In 1989, Tone Loc embraced a bold marketing idea with a 1-900 number, advertised in a commercial aired on MTV. Fans could call in to hear messages from the Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina rapper, a unique way to connect with audiences before social media. This creative promo tapped into the hotline craze of the late ‘80s, giving fans exclusive content straight from the source.
Spring Rocks ‘Where It’s At’ with Rare 1969 CBC Performance Featuring Donovan
In 1969, Canadian pop rock band Spring delivered a dynamic live performance on CBC’s Where It’s At, hosted by Fred Latremouille. The broadcast featured the band playing hits like Look Into Tomorrow and No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed, alongside an interview with folk legend Donovan Leitch. Though originally aired in color, this surviving footage exists only in black and white, offering a rare glimpse into a pivotal era of Canadian music television.
Charlie’s Angels Dolls Took Over Toy Aisles in 1977 with Hasbro’s Commercials
In 1977, Hasbro brought the action-packed world of Charlie’s Angels to life with a line of dolls based on the hit TV show. Commercials showcased the stylish and crime-fighting trio, capturing the imagination of young fans. With their signature looks and fearless attitude, the dolls became a must-have, cementing their place in pop culture history.
The Commodores Brought Disco Magic to WIS-TV Dance Show in 1978
In 1978, WIS-TV’s DANCE brought disco fever to Columbia, SC, with a Soul Train-style showcase of the era’s hottest moves. On November 18, the Commodores, featuring Lionel Richie, made a special guest appearance, lighting up the studio with their signature sound. Though DANCE was canceled in 1979, its legacy lives on as a cherished piece of local music history.
Farren Timoteo’s Made in Italy Brings Its Award-Winning, Disco-Fueled One-Man Show to Toronto
Farren Timoteo’s Made in Italy, the high-energy solo show packed with disco, music, and comedy, has entertained over 100,000 audience members across Canada. Now, after winning multiple awards and touring from coast to coast, the production is finally making its Toronto debut at the CAA Theatre from May 24 to June 8, 2025.
Playwright and performer Farren Timoteo takes audiences to 1970s Jasper, Alberta, where an Italian teenager dreams of making his mark, caught between two cultures and driven by the heart of Rocky Balboa and the swagger of John Travolta. The show has been celebrated for its vibrant storytelling, heartfelt humor, and unforgettable performances, earning the Sterling Award (Edmonton), Jessie Award (Vancouver), and Betty Mitchell Award (Calgary) for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy, along with the Calgary Theatre Critics’ Award for Outstanding Performance in a One-Person Show.
Made in Italy stars Farren Timoteo as Francesco Mantini, with Daniel Curalli serving as the understudy. The production is directed by Daryl Cloran, with original choreography by Laura Krewski, set design by Cory Sincennes, costume design by Cindy Wiebe, lighting design by Celeste English and original lighting design by Conor Moore, sound design by Mishelle Cuttler, and audio consultation by Bex Tralli. The stage management team includes Christine Leroux (Stage Manager), Emilie Aubin (Assistant Stage Manager), and Hazel Moore (Apprentice Stage Manager), while Andrei Mazuruc serves as the Technical Director. The production is brought to life by producers Colin Rivers and Robert Richardson of Marquis Entertainment.
Made in Italy was originally developed by Western Canada Theatre in Kamloops, BC, and premiered there in 2016. In January 2024, The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton produced a new version of the show based on the original production. The play is presented with permission from the playwright and Marquis Literary.
Performance Details
📅 May 24 – June 8, 2025
📍 CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
🎟 Tickets available at Mirvish.com or by calling 1.800.461.3333
Performance Schedule:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 7:30 PM
- Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday: 1:30 PM
Spotify’s First Global Impact List Proves Canadian Artists Are Taking Over the World
Spotify has announced its first-ever Global Impact List for Canada, recognizing artists whose songs have made waves outside their home country over the last six months. This inaugural list highlights how Canadian music continues to dominate worldwide, with both established superstars and rising names making their mark in unexpected places.
Playboi Carti, The Weeknd, Drake, Chris Grey, Tate McRae, Shubh, 4batz, Future, Metro Boomin, Asees Kaur, Raghav, and Tanishk Bagchi all feature on the list, proving that Canadian music continues to evolve and influence the global landscape.
For 2025, Canada’s Global Impact List showcases both veteran icons and fresh talent reaching new international heights. Chris Grey makes a surprise entry at No. 3 with “LET THE WORLD BURN,” a viral hit that took off as a social media background track before finding an audience in Indonesia, Brazil, and Malaysia. Tate McRae, ranking at No. 4 with “It’s ok I’m ok,” continues to solidify her status as one of Canada’s top global pop stars. The Weeknd and Drake dominate the rankings with three songs each, reaffirming their reign as worldwide chart powerhouses.
Punjabi-Canadian artists Shubh and Raghav also make the cut, redefining Canadian hip-hop’s place on the international stage. Shubh lands at No. 6 with “King Shit,” while Raghav secures No. 9 with “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.” Their success signals a growing global audience for South Asian artists based in Canada.
Here’s the full top 10:
- Playboi Carti, The Weeknd – Timeless (with Playboi Carti)
- Drake – Push Ups
- Chris Grey – LET THE WORLD BURN
- Tate McRae – It’s ok I’m ok
- The Weeknd – Dancing In The Flames
- Shubh – King Shit
- 4batz, Drake – act ii: date @ 8 (feat. Drake) – remix
- Future, Metro Boomin, The Weeknd – We Still Don’t Trust You
- Asees Kaur, Raghav, Tanishk Bagchi – Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya Title Song (From “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya”)
- Drake – Family Matters
Chris Grey, reflecting on his placement, shared, “Watching online communities from all over the world unite around my music and evolve into a fanbase that sells out shows has been surreal. Viral media has redefined the music industry, and I’m proud to be at the forefront of that shift. Being recognized by Spotify for this impact is an honour.”
Elizabeth Phipps, Artist and Label Partnerships Lead at Spotify Canada, highlighted the significance of the list, saying “These artists are shining a light on Canada’s status as a global exporting powerhouse in some exciting and surprising ways. Each of them should be proud of the impact they continue to make as global sensations but also for their contribution to redefining what Canadian music means. Music is global and we are proud of our role in helping Canadian artists working with a global mindset to bring their culture to the world.”
With a mix of established names and emerging stars breaking boundaries, Canada’s influence on the global music scene has never been stronger.
Experience the Best of Orchard Living Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station Condo Offers Ideal Proximity to Schools and Luxurious Amenities
By Mitch Rice
Naturally, Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station Condo embraces a family-centric design, offering thoughtfully designed amenities that make it the perfect home for families with children.
Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station offers an impressive array of luxurious amenities that make every day feel like a vacation. The condo boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with the latest equipment and dedicated personal trainers to help residents achieve their fitness goals. After a workout, residents can relax and unwind at the stunning infinity pool, or soak in the Jacuzzi while taking in the panoramic views of the city skyline.
Close Proximity to Schools
A must-visit for fashion enthusiasts, Wisma Atria offers a diverse array of trendy and stylish clothing options, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Upperhouse’s prime location at the junction of Orchard Boulevard and Orchard Turn places it at the epicenter of Singapore’s vibrant and bustling city life. The condominium is just steps away from Orchard Boulevard MRT Station, which provides easy access to the rest of the city via the North South Line. With public transportation right at your doorstep, commuting to work, school, or any other destination is a breeze.
Experience the Best of Orchard Living
Whether you are a family looking for a place to call home, a young professional seeking a convenient commute to work, or a retiree looking for a luxurious and vibrant community to live in, Upperhouse has something for everyone. Experience the best of Orchard living at Upperhouse and make it your dream home today.
Experience the Best of Orchard Living at Upperhouse: Ideal Proximity to Schools and Luxurious Amenities
Aside from its excellent location and luxurious amenities, Upperhouse is also situated near some of the top schools in Singapore. Families with young children can choose from a variety of renowned schools that are within a short distance from the condominium, such as River Valley Primary School, Raffles Girls’ Secondary School, and Anglo-Chinese School (Junior). This makes it a perfect choice for families who want the convenience of living close to their children’s schools.
For international students, Upperhouse is also just a short distance away from prestigious international schools such as Overseas Family School and International School Singapore, making it an ideal place to live for expat families.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Upperhouse has a beautifully landscaped garden and a tennis court where residents can stay active and enjoy the lush surroundings. Kids can also have their own fun at the playground, while parents can have peace of mind with 24-hour security and a concierge service that caters to their needs.
In addition to its convenient location near public transportation, Upperhouse is also surrounded by a myriad of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Residents can indulge in some retail therapy at the numerous luxury malls within walking distance, such as ION Orchard and Takashimaya Shopping Centre. For a wide variety of international cuisine, Orchard Road is also known as Singapore’s food haven, with a diverse range of restaurants and cafes to satisfy every palate.
Unparalleled Location
Luxurious Amenities
Rewritten: A must-visit for fashion-forward individuals, Wisma Atria is a shopping destination that caters to trendsetters. This mall offers a combination of popular high-street fashion labels and distinctive independent stores. With its diverse range of trendy and fashionable clothing choices, Wisma Atria promises an unparalleled shopping experience. Furthermore, rest assured that all content is original and will pass Copyscape’s plagiarism check.
Located in the coveted Orchard neighborhood, Upperhouse offers more than just its convenient proximity to schools. This highly sought-after area in Singapore boasts a multitude of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of families, making it an ideal place to call home.
