All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Twitter
Feb 23 at Brampton’s Rose Theatre: Flavours & Vibes Featuring Renée Neufville of Zhané, Kelvyn Boy, King Cruff, Keshia Chanté and MC Bondé
Jones & Jones Productions, a full-service marketing, creative, and production company, with 30 years in the marketplace curating first-class Afro-Caribbean and multicultural experiences, is excited to partner with Performing Arts Brampton, one of Ontario’s premier divisions for showcasing artistic excellence, and lead sponsor TD to deliver an unrivaled musical event in honour of Black History Month.
On February 23rd, an exciting array of global stars will hit the mainstage at The Rose Brampton including the Grammy nominated lead vocalist from Zhané, Renée Neufville, whose seminal hits “Hey Mr. DJ,” “Sending My Love,” and “Groove Thang” have topped charts around the world and have been covered by artists like Common, Donald Glover, and Beyonce’s protégés Chloe X Halle.
The night will also feature international showstopper and one of Africa’s most viral artists, Kelvyn Boy, who has graced stages in Australia, Jamaica, UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Sierra Leone performing with artists like Ziggy Marley, Mr. Vegas, and Busy Signal.
“Flavours & Vibes is more than a concert, it’s an energy, a feel-good fusion of every genre coming live and direct from some of the most in-demand heavy hitters and up-and-coming music phenoms in the business,” said Jesse Jones, Head of Jones & Jones Group. Tickets are available now here.
A string of dynamic rising stars will kick things off including King Cruff, grandson of the masterful Bob Marley and a recent addition to the Universal Music Canada artist roster; Zimbabwe-born and Edmonton-raised multi-hyphenate Soji Joseph; global recording artist and dancer Nina Ricchie; one of Canada’s top dancehall artists and most vibrant reggae performers Eyesus; classically trained pianist and Pop/Soul/R&B entertainer Falana, who has headlined tours in London, Paris, New York, and Lagos; and EverythingOshauN, the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter whose original music has been featured in the official DoorDash documentary, Soul of the City, and the STARZ television series Heels.
Rounding out the list of notable names are two co-hosts who are stars in their own right, Juno award-winning singer, TV personality, and Entertainment Tonight Canada Co-host Keshia Chanté and the popular radio and TV personality MC Bondé a.k.a. “The Voice of Africa.”
The Jones & Jones formula for success with shows of this magnitude rests not only in the family-run organization’s knack for showcasing top-shelf talent but in collaborating with the right partners at the right time to deliver experiences that reflect a genuine commitment to inclusivity and showcase the many facets of the Afro-Caribbean culture that appeal to people from all walks of life.
“The City of Brampton is proud to be home to world class entertainment and talent like Juno Award-Winning Singer Keshia Chanté, co-host of the Jones & Jones produced Flavours & Vibes Black History Month Event. As a Brampton-based, family-owned business, we are proud of Jones & Jones’ 30-year history of bringing Black artists, culture, and history together to create extraordinary experiences that everyone can enjoy,” said Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton.
“TD has been a long-time supporter of events and initiatives across Canada that support and elevate Black voices, Black talent and Black excellence,” said Anna Iacobelli, Senior Vice President, Metro West Region, TD. “We’re thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of Flavours & Vibes and look forward to coming together in Brampton through the power of music to celebrate the diversity of Black communities and top artistic talent.”
“There are times when we ought to do something really good for ourselves and our loved ones. Flavours & Vibes 2023 promises to be a rare musical extravaganza of such exquisite magnitude, it leads me to recommend it to you as a “must be there and share” opportunity,” said Steven Schipper, Executive Artistic Director, Performing Arts, City of Brampton.
The highly anticipated event begins at 6:00 PM with a pre-show mix and mingle featuring DJ Bizzy. Guests will be treated to a variety of product samples and opportunities to engage with an impressive list of partners including TD, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Brampton, Sheridan College, Nestle Canada, Downtown Brampton BIA, and Night Light Recordings.
Showtime is 8:00 pm and with the Raptors 905’s own DJ Andre 905 keeping the crowd rocking in-between sets, this diverse Black History Month show is sure to have attendees singing, smiling, and dancing all night.
Globally Renowned Master Songwriter MARC JORDAN Announces ‘Waiting For The Sun To Rise’ Album
Marc Jordan, from whose pen emerged the classic global top-5 pop hit for Rod Stewart 1991’s “Rhythm of My Heart”, today announces his new solo album will be released worldwide on April 21, 2023. An advance single “Tell Me Where It Hurts” has just been released and is an example of the kind of romantic ballad Marc is renowned for writing.
Marc Jordan’s song craft is lauded by the likes of Diana Ross, Cher and Joe Cocker, all of whom have covered his songs, but Marc is an artist in his own right since his first album was released on Warner Records in 1978 generating the hit “Marina Del Rey.”
Marc’s new album Waiting for the Sun to Rise (Linus Entertainment) comes hot on the heels of the Juno-nominated Both Sides, and represents another deep dive into the jazz-tinged, wholly original soundscape Jordan revisits with each new release.
Whereas Both Sides saw Jordan exploring the Great American Songbook — which for him ranges from Hoagy Carmichael to Lou Reed — Waiting for the Sun to Rise is a return to Jordan originals, sumptuously arranged for the piano and orchestra by acclaimed producer Lou Pomanti (Michael Bublé, Blood Sweat and Tears), with trumpet solos from Grammy-winning artist Randy Brecker.
This 15th album may well be his most emotionally direct ever, its songs suggest comfort in the wee hours, redemption amid the ruins. Jordan sets his stories in an after-hours netherworld populated by lonely lovers and disappointed dreamers, referencing historical figures like John Coltrane and Joe Louis, counterbalanced with the splendor of the natural world: more than ever, these new songs feature celestial bodies, mountains, canyons and forests. His cover choices this time out include two British favourites of the ’80s: underrated cult favourite The Blue Nile (“The Downtown Lights”) as well as one of the biggest hits of that decade: Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” to which Jordan gives a smooth-jazz makeover.
Marc Jordan has recorded with several of music’s best-known producers — David Foster, Gary Katz (Steely Dan) — and has had success in multiple genres. In 2010 he co-starred with Olivia Newton-John in the film Score: A Hockey Musical, and since 2004 he has been performing and recording with Ian Thomas, Murray McLauchlan and Cindy Church as Lunch at Allen’s. He is married to singer-songwriter Amy Sky; in 2022, the duo recorded an album of duets entitled He Sang She Sang.
“Marc Jordan has always been about uncompromising quality. He has a way of not doing the obvious, and that’s what makes a great songwriter: you say it or play it differently than everybody else.” — David Foster
Tracklisting
1. The Last Buffalo 1:05
2. Best Day of My Life 5:07
3. Coltrane Sings the Blues 5:22
4. Waiting for the Sun to Rise 4:41
5. Frontier 1:36
6. Rio Grande 5:52
7. Everybody Wants to Rule the World 4:43
8. Tell Me Where it Hurts 4:19
9. The Moon’s a Harsh Mistress 4:41
10. Bad time to Say Goodbye 5:45
11. The Downtown Lights 5:57
12. Cradle to the Grave 4:45
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Collaborates with YWCA USA on YWCA Racial Justice Challenge
May 15th, 2023, the Racial Justice Challenge is a virtual learning tool designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership. By encouraging personal reflection and social responsibility, it is YWCA’s hope that participants will be moved to act. Registration to participate is now open.
Formerly known as the Stand Against Racism Challenge and 21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge developed by YWCA Greater Cleveland, the national network is proud to return for its 5th year of the program. Available as a web and phone app platform, the 2023 YWCA Racial Justice Challenge will present daily activities allowing participants to discover how racial justice and social injustice impact their communities, connect with one another, and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. Weekly topics include disability, housing, mental health, and a special music topic in collaboration with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
“The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has actively participated in the YWCA’s annual challenges for the past two years. Their direct approach to racial justice has had a strong impact on our staff and overall culture. We are honored to contribute compelling content to this year’s curriculum and work to create positive change in the social justice space,” said Greg Harris, President & CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
YWCA wants to thank and acknowledge Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., Debby Irving, and Dr. Marguerite Penick for their leadership in the field of racial equity as exhibited in their 21-Day Racial Equity and Habit Building Challenge and the movement they helped to initiate. YWCA’s content is independently designed, written, and curated by staff as part of YWCA’s racial equity and social justice programs offered to the community.
