Released on January 28, 2016,Rihanna’s genre-defying Anti flipped expectations of what pop music could be and marked a pivotal moment in her career. With its bold artistic risks, introspective themes, and masterful production, Anti has plenty of lesser-known details that make this album extraordinary. Here are five facts about Anti that you might not know.
- The Tame Impala Connection:
Rihanna’s “Same Ol’ Mistakes” is a faithful reimagining of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” from their Currents album. Instead of transforming the track, Rihanna kept its dreamy psychedelic essence intact, choosing to enhance rather than alter. This decision shows her respect for the original while adding her unmistakable vocal signature. Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker openly praised her take, calling it a perfect fit for her voice and artistic style. - Whiskey and Vulnerability:
The ballad “Higher” was born out of a late-night studio session fueled by whiskey. Rihanna herