive blend of tabla and rock and roll, featuring the raw vocals of Canadian rock icon Bif Naked and the powerful guitar work of Ash Ravens.
Das’s solo venture unfolds a new chapter in his illustrious career as the celebrated leader and founder of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble. The 66-year-old percussion maestro, originally from Calcutta and now based in Toronto, exhibits a sophisticated celebration of artistry in “To Begin With.”
Crafted during a time when travel was no longer an option, Das mastered composing and recording software, leveraging technology and his home studio. The album not only highlights his diverse musical skills but also features a unique fusion of live instrumentation with programmed beats, samples and orchestral instruments.
“To Begin With” includes collaborations with world-class talents, such as the Montreal klezmer outfit Oktopus (‘Ot Azoy’), Egyptian vocalist Maryem Tollar, and sarod maestro Manik Khan (‘Ta Alu Nitabill’), along with Canadian rocker Bif Naked (‘Forgiveness of Trees’).
Ritesh Das, a tabla virtuoso, and the visionary founder of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble, has played a pivotal role in shaping the global music scene since the early 1970s. Born in Calcutta, India, Das embarked on a remarkable career marked by innovation and cultural fusion. As the artistic director of the Juno-nominated Toronto Tabla Ensemble, he seamlessly blends traditional tabla rhythms with diverse musical elements from around the world. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional music has earned him recognition and acclaim, establishing him as a respected authority in the world of percussion and fusion. Das’s influence extends to music education, where he imparts his knowledge and passion for tabla to aspiring musicians.
Bif Naked is a celebrated and notorious performer in music, TV, film, and dance; a writer and poet; and a tireless advocate and humanitarian. Orphaned in India, emancipated by punk rock, and empowered by surviving breast cancer, kidney failure, heart surgery, divorce, and surviving as a Woman in The Entertainment Industry for twenty-five years. Bif is a platinum-selling recording artist, a best-selling author, a passionate entrepreneur, and advises and coaches other artists as a mentor and manager. She is an animal rights and human rights advocate and activist, there is nothing that could stop her! Bif has transcended any obstacles placed in her path to become one of the world’s most unique, recognizable and beloved icons.
Nominated for ‘Newcomer of the Year 2022’ by Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, and recipient of the SEED Award by City of Ottawa; the Bangladesh born, globe-trotting artist Ash Ravens has made Ottawa his home in 2021 after living & playing in Melbourne, Australia and Los Angeles, USA. Although he is new to the Canadian music scene, he is already making waves blessed with a recognizable sound full of guitar driven songs and virtuosic instrumentals and has performed in RBC Bluesfest, Citysounds Festival and Encore Ottawa. With musical talent to bridge the many genres in his music from rock to country; an electrifying stage presence backed by a solid band composed of Ottawa’s best musicians, Ash Ravens is a musical treat to experience.
The collaboration with Bif Naked and Ash Ravens on “Forgiveness of Trees” was inspired by a shared concern for nature and its impact on the environment. Das, impressed by Bif’s sensitivity, proposed the theme of “trees” for their collaboration, prompting her to write this song pleading for forgiveness from the trees and nature itself.
This release offers a glimpse into Das’s ability to seamlessly blend musical traditions and create impactful narratives that resonate globally. The varied sonic landscapes exhibit a dynamic blend of spirituality and technology, forming a soundtrack for a globe-trotting adventure film.
Das, a multifaceted artist with a storied career, reflects on his journey from Calcutta to Toronto and the evolution of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble. Having crossed Canada multiple times and mesmerized audiences internationally, Das’s compositions have earned recognition, including nominations for Global Music Awards, Independent Music Awards and Juno Awards.
As a restless artist, Das is already looking ahead to his next solo release, demonstrating his commitment to continual exploration. With projects ranging from radio-station themes to orchestral compositions, film scoring opportunities, and a return to performing with the Ensemble, Das’s inventive spirit continues to shape the musical landscape.
Get Into the Groove with our new print celebrating pop songs from the 80s.
The 80s was the decade that gave us big hair, massive shoulder pads and GIGANTIC pop songs. Dorothy’s NEW print celebrates 42 pop songs from this era by bands and artists including Duran Duran, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney, Frankie and Prince. Expect a Power Ballad or two! You can get it here.
A deep-dive into the unique connections between the two titans of the British cultural psyche—the Beatles and the Bond films—and what they tell us about class, sexuality, and our aspirations over sixty dramatic years.
The Beatles are the biggest band in the history of pop music. James Bond is the single most successful movie character of all time. They are also twins. Dr No, the first Bond film, and Love Me Do, the first Beatles record, were both released on the same day: Friday 5 October 1962. Most countries can only dream of a cultural export becoming a worldwide phenomenon on this scale. For Britain to produce two iconic successes on this level, on the same windy October afternoon, is unprecedented.
Bond and the Beatles present us with opposing values, visions of the British culture, and ideas about sexual identity. Love and Let Die is the story of a clash between working class liberation and establishment control, and how it exploded on the global stage. It explains why James Bond hated the Beatles, why Paul McCartney wanted to be Bond, and why it was Ringo who won the heart of a Bond Girl in the end.
Told over a period of sixty dramatic years, this is an account of how two outsized cultural phenomena continue to define American aspirations, fantasies, and our ideas about ourselves. Looking at these two touchstones in this new context will forever change how you see the Beatles, the James Bond films, and six decades of cross-Atlantic popular culture.
Skyzz, the pop singer known for his 2021 risqué summer anthem “Lento Y Pegadito,” drops his newest single, “Without You.” This latest offering delivers an enticing combination of Top 40 and pop elements, guaranteed to touch on that soft spot for his audience.
Growing up with a love of music, Skyzz found his passion when he played drums at a young age, revealing his natural talent for the instrument. So talented that at age 17, he used his dream and a pair of drumsticks to pursue his music career further. His musical influences draw from Alternative Rock, R&B, and Reggaeton. However, deep down, Skyzz’s inspiration originates from his Belizean foundation.
In late 2022, Skyzz curated a concert at the renowned Don on Danforth to ceremonialize his latest EP, “Skyzz.” This moment, alongside winning Manitoba’s CJ107’s title of Most Talented Performer in 2017, demonstrates his technical skill and ability to draw an audience.
The inspiration for “Without You” stemmed from the sudden and tragic passing of his best friend, pillar of strength and lifelong confidant. From this sorrow, Skyzz had to mold an avenue for his healing, as the loss, he shares, “was simply too great to endure.” But with help from his longtime friend and mentor, Michelle Gold, Skyzz saw the need to tell his story through the development and production of “Without You.”
“Sometimes, in the face of inconceivable loss, we forget that the world will go on and death is simply a part of life that cannot be avoided,” he adds on, “even for the ones we love most.”
He continues, “I made this song in the hopes that someone who is facing tragedy, be it loss of life or the loss of love, understands that they are not alone.”
“Without You” tugs on the heartstrings and takes the listener on a journey of grief and emotional discovery. The production on its own feels nostalgic, Skyzz’s emotion through his singing reverberates throughout the song from start to end. Only a few artists manage to force the listener to take on their frame of mind. Skyzz does this effortlessly, and one can hope that anyone experiencing loss can survive it and learn to endure “even if the world is forever less beautiful without them.”
Available now, the 36th episode of the heartfelt podcast “Remembering with Jeff Sammut” will be released here and various podcast platforms. Hosted by Jeff Sammut, host of Canada Now on SiriusXM Canada, this special episode serves as a poignant tribute to Jeff’s late father, Emmanuel Sammut, who battled Alzheimer’s and passed away in 2021.
In a deeply moving and personal episode, Jeff Sammut invites listeners to join him on a unique journey of remembrance with featured guest none other than Rita Sammut, Emmanuel’s devoted wife of over half a century and his primary caregiver during his battle with Alzheimer’s.