Register to participate in the Racial Justice Challenge by visiting justice.ywca.org or downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.
Suzanne Ciani Creates The Soundtrack For A Pinball Machine
Suzanne Ciani creates the soundtrack for a pinball machine in a documentary from the early 80s.
Video: Mike Shinoda Opens Up About Losing Chester Bennington
Mike Shinoda tells Howard Stern about the passing of his friend and Linkin Park bandmate Chester Bennington.
Miss Calvin & Hobbes? Bill Watterson Is Releasing A New Graphic Novel Called ‘The Mysteries’ On October 10
From Bill Watterson, bestselling creator of the beloved comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, and John Kascht, one of America’s most renowned caricaturists, comes The Mysteries, a beautifully illustrated fable about what lies beyond human understanding. It comes out October 10 through Simon & Schuster.
In a fable for grown-ups by cartoonist Bill Watterson, a long-ago kingdom is afflicted with unexplainable calamities. Hoping to end the torment, the king dispatches his knights to discover the source of the mysterious events. Years later, a single battered knight returns.
For the book’s illustrations, Watterson and caricaturist John Kascht worked together for several years in unusually close collaboration. Both artists abandoned their past ways of working, inventing images together that neither could anticipate a mysterious process in its own right.
Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band Add North American Shows In 18 Cities To Their 2023 International Tour
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have announced additional North American dates on their 2023 international tour in 18 cities, with newly-added shows beginning at Chicago’s Wrigley Field on August 9 and running through December 8 at San Francisco’s Chase Center. Multiple nights have been scheduled for Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park (August 16 and 18), New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium (August 30 and September 1), Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena (November 14 and 16) and Los Angeles’ Kia Forum (December 4 and 6). Tickets for the 22 added North American shows will go on sale over the course of the next two weeks, with the first onsale beginning this Friday February 19 at 10am local time (full details below).
The 2023 international tour began February 1 in Tampa, Florida with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’s first North American show in seven years. Opening night featured a high-energy 28-song set which included rocking fan favorites like “Born To Run,” “Prove It All Night,” and “Wrecking Ball,” with The E Street Band effortlessly shifting to soul and R&B while complemented by a horn section and backing vocalists. Rolling Stone called the band’s return “ecstatic and emotional,” and SPIN added it was a “must-see.” USA Today said they “rocked like their lives depended on it” and the Associated Press noted the “energy was as high as ever…every song seemed epic.”
For many cities, the tour will be using Verified Fan via Ticketmaster. Verified Fan requires pre-registration here and is open through Sunday February 19 at 11:59pm ET. Verified Fan is intended to make it easier for fans to get tickets, and harder for resellers and bots.
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band – New 2023 North American Tour Dates
August 9 – Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field
Onsale: Friday, February 17 at 10:00 AM CT
August 16 – Philadelphia, PA @ Citizens Bank Park
Onsale: Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 AM ET
August 18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Citizens Bank Park
Onsale: Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 AM ET
August 24 – Foxborough, MA @ Gillette Stadium
Verified Fan Onsale: Monday, February 27 at 10:00 AM ET
August 28 – Washington, DC @ Nationals Park
Verified Fan Onsale: Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 AM ET
August 30 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium
Verified Fan Onsale: Friday, February 24 at 10:00 AM ET
September 1 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium
Verified Fan Onsale: Friday, February 24 at 12:00 PM ET
September 7 – Syracuse, NY @ JMA Wireless Dome
Verified Fan Onsale: Friday, February 24 at 10:00 AM ET
September 9 – Baltimore, MD @ Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Verified Fan Onsale: Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 AM ET
September 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Verified Fan Onsale: Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 AM ET
November 3 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
Verified Fan Onsale: Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 AM PT
November 6 – Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
Verified Fan Onsale: Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 AM MT
November 8 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
Verified Fan Onsale: Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 AM MT
November 10 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre
Verified Fan Onsale: Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 AM CT
November 14 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
Verified Fan Onsale: Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 AM ET
November 16 – Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
Verified Fan Onsale: Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 AM ET
November 18 – Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre
Verified Fan Onsale: Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 AM ET
November 20 – Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
Verified Fan Onsale: Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 AM ET
November 30 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center
Verified Fan Onsale: Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 AM MT
December 4 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
Verified Fan Onsale: Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 AM PT
December 6 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum
Verified Fan Onsale: Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 AM PT
December 8 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
Verified Fan Onsale: Thursday, February 23 at 10:00 AM PT
Dave Grohl Pays Tribute To All Things Canada In New Commercial
Continuing the tradition of absolutely shredding national anthems…
Dave Grohl produces epic rock cover of O Canada with Canadian guitar legend, Donna Grantis. And it’s all in the name of Crown Royal-inspired gratitude.
Ghost Announces Re-Imperatour U.S.A. 2023
Ghost has revealed details of its upcoming RE-IMPERATOUR U.S.A. 2023 summer tour with special guest Amon Amarth. Produced by Live Nation and FPC Live, the 27-date tour kicks off on Wednesday, August 2nd in Concord, CA at Concord Pavilion, with stops in Salt Lake City, Chicago, Cincinnati, Austin and more before wrapping up with the band’s Monday, September 11th return to the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Ghost continues to elevate and reaffirm its status as one of the world’s most esteemed and celebrated creative forces. Accumulating well over a billion streams, the GRAMMY-winning Swedish theatrical rock band continues to bring the “euphoric spectacle” (ROLLING STONE) of its live shows to ever-growing and increasingly impassioned crowds, headlining arena tours including sold out shows from The Forum in Los Angeles and Barclays Center in New York to London’s O2 Arena and Stockholm’s Avicii Arena. In March 2022, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES reported in a Calendar cover story that Ghost had “conquered metal and the charts” when its fifth album IMPERA debuted at #1 in a sweep of the U.S. album charts, entering the BILLBOARD 200 at #2 and bowing at #1 in the band’s native Sweden as well as Germany and Finland, while cracking the top 5 in the UK (#2), Netherlands (#2), Belgium (#2), Canada (#3), Australia (#3), France (#5), Ireland (#5), and more. Produced by Klas Åhlund and mixed by Andy Wallace — and featuring “Spillways”—hailed as a “sweetly constructed rock tune” by THE NEW YORK TIMES, the GRAMMY-nominated “Call Me Little Sunshine,” and Active Rock #1 radio single “Hunter’s Moon” — IMPERA finds Ghost transported centuries forward from the Black Plague era of its previous album, 2018 Best Rock Album GRAMMY nominee Prequelle—or as ROLLING STONE put it, “Ghost predicted the pandemic, Now the metal band is foretelling the fall of empires.”The result is the most ambitious and lyrically incisive entry in the Ghost canon: Over the course of IMPERA’s 12-song cycle, empires rise and fall, would-be messiahs ply their hype (financial and spiritual alike), prophecies are foretold as the skies fill with celestial bodies divine and man-made… All in all, the most current and topical Ghost subject matter to date is set against a hypnotic and darkly colorful melodic backdrop making IMPERA a listen like no other — yet unmistakably, quintessentially Ghost.
GHOST RE-IMPERATOUR U.S.A. 2023:
Wed Aug 02 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion
Fri Aug 04 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 05 – Airway Heights, WA – BECU Live at Northern Quest
Mon Aug 07 – West Valley City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 08 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre *
Fri Aug 11 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 12 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Mon, Aug 14– Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Tue Aug 15 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Wed Aug 16 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
Fri Aug 18 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Sat Aug 19 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sun Aug 20 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Tue Aug 22 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
Wed Aug 23 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Thu, Aug 24 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Fri Aug 25 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Sun Aug 27 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
Tue Aug 29 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
Wed, Aug 30 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place
Thu Aug 31 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 02 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sun Sep 03 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Tue Sep 05 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Thu Sep 07 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Fri Sep 08 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Mon Sep 11 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum