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Singer & Model ANNA Set To Launch J-Pop Music Explosion w/Debut Single “Someone Else”

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International singer, model, actor and multi-lingual artist ANNA, set to be the first global J-Pop star, will be introducing her brand of the genre and winning the hearts of fans around the world. Her first musical offering “Someone Else” (that includes both Japanese and English verses) will be released via Handcraft Entertainment/Virgin Records on July 26th and will be accompanied by a video that partners with top tier brands including Fendi and Christian Louboutin.

A rapid rise as an internationally renowned model (for some of the world’s most revered fashion houses), worldwide travel, years of formal dance training in multiple styles and innate creativity foretold Anna’s future as a global pop singer, songwriter, and performer. The 18-year-old half-Japanese and half Armenian artist draws on her dynamic professional background and upbringing to deliver energetic and identifiable anthems to Japanese and English-speaking audiences alike.

Linking up with GRAMMY® Award nominated multi-platinum producer Louis Bell (Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Camila Cabello, Halsey) and 6x Japan Gold Disc Winner, multi-platinum producer Michael Africk (Mai Kuraki, Zard, Jordan Knight) and is set to bring a new sound experience to fans around the world.

Growing up in front of the camera and splitting her time between Japan and Los Angeles, Anna eventually found herself in photo shoots for top-tier Japanese brands and in magazines, including Vivi and 25ans. As part of these editorial pieces, she notably modeled for some of the most influential fashion houses in the world, including Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Fendi and Louis Vuitton.

Drawing on her Japanese upbringing, she asserts herself as a voice for her culture, remaining reverent of its nuances and traditions and also leveraging them to distinguish her on the international stage as a singular artist. “When you listen to me, I want you to get a sense of inspiration,” says Anna. “I hope that maybe one of my songs will change your perspective or make you feel better about yourself. That’s the power of music. Hopefully, you have a good time too!”

“Someone Else” will be available on all digital outlets on July 26th, with the accompanying video being released on the same date.

Mindbender Supreme’s The King Of Queen Street, Features Chuck D, Saukrates, Shad, Dj Mel Boogie, Rich Kidd + More

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Rapper and journalist Mindbender Supreme drops his guest-filled double album, The King Of Queen Street, via Type A Records, out now. The Toronto artist created his 13th musical project with Toronto-based MCs, producers, DJs and photographers as an offering to rap history in the 50th anniversary year of hip hop culture.

“King of Queen Street is a concept album dedicated to my love of the Toronto music community, decade-plus of living on Queen Street, and my desire to make something special for Canadian rap history for the summer season on the 50th anniversary of hip hop,” says Mindbender Supreme. “I rounded up numerous unique producers, MCs, DJs and long-time musical friends and family to help wit this passion project intended to be inspirational edutainment in a time when hip hop seems to be lacking in the leadership and creativity it once had.”

The inventive album includes production by Saukrates, Rich Kidd, Tone Mason, Tough Dumplin, Junia-T, G. Stokes, Peppermint Noise Pollution, The Riksha, and guest features by DJ Mel Boogie, DJX, DJ Mensa, DJ Grouch and more. Cultural icons Chuck D of Public Enemy, Ernie Pannicioli (legendary hip hop photographer from New Jersey), JUNO Award-winning rap artist Shad, artist/activist Ian Kamau, and journalist/radio host Norman Otis Richmond also appear.

The first single, “The Love That Love Produced,” is an uptempo positivity anthem filled with three verses of witty wordplay delivered over a flute-sprinkled, bass-heavy boom-bap beat, crafted by Tough Dumplin, with live keys by Garry Kennebrew. It also samples rare Malcolm X passages where he spoke about love, self-expression and dancing,

“The song provides clever little reflections on intimacy, relationships, music lovers, family, and even a few pop culture references for comedic effect,” says Mindbender. “Ultimately, my message is basically this: it’s wonderful when the music’s hugging you.”

Mindbender Supreme has been a mainstay in Canadian hip hop for 25 years. Previous releases include the double album Beautiful Mutant (2004) and EPs Quarantine Wolf (2019) and Blindside (2020).

Under the name Addi Stewart, he is also a prominent journalist, who has interviewed such heavyweights as Kanye West, Nas, T.I., RZA, Method Man, John Legend, and Kool G. Rap, for various publications, including XXL, Pound Magazine, CBC, City on my Back, Swagg, and Now.

You may even have seen him as award-winning adult entertainer Malcolm Lovejoy (Toronto International P**n Festival’s 2017’s Golden Beaver Award; TIPF’s 2018’s Best Political Porn), under which he explores other avenues of self-expression and personal evolution.

Undoubtedly his other artistic work and discoveries emerge in the lyrics of The King of Queen Street. The song “50 Ways (Closure),” produced by and featuring Saukrates, speaks on modern relationships, dating, break-ups and the importance of closure. Another track, “Mr. Front Row,” produced by Rich Kidd, celebrates Mindbender Supreme’s history as a staple in the front row of countless musical events in Toronto arts history, as well as “Inner Child’s Hand,” featuring Mel Boogie and DJX, and “Lovemonger’s Message”, featuring DJ Grouch.

The King of Queen Street concept continues on the album through vocal appearances by the aforementioned Ian Kamau and Shad, in addition to Toronto mayoral candidate Knia Singh, Neil Donaldson of Stolen From Africa, Matthew Progress of Freedom Writers, and others.

Chris Ricketts and the Worldwide Shanty Project Set Sail Again with “Haul Away Joe” And Announces East Coast Canadian Tour

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Fresh off the high seas, Chris Ricketts and the Worldwide Shanty Project return with their take on “Haul Away Joe”. This and other tunes will be available on Ricketts’ upcoming fifth album, Go To Sea No More to be released on September 8, 2023.

“I started the worldwide shanty project during the lockdown,” Ricketts explains. “I had an extensive tour crossing four different countries and was due to see many old friends over the two months . . . Unfortunately, the lockdown stopped the tour, so I had to get creative on singing with friends.”

The project’s first release was an original Ricketts shanty titled “All Stand Together.” It featured singers from over ten countries and garnered over seventy thousand views on Facebook, as well as the endorsement of 6-time BBC Folk Award winner John Tams.

As voted on by the community, “Haul Away Joe” will be the project’s second release. Musicians and laymen the world are invited to partake and sing along, following three simple rules–
1) Use headphones when recording yourself, so it’s only your vocal in the video.
2) Sing in harmony or unison, and don’t hesitate to take a verse.
3) Have fun!

The Worldwide Shanty Project has helped cement Chris Ricketts status as an internationally acclaimed 21st century shanty singer. After making his mark as a semi-finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, Ricketts has spent years perfecting his shanty craft in immersive fashion, performing on cruise ships. Now a touring musician and part-time secondary school teacher, his passion for performing has allowed him to travel the world with his self-penned songs and new takes of traditional shanties alike.

Go To Sea No More will feature recordings of Ricketts’ live performances from across the East Coast of Canada. Known for his quick-witted comedy, clever songwriting, and unique delivery of classic shanties, the album captures all of the mirth of Ricketts’ celebrated live performances. This summer, he has an impressive roster of festivals and concerts booked across the UK, Canada, and Poland.

Chris Ricketts Canadian Tour
August 2, 2023 THE CARLETON HALIFAX NS
August 4, 2023 CAMPOBELLO FOGFEST CAMPOBELLO ISLAND NB
August 5, 2023 CAMPOBELLO FOGFEST CAMPOBELLO ISLAND NB
August 6, 2023 CAMPOBELLO FOGFEST CAMPOBELLO ISLAND NB
August 8, 2023 ST. ANDREW’S BREWING COMPANY SAINT ANDREWS NB
August 9, 2023 GRIDIRON TAPROOM HAMPTON NB
August 10, 2023 FUNDY SHANTY NIGHT SAINT JOHN NB
August 11, 2023 FUNDY TRAIL COOKHOUSE RIVER SALMON RIVER NB
August 12, 2023 FUNDY SHANTY FESTIVAL SAINT MARTINS NB
August 13, 2023 FUNDY SHANTY FESTIVAL SAINT MARTINS NB
August 14, 2023 FUNDY SHANTY FESTIVAL SAINT MARTINS NB
August 16, 2023 DAWN OMAN ART GALLERY BRIDGETOWN NS
August 17, 2023 THE SQUARE THEATRE NEW GLASGOW NS
August 18, 2023 THE COAL SHED FESTIVAL YARMOUTH NS
August 19, 2023 BETTY’S AT THE KITCH MAHONE BAY NS
August 20, 2023 THE ARTS CENTRE GREAT VILLAGE NS
August 21, 2023 GUYSBOROUGH WATERFRONT GUYSBOROUGH NS

YES Announce Their Next U.S. Tour ‘Classic Tales Of Yes’

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Following last year’s sold-out U.S. tour, YES, who are Steve Howe (guitars, vocals), Geoff Downes (keyboards), Jon Davison (vocals, acoustic guitar), Billy Sherwood (bass guitar, vocals), and Jay Schellen (drums), have today (July 17) announced their “Classic Tales Of Yes” tour in the U.S. starting September 24 in Bethlehem, PA and ending November 4 in Riverside, CA.

Look for the tour—which is the latest presentation of their ongoing concert series illuminating their classic music—to include many iconic tracks from the influential and pioneering Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees’ catalog covering 50-plus years as well as music from their acclaimed new album MIRROR TO THE SKY (released May 19 on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music).

See below for the full list of tour dates, which will go on sale July 21. Go to www.yesworld.com/live for ticketing information.

Looking forward to the “Classic Tales of Yes” tour, STEVE HOWE said: “We’re putting together a great setlist covering the length and breadth of Yes’ career.”

“As always, we are committed to pushing new boundaries and are very excited to be performing another chapter in the rich legacy of the band,” added GEOFF DOWNES.

The evening will begin with an on-site presentation by world-renowned English artist and designer Roger Dean, whose masterful artwork of striking other-worldly landscapes has graced classic album covers and posters, most prominently by YES and Asia.

Every show will feature a Roger Dean gallery in the venue’s reception/foyer area. His work—which also appears on the cover of MIRROR TO THE SKY—has sold more than one hundred million copies worldwide.

“Classic Tales Of Yes” tour dates

DATE LOCATION VENUE
Thursday, September 21 Bethlehem, PA Wind Creek Event Center
Friday, September 22 Philadelphia, PA The Met
Sunday, September 24 New Haven, CT College Street Music Hall
Monday, September 25 Portland, ME State Theatre
Wednesday, September 27 Lynn, MA Lynn Auditorium
Thursday, September 28 Westbury, NY NYCB Theatre
Saturday, September 30 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre
Sunday, October 1 Englewood, NJ Bergen PAC
Tuesday, October 3 Oxon Hill, MD MGM National Harbor
Wednesday, October 4 Greensboro, NC Steven Tanger Center
Friday, October 6 Charleston, SC Charleston Music Hall
Sunday, October 8 Pompano Beach, FL Pompano Beach Amphitheater
Tuesday, October 10 Orlando, FL Steinmetz Hall
Saturday, October 11 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
Friday, October 13 Mobile, AL Saenger Theatre
Monday, October 16 Cincinnati, OH Andrew J Brady Music Center
Tuesday, October 17 Nashville, IN Brown County Music Center
Thursday, October 19 Warren, MI Andiamo Showroom
Friday, October 20 Cleveland, OH Temple Live
Sunday, October 22 Joliet, IL Rialto Square Theatre
Monday, October 23 St. Louis, MO The Factory
Thursday, October 26 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
Saturday, October 28 Salt Lake City, UT Delta Hall At Eccles Theater
Monday, October 30 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
Tuesday, October 31 Napa, CA Blue Note Napa
Friday, November 3 El Cajon, CA The Magnolia
Saturday, November 4 Riverside, CA Fox Performing Arts Center

Ed Sheeran To Perform Private SiriusXM Show in the Hamptons for the Luckiest of Fans

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SiriusXM announced today that multiple-GRAMMY Award winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will perform an exclusive concert for SiriusXM on Monday, August 14 at Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, NY.

The special performance for SiriusXM subscribers will feature Sheeran performing music from his latest album – (Subtract) including the single Eyes Closed, as well as many other fan favorites.

SiriusXM is taking one of the biggest artists in the world and putting him in one of the smallest performance spaces on the tip of Long Island to create an unbelievably intimate and unique experience for fans. This can’t miss concert will not have tickets for sale. The only way in is through being a SiriusXM subscriber or participating in the trivia game and solving the clues to enter for a chance to win a trip to this once in a lifetime show. For information on how to play, click here. The intimate show will air on SiriusXM Hits 1 (ch. 2) on Friday, September 1 at 9:00 pm ET and will be available on the SXM App. The concert will also air across multiple SiriusXM music channels including The Pulse (ch. 5) The 10s Spot (ch. 11), with select songs on TikTok Radio (ch. 4). The concert promises to marry the charm of the Hamptons, a legendary venue and iconic musician as only SiriusXM can.

“We couldn’t be more excited that Ed Sheeran, one of the top artists in the world, will step away from his tour playing stadiums to present an intimate show for SiriusXM at Stephen Talkhouse, a truly iconic venue,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “This will be a one-of-a-kind experience for the lucky fans in attendance and to our listeners nationwide.”

Sheeran’s latest album, “-,” (pronounced subtract) was released in May to overwhelming acclaim and is the final installment in his mathematics album series. The multiple Diamond-selling, EMMY-nominated phenom is currently on the North American leg of his “+ – = ÷ x” Stadium Tour (pronounced Mathematics), which has seen the renowned singer/songwriter breaking venue records in almost every city to date.

The opportunity to experience an artist of this magnitude in a setting more reminiscent of how he began his career, will undoubtedly treat those in the room to a show unlike anything they have seen before. Sheeran’s show will be the latest in a series of special concerts SiriusXM has presented at Stephen Talkhouse. Artists who have previously performed for SiriusXM listeners at the famed Hamptons music venue include Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, Dave Matthews, The Killers and Mumford & Sons.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

The Who Announce Massive 10-CD ‘Who’s Next/Life House’ Box Set

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Arriving on September, 15, 2023, WHO’S NEXT / LIFE HOUSE Super Deluxe Edition contains 10-CDs all remastered from original tapes by long time Who engineer Jon Astley as well as a Blu-ray Audio disc with newly made Atmos & 5.1 surround mixes of the original album and 14 bonus tracks by Steven Wilson. The set features 155 total tracks including 89 unreleased tracks & mixes and another 57 previously released tracks but with a fresh remix. Showcased are Pete Townshend’s Life House demos, the band’s Record Plant NYC 1971 sessions, the Olympic Studios 1970-1972 sessions, singles & additional sessions, and 2 complete concerts for the first-time ever from London’s Young Vic Theatre and San Francisco’s Civic Auditorium both from 1971 and newly mixed.

The box contains a 100-page hard back book designed by Richard Evans with an introduction by Pete Townshend and new sleeve notes by compilers Andy Neil and Matt Kent giving an overview of this classic album as well as rare photos and memorabilia from the era.

Life House – The Graphic Novel is a newly commissioned work putting the album’s story into an interpretation in words and pictures of the story, it is a 172-page hard backed book and overseen by Pete Townshend.

To round off this exceptional set there is a wallet containing a 20” x 30” poster of a gig in Sunderland, England, May 7, 1970; a 25.5” x 34.25 poster of a gig at Denver Coliseum, Denver, CO, December 10, 1971; a 20-page concert program from the Rainbow Theatre, London, November 4, 1971; a 16-page UK tour program, October/November 1971; a collectible four pin button set; and an 8” x 10” color photo of The Who with printed autographs AND a blue short sleeve t-shirt with “Who’s Next/The Who” text with black and white image of the band overtop psychedelic circles and the back features “The Who/Who’s Next” text with same circles and tracklist.

CD ONE: WHO’S NEXT (Remastered)
1. Baba O’Riley
2. Bargain
3. Love Ain’t for Keeping
4. My Wife
5. The Song Is Over
6. Getting In Tune
7. Going Mobile
8. Behind Blue Eyes
9. Won’t Get Fooled Again

CD TWO: PETE TOWNSHEND’S LIFE HOUSE DEMOS 1970 – 1971 – PART 1
1. Teenage Wasteland (Demo)*
2. Too Much (Demo) *
3. Going Mobile (Demo)*
4. There’s A Fortune in Those Hills (Demo)*
5. Love Ain’t For Keeping (Demo)*
6. Bargain (Demo)*
7. Greyhound Girl (Demo)*
8. Mary (Alternate Mix) (Demo)**
9. Behind Blue Eyes (Demo)*
10. Time Is Passing (Demo)*
11. Finally, Over (Demo)**
12. Baba O’Riley (Original Demo)**

CD THREE: PETE TOWNSHEND’S LIFE HOUSE DEMOS 1970 – 1971 – PART 2
1. Pure And Easy (Home Studio Mix) (Demo)*
2. Getting In Tune (Alternate Mix) (Demo)**
3. Nothing Is Everything (Let’s See Action) (Demo)*
4. Won’t Get Fooled Again (Demo)*
5. Baba O’Riley (Demo)*
6. Song Is Over (2021 Remix) (Demo)**
7. Pure And Easy (Olympic Studios Mix) (Demo)**
8. Mary (Original Mix) (Demo)*
9. Baba O’Riley (First Editing Demo)**
10. Song Is Over (Original Demo)*

CD 4, 5, 6
CD FOUR: RECORD PLANT, NYC SESSIONS MARCH 1971
1. Don’t Do It (aka Baby Don’t You Do It) [Take 2, Unedited, March 16, 1971]**
2. Won’t Get Fooled Again [Take 13, March 16, 1971]*
3. Behind Blue Eyes (Version 1) [Take 15, March 16, 1971]**
4. Love Ain’t For Keeping [Take 14, March 17, 1971]*
5. The Note (aka Pure and Easy) [Take 21, March 17, 1971]*
6. I’m In Tune (aka Getting in Tune) [Take 6, March 18, 1971*
7. Behind Blue Eyes (Version 2) [Take 10, March 18, 1971}*

CD FIVE: OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, LONDON SESSIONS 1970-72
1. Pure And Easy*
2. I Don’t Know Myself [B-side with Unreleased Count-in]
3. Time Is Passing [Stereo Mix]**
4. Too Much of Anything [Original 1971 Vocal]**
5. Naked Eye [1971 Remake]**
6. Bargain (Early Mix)**
7. Love Ain’t For Keeping (Unedited Mix)**
8. My Wife (Unedited Mix)**
9. Getting In Tune (Take 1 with Jam)**
10. Going Mobile (Alternate Mix)**
11. Song Is Over (Backing Track) [with Nicky Hopkins]**
12. When I Was a Boy**
13. Let’s See Action (Unedited Mix)**
14. Relay (Unedited Mix) [Alternate Vocal]**
15. Put The Money Down [Remix with Original Vocal]*
16. Join Together [Unedited Remix]**