Jeff reflects on the significance of “Remembering” and its unexpected evolution throughout the year. The podcast, born out of a simple idea, has blossomed into a platform where Jeff has had the privilege of delving into the lives of remarkable guests across various fields, from pop culture and sports to music. For the concluding episode of the year, Jeff chooses to make it deeply personal, sharing his family’s journey and highlighting the importance of open conversations about Alzheimer’s.
By openly discussing his family’s experience with Alzheimer’s, Jeff hopes to encourage listeners to share their own stories and support organizations dedicated to battling this challenging illness.
“I hope the listeners are encouraged to speak out about their experiences with Alzheimer’s and support societies and foundations who do amazing work in battling this illness and supporting caregivers,” says Jeff. He further encourages listeners, regardless of their experiences with Alzheimer’s, to engage in meaningful conversations with their loved ones.
In a harmonious celebration of the holiday season, Tom Jackson’s The Huron Carole – Angels Without Wings – proudly announces multiple television presentations. Following its APTN premiere December 14, expect 9 encore presentations from December 18-26, on-demand viewing on APTN Lumi, and 3 airings on Eastlink Community TV. This iconic variety concert, taped at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax, promises an unforgettable experience of seasonal music, featuring stellar performances by renowned artists.
Immerse yourself in the magic of The Huron Carole, a musical journey curated on the ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq people. The special showcases unique interpretations of classic tunes by a lineup of extraordinary talents, including Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Loreena McKennitt, Beverley Mahood, Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Andrea Menard, PIQSIQ, and Shannon Gaye.
Noteworthy additions to the cast include Sullivan’s Crossing stars Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, and Scott Patterson, who will guide viewers on how to contribute to a noble cause during the broadcast. This collaboration serves as a heartfelt call to action, encouraging viewers to help The Huron Carole save lives.
For those compelled to make a difference, please consider contributing to Emergency Management at the Canadian Red Cross by visiting their dedicated donation link here.
Join us on this musical odyssey as we come together in the spirit of giving, embracing the joy of the season, and extending a helping hand to Canadians in need. The Huron Carole promises an evening of heartwarming performances and charitable endeavors.
Please visit huroncarole.ca for artist info, viewing times and how to watch on APTN Lumi.
Today, stand-up comedian, actress, filmmaker and activist Ilana Glazer announced her 2024 live comedy tour across North America. The 20-date Ilana Glazer Live! run kicks off on Thursday, January 18 in Kingston, NY at Ulster Performing Arts Center, with stops in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Portland, Chicago, New York and more before wrapping up on Thursday, May 2 in Toronto, ON at Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre.
Ilana Glazer is a creator and comedian who co-created and co-starred in the critically acclaimed series BROAD CITY. Her debut stand-up comedy special, THE PLANET IS BURNING is on Amazon Prime, and her film FALSE POSITIVE which she co-wrote and starred in, was produced by A24 and available on Hulu. She was also cast in the film ROUGH NIGHT and THE AFTERPARTY for Apple TV+. Ilana is the co-founder of the non-profit Generator Collective, which was founded in 2016. Generator Collective defines minimal civic engagement and aims to humanize policy through people-powered stories on social media. Ilana is currently on tour for ILANA GLAZER LIVE, performing stand up comedy across the country.
ILANA GLAZER LIVE! 2024 TOUR DATES:
Thu Jan 18 – Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center
Fri Jan 19 – Englewood, NJ – Bergen Performing Arts Center
Mon Jan 29 – San Diego, CA – Balboa Theatre
Thu Jan 30 – Pomona, CA – Fox Theater
Thu Feb 01 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Fri Feb 02 –Monterey, CA – Golden State Theatre
Wed Feb 07 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
Thu Feb 08 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
Fri Feb 09 – Portland, OR – Newmark Theatre
Tue Feb 13 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
Thu Feb 15 – Los Angeles, CA – The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Thu Mar 07 – Coral Springs, FL – Coral Springs Center For The Arts
Wed Mar 13 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
Thu Mar 14 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theater
Sun Apl 07 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Wed Apr 10 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tue Apr 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Orpheum Theatre
Thu Apr 25 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre
Wed May 01 – Montreal, QC – L’Olympia
Thu May 02 – Toronto, ON – Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Center
GRAMMY-nominated Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has confirmed “Bewitched: The Goddess Tour” for spring 2024. The tour will see Laufey performing in notable venues across North America including multiple nights at the Masonic Theatre in San Francisco, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Radio City
Music Hall in New York City, The Anthem in Washington DC, and more, as well as a special performance in London at the Royal Albert Hall. General on sale begins Friday, December 8 at 10am local time.
The new dates follow Laufey’s completely sold out North American tour this fall and UK/European tour next February/March in celebration of her critically acclaimed album Bewitched. The album, which was released in September, broke the record as the biggest debut for a jazz album on Spotify in history, and debuted at #2 on Spotify’s Global and U.S. Album Charts, as well as #23 on the Billboard 200 (just behind the debuts from Olivia Rodrigo, and V from BTS), #1 on Billboard’s Independent Albums Chart, #1 on Current Traditional Jazz Albums Chart. More recently, Bewitched was nominated for “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album” at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards and the album’s hit single “From The Start” is now RIAA-certified GOLD in the U.S., as well as GOLD in Australia and Canada.
Los Angeles-based Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy) was raised between Reykjavík and Washington, D.C. with annual visits to Beijing. In 2020, while still a student at Berklee College of Music, Laufey released her debut single “Street by Street,” which went on to top the Icelandic radio charts. In 2022, she released her debut full-length, Everything I Know About Love, which reached #1 on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Album chart, featuring the popular track “Valentine” that peaked at #1 on the Spotify Jazz Chart. Today, she has over 1 billion streams across all platforms and is the biggest streaming artist from Iceland in the world.
LAUFEY LIVE
February 10—Dublin, Ireland—The Academy (Matinee) SOLD OUT
February 10—Dublin, Ireland—The Academy SOLD OUT
February 11—Glasgow, Scotland—SWG3 Galvanizers SOLD OUT
February 14—Manchester, UK—Albert Hall SOLD OUT
February 15—London, UK—EartH SOLD OUT
February 16—London, UK—EartH SOLD OUT
February 17—London, UK—EartH SOLD OUT
February 20—Paris, France—Le Trianon SOLD OUT
February 21—Brussels, Belgium—La Madeleine SOLD OUT
February 23—Hamburg, Germany—Grosse Freiheit 36 SOLD OUT
February 25—Stockholm, Sweden—Nalen SOLD OUT
February 26—Copenhagen, Denmark—Vega SOLD OUT
February 27—Berlin, Germany—Astra Kulturhaus SOLD OUT
February 29—Milan, Italy—Magazzini Generali SOLD OUT
March 3—Lausanne, Switzerland—Les Docks SOLD OUT
March 5—Cologne, Germany—Carlswerk Victoria SOLD OUT
March 6—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Melkweg SOLD OUT
March 9—Reykjavík, Iceland—Eldborg Harpa SOLD OUT
March 10—Reykjavík, Iceland—Eldborg Harpa SOLD OUT
March 13—London, UK—Roundhouse SOLD OUT
April 8—Vancouver, BC—Queen Elizabeth Theatre
April 9—Seattle, WA—Paramount Theatre
April 12—San Francisco, CA—Masonic Theatre
April 13—San Francisco, CA—Masonic Theatre
April 16—Phoenix, AZ—Arizona Financial Theatre
April 18—Dallas, TX—Winspear Opera House
April 19—Austin, TX—Bass Concert Hall
April 20—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall
April 22—Atlanta, GA—The Tabernacle
April 23—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
April 25—Washington, DC—The Anthem
April 28—Chicago, IL—Chicago Theatre
April 30—Toronto, ON—Massey Hall
May 3—New York, NY—Radio City Music Hall
May 6—Philadelphia, PA—The Met
May 7—Boston, MA—Wang Theatre
May 16—London, UK—Royal Albert Hall
June 25—Pittsburgh PA—Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts (with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) SOLD OUT
June 28—Ottawa, ON—Ottawa Jazz Festival
June 29—Montreal, QC—Montreal International Jazz Festival August 7—Los Angeles, CA
Frank Turner’s award-winning festival, Lost Evenings, is heading to Canada for the first time on 19-22 September 2024 for its seventh instalment.
Having successfully sold out events in previous years in London, Berlin, Boston and Anaheim, California – the four-day festival will take place at the brand new Theatre at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. Promoted by Live Nation, the multi-stage event will occupy many rooms of the new venue providing a full programme of live music, panels, workshops and more.
Tickets for Lost Evenings VII are now available here.
Each night of the festival will see a different headline show from Frank Turner who over the course of four nights will play over 80 different songs. As is tradition, the opening night on Thursday 19th September will be an intimate Acoustic Duo show with Matt Nasir and friends; on Friday 20th September Frank and his band The Sleeping Souls play songs taken from the First Five Albums – ‘Sleep Is For The Week’, ‘Love, Ire & Song’, ‘Poetry Of The Deed’, ‘England Keep My Bones’ and ‘Tape Deck Heart’. On Saturday 21st September the band will play a punk rock set featuring tracks from the new as-yet unreleased and highly anticipated album. Then, for the last night on Sunday 22nd September a Greatest Hits Set will close the festivities.
Running concurrently across the weekend will be the second stage named as the Nick Alexander Stage. Named after the merchandise manager and long-time friend of Frank’s, who was tragically killed in the Paris, Bataclan attack in 2015 – the stage plays host to some of the best emerging acts – personally selected by Frank. The full line-up of acts for the two stages will be announced in due course.
Augmenting the evening live performances will be a full programme of additional activities under the banner of ‘Last Minutes’. These include pop-ups, open mic sessions and the Xtra Mile Recordings daytime showcase as well as panels, masterclasses and workshops where leading industry insiders, musicians, experts and music professionals offer insight and advice to audiences. More information to come.
Speaking about Lost Evenings VII, Frank says, “It’s my favourite time of year again, seems to keep coming around quicker. After a triumphant time in Anaheim this year, I’m pleased and proud to announce that the seventh instalment of my very own Lost Evenings festival will be taking place in Toronto in September 2024. The festival keeps growing, and Toronto is one of my favourite cities in the world, so it’s a perfect match. See you all in the Great White North.”
Thursday 19th September: Acoustic Duo Set with Matt Nasir
Friday 20th September: Losing Days – The First Five Albums
Saturday 21st September: Hard Core – New Album & Punk Rock Set
Sunday 22nd September: Greatest Hits
Weekend passes are available to buy at 10am EST / 3pm GMT / 4pm CET / 7am PST on Friday 8th December 2023. Day Tickets will be available at a later date but for now only Weekend Passes are available. The festival is an all-ages show.
The success of Frank Turner’s Lost Evenings Festival has been built steadily since 2017 as the festival continues to cement its reputation as an event with community and camaraderie at its core. The first two years were held at London’s Roundhouse and surrounding Camden venues, before its international debut at Boston’s House Of Blues in 2019. 2020’s event was due to take place in Berlin but was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic. It returned in 2021 to the Roundhouse in London, and finally made it to Berlin Columbiahalle the year after.
All events sold out in advance, with this year’s festival at House Of Blues, Anaheim, California selling out 9 months up front. Crowds packed out all the daytime satellite events, each stage from start to finish and of course coming together each evening to share and rejoice in 4 very different performances from Frank.
Lost Evenings won the AIM Best Independent Festival award in 2017.