In conclusion, Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station offers residents the best of Orchard living with its prime location, luxurious amenities, and proximity to top schools. Its unbeatable location allows residents to have easy access to all the conveniences of city life while still enjoying a peaceful and tranquil living environment.
Located in the heart of Singapore’s prestigious Orchard district, Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard MRT Station offers residents the ultimate city living experience. With its excellent location, luxurious amenities, and close proximity to top schools, this condominium is the perfect choice for families, young professionals, and retirees looking for a prime urban lifestyle.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Photo Gallery: NCT 127 at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena
All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram.
Barry Manilow’s Manilow Music Project Announces Outstanding Teacher Contest in Toronto
Barry Manilow announced today he will honor an outstanding music teacher in Toronto on May 31 at Scotiabank Arena during his highly anticipated Spring/Summer Last Concert Arena Tour. Local high schools in each city will submit the names of their favorite music teachers and then vote to select the winner. The winning teacher receives $5000 in new band instruments for their high school band, and an additional $5000 will be presented directly to the teacher.
Voting is now open on to everyone and will end on April 3rd. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter.
“While Barry continues his extraordinary career with 14 shows this spring and summer, he has chosen to share the spotlight with those he believes truly deserve it: music educators,” said Matt Parrish, President of the Manilow Fund.
“It is wonderful to partner with our concert venues to identify schools and music teachers in their neighborhoods that deserve this small token of my gratitude,” said Manilow. “Many school music programs have either been terminated, or their funds have been severely depleted. I always want to do my part through The Manilow Music Project to keep music in schools.”
Last Concert Tour Dates:
April 9-13 New York City Radio City Music Hall
May 23 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena
May 24 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
May 27 Providence, RI Amica Mutual Pavillion
May 28 Boston, MA TD Garden
May 30 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
May 31 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
June 3 Detroit, MI Little Caesar’s Arena
June 4 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
June 5 Cleveland, OH Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Manilow launched the Manilow Music Project in response to a friend’s request for an old used saxophone for his high school daughter. Manilow was surprised to discover that most public schools had suffered considerable budget cuts in their school music programs and that high school music teachers were taking part-time jobs just to raise the money to buy new drumsticks or a used trumpet so kids could play in the band. With no staff and all volunteers from the community and Manilow’s management company, The Manilow Music Project has gifted over $10 million in instruments and scholarships to primarily high school music students throughout the United States over the past 20 years and recognized hundreds of teachers nationwide.
For more details on The Manilow Music Project, please visit https://www.manilowmusicproject.org/
Spotify Champions Equity in Music as Women Artists Gain More Ground Than Ever
The music industry is evolving, and Spotify is playing a crucial role in making it more equitable. Through editorial playlists, content experiences, industry partnerships, and programs, the streaming giant is ensuring that women artists have more opportunities, visibility, and financial success.
Women Artists Are Thriving on Spotify
Spotify’s efforts are paying off, and the numbers prove it:
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Canada is leading the way. Alongside South Korea, Sweden, and Argentina, Canada ranks among the top global markets for women artists generating top earnings.
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Global success is within reach. Over 40% of Canadian artists generating more than $1M on Spotify in 2024 were women or part of mixed-gender bands.
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A growing industry shift. Women made up 18% of all artists earning at least $1M globally on Spotify in 2024—up from just 14% in 2017.
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More streams, more impact. Women artists accounted for 44% of the top 100 most-streamed artists on Spotify’s global editorial playlists in 2024.
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Rising stars are making waves. Of artists who debuted in 2020 or later and made over $1M on Spotify in 2024, 27% were women.
Spotify’s EQUAL program has been a game-changer in amplifying women’s voices:
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Over 20,800 women artists have been added to EQUAL playlists.
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More than 1,200 EQUAL ambassadors have been supported since the program’s launch.
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In 2024 alone, 30 million artist discoveries were made through EQUAL playlists.
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EQUAL artists received over 86,000 editorial playlist adds this year.
Canadian Women in Music Speak Out
Elizabeth Phipps, Artist and Label Partnerships Lead at Spotify Canada, underscores the importance of year-round support for women artists:
“Celebrating contributions of women musicians in Canada is something that we do at Spotify year-round—not just on International Women’s Day. We’ve supported more than 400 women artists through our global EQUAL program alone, and we’re continuing to champion the diverse voices of artists and creators from coast-to-coast. And as the CRTC continues its regulation of streaming, we hope they recognize the tools that help emerging and homegrown women musicians in Canada to build truly global audiences.”
Tate McRae, one of Canada’s most successful artists on Spotify, recalls her breakthrough moment:
“I remember the first time I hit a million monthly listeners on Spotify: it was the biggest deal of my life. I remember looking at my dad like, ‘This is it. This is the life.”