CD SIX: SINGLES & SESSIONS 1970-72
1. The Seeker (Original Single Mix)
2. Here For More [Original Single Mix]
3. Heaven And Hell [New Stereo Mix]**
4. Water [Eel Pie Sound Studio – New Unedited Mix]**
5. I Don’t Know Myself [Eel Pie Sound Studio – New Unedited Mix]**
6. Naked Eye [Eel Pie Sound Studio – New Unedited Mix]**
7. Postcard [Eel Pie Sound Studio – Original 1970 Mix]**
8. Now I’m A Farmer [Eel Pie Sound Studio – New Remix]**
9. The Seeker (Unedited Version)**
10. Water (IBC Version)**
11. I Don’t Know Myself (IBC Version)**
12. Let’s See Action (Original Single Mix)
13. When I Was a Boy (Original Single Mix)
14. Join Together (Original Single Mix)
15. Relay (Original Single Mix)
16. Waspman (Original Single Mix)
17. Long Live Rock (Original Olympic Mix)

CD 7, 8, 9
CD SEVEN: LIVE AT THE YOUNG VIC, LONDON – APRIL 26, 1971
1. Love Ain’t for Keeping*
2. Pure And Easy*
3. Young Man Blues*
4. Time Is Passing*
5. Behind Blue Eyes*
6. I Don’t Even Know Myself*
7. Too Much of Anything*
8. Getting In Tune*
9. Bargain*

CD EIGHT: LIVE AT THE YOUNG VIC, LONDON – APRIL 26, 1971
1. Pinball Wizard**
2. See Me, Feel Me**
3. Baby Don’t You Do It*
4. Water*
5. My Generation*
6. (I’m A) Road Runner*
7. Naked Eye*
8. Bony Moronie*
9. Won’t Get Fooled Again*

CD NINE: LIVE AT THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM, SAN FRANCISCO – DECEMBER 12, 1971
1. Introduction**
2. I Can’t Explain*
3. Substitute*
4. Summertime Blues**
5. My Wife*
6. Baba O’Riley**
7. Behind Blue Eyes*
8. Bargain*
9. Won’t Get Fooled Again**
10. Baby Don’t You Do It*
11. Magic Bus**

CD 10 / BLU-RAY AUDIO
CD TEN: LIVE AT THE CIVIC AUDITORIUM, SAN FRANCISCO – DECEMBER 12, 1971
1. Introduction To Tommy**
2. Overture**
3. Amazing Journey**
4. Sparks**
5. Pinball Wizard**
6. See Me Feel Me**
7. My Generation**
8. Naked Eye*
9. Going Down*

BLU-RAY AUDIO: Steven Wilson Atmos Mix (48kHz 24-bit)** Steven Wilson 5.1 Mix (48kHz 24-bit)** Steven Wilson Stereo Mix (96kHz 24-bit)* Original 1971 Stereo Mix (96kHz 24-bit)
1. Baba O’Riley
2. Bargain
3. Love Ain’t For Keeping
4. My Wife
5. The Song Is Over
6. Getting In Tune
7. Going Mobile
8. Behind Blue Eyes
9. Won’t Get Fooled Again

Bonus Tracks
Bonus Tracks: Steven Wilson Atmos Mix (48kHz 24-bit) Steven Wilson 5.1 Mix (48kHz 24-bit)
1. The Seeker (Unedited Version)**
2. Here For More*
3. Now I’m A Farmer**
4. I Don’t Know Myself (Eel Pie Sound Version)**
5. Water (IBC Version)**
6. Naked Eye (Olympic Sound Version)**
7. Pure And Easy**
8. Too Much of Anything**
9. Let’s See Action**
10. When I Was a Boy**
11. Join Together (Unedited Version)**
12. Put The Money Down**
13. Relay (Unedited Version)**
14. Long Live Rock**

Paul McCartney To Produce And Host ‘A Life in Lyrics’ Podcast With Pushkin And iHeartRadio

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Welcome to “McCartney: A Life in Lyrics.” This podcast will take you into the mind of one of the greatest songwriters of all time: Paul McCartney. The result is a combination master class, memoir, and improvised journey with one of the most beloved figures in popular music. Each episode focuses on one song from McCartney’s iconic catalog – spanning early Beatles through his more recent solo work. McCartney, together with his friend, the poet Paul Muldoon, dissects the people, experiences, and art that inspired his songwriting.

Season One drops weekly starting September 20, and features the stories behind songs like Eleanor Rigby, Let It Be, Magical Mystery Tour, and many more. Subscribe to Pushkin+ and receive access to stream all episodes at once on September 20.

AWA NIAGARA FESTIVAL August 26 + 27, 2023 Features Afrobeat Music, Dance and More In Queenston, Niagara-On-The-Lake

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The 3rd edition of the AWA Niagara Festival 2023, presented by the African Women Acting (AWA) organization, celebrates African Cultural Heritage and special guest artists. The annual festival presents talented, hard-working, resilient artists, who demonstrate tremendous effort in pursuing their artistic visions and careers. The festival offers a full day, family-friendly program, with an action-packed schedle including professionally curated arts and crafts exhibitions, interactive African Djembe drumming workshops for all ages, dance, music, delicious authentic African and Canadian food, and vendors, all in one stunning site in celebration of the best of African and Canadian Music, artisans, and vendors.

Artists Roster  – August 26th
African Drum Circle –  Mohammed Diary Khadim Mbegue
Afrobeat Music/Dance – DJ Moussa
Alternative/Contemporary Music by J.A.S
Native Artist – Esther Jane Willow
RnB – Kyla Wheeler
RnB/Soul Music – Shake Street (Rob Leclerc)
Afrobeat – Exclusive Connection FT Tolu
African Drumming – Mohammed Diaby & Khadim

Artists Roster  – August 27th
African Drumming Circle – Mohammed Diaby, Khadim Mbegue
Afrobeat Music/Dance – DJ Moussa
Native Artist – Esther J Willow
Alternative/Contemporary Music by J.A.S
Choral Music – Miniscule
Arabic Music – Tabiba
AfroJazz Music- Waleed Kush & Razab Dareer
Bollywood Music and Dance – KL Company

The AWA Festival and RiverBrink Art Museum have an incredible team of staff, contractors, suppliers, and community visionaries working hard to ensure a most memorable event for the entire family. New for 2023, ALL AGES ZONE that will include drum circle activities, face painting, afrobeat dancing, and more fun activities.

Saturday, August 26 & Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 2:00-10:00pm
116 Queenston Street, Queenston, Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON
All Tickets Here:

To learn more, please visit: www.africanwomenacting.org and www.riverbrink.org.

Get Social #AWAFESTIVAL2023 #AWAFESTTORONTO #AWAFESTIVALTORONTO

Funding Support by the Government of Canada’s New Horizon for Seniors program; Community Partner: LiverBrink Art Museum

 

Renowned Songwriter and Producer Chin Injeti Makes Triumphant Return With Captivating ‘Something Love Would Do’

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After years of honing his skills as a songwriter and producer, Chin Injeti is thrilled re-ignite his solo career under his own name with the release of his latest single, “Something Love Would Do” – available now.

Chin’s newest release is featured on his latest EP – Vessels Volume 1, a labour of love, predominantly produced in his Vancouver-based studio. The record is a collection of Chin’s thoughts and lived experiences, collaborated on with some of his friends and musical heroes.

“Something Love Would Do pays homage to my favourite “driving” songs of summer, taking cues from Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” “to Joe Jackson’s Steppin’ Out”, says the producer/singer associated with multiple JUNO Award winner.s “Something Love Would Do” was made to sound dreamy and wispy while rooted in emotion. Its unique sound was created by utilizing a variety of instruments such as drum machines, synthesizers, and guitars. Chin continues, “The 80s was significant for me as a creator, as it was the age of the MIDI revolution, so this track and the rest of VESSELS were created with this era in mind.”

The musically diverse, trendsetting artist’s career spans decades, putting his stamp on the entertainment industry as a songwriter and producer. In the 90s, Chin fronted the internationally acclaimed Bass is Base, which secured a deal with Universal Music and Island Records in the United States. The group’s success led to a Juno Award for Best R&B Record and a Much Music Video Award for their hit single, “Funkmobile.” Additionally, Chin was honoured with the Songwriter of the Year award from SOCAN, setting the stage for his future accomplishments.

Following the chapter with Bass is Base, Chin embarked on an extensive journey, sharing the stage and studio with legendary artists such as The Fugees, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul, among many others. These experiences provided him with invaluable knowledge in carving out frequencies, creating impactful lyrics, and crafting melodic scores.

Transitioning towards the role of producer, Chin began collaborating with the multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning producer DJ Khalil on projects for major, industry-leading artists such as Dr. Dre, Eminem, Drake, Pink, Aloe Blacc, The Clipse, Lecrae, and K’naan. His work with DJ Khalil has garnered multiple awards, including three Grammys and two Juno Awards, while his production contributions have resulted in millions of records sold worldwide, achieving Gold and Platinum record certification.

Sultans Of String And Crystal Shawanda Collaborate On New Single Close To Her Heart “The Rez”

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“The Rez” is a collaboration between 2x JUNO Award winning blues and country music artist Crystal Shawanda and 3x JUNO nominated, 6x CFMA winning Sultans of String. Crystal is an Ojibwe Potawatomi Indigenous singer, born in Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, is also decorated with multiple Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards, Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, a CCMA, a Canadian Radio Music Award, and too many JUNO nominations to list.

“I started singing as soon as I could make noise”, says Crystal. “I grew up in a house where everybody listened to all styles of music – and from an early age I could see that for my family, music was like therapy. So depending on what mood they were in, that’s the song they would listen to. My dad taught me to play guitar and after he taught me everything he knew, he suggested I take lessons. He always tried to let me know how important it was to be able to play an instrument for myself.”

Initially signed to RCA in 2007, she hit her stride as a country singer and songwriter when she scored a top 20 hit with her song “You Can Let Go” and subsequently tallied sales of over 50,000 copies of her debut album Dawn of a New Day and subsequently debuted in the Billboard Top 20.

Fast forward 16 years, and even though Crystal now lives in Nashville, with many albums and awards under her belt, she still keeps her ‘Rez’ roots close to her heart.

“I wrote The Rez with Ed Hill and Shay Smith, and it came out of the stories I had shared with them, when they asked me what it was like growing up on a reservation”, Crystal explains, “After which they said ‘that sounds like a song’, and from there it came together pretty quick!”

“I’m very proud of my roots, proud to be a ‘Rez kid’, she continues. “I grew up around intergenerational trauma, but that’s not all I remember. I can’t speak for everyone’s experience, but in mine I remember my beautiful family that surrounded me with love and showed me that laughter, like music can be medicine. I remember my community, so resilient and strong. We have all been through so much, but we’re still here. My roots, ‘The Rez’ is very much a part of who I am as an artist and person.”

“The Rez” is the fourth single off the upcoming Sultans of String album entitled Walking Through the Fire (Sept 22, 2023 release), the most ambitious and important project of their career, a CD and concert of collaborations with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists across Turtle Island.

Studios were used throughout Ontario to record this track. Crystals vocals were recorded with Grammy and JUNO Award winning John ‘Beetle’ Bailey at Orange Lounge Recording Studio in Toronto. Sultans of String bed tracks were recorded at Jukasa Studios, an Indigenous-owned world-class recording facility on another reservation, Six Nations of the Grand River, south of Hamilton Ontario.

Recently asked in an interview if she goes back to Manitoulin, she answered “Definitely for inspiration. I go to Manitoulin Island to rejuvenate my soul. When I’m there, it’s being around my family, my community and even just the land. It’s the island, the water, the land. When I’m there, I feel inspired.”

Like the song says:

It’s my blood, it’s my tears,
Everyone I love is here,
Yeah I know in my heart I was blessed,
To grow up on the Rez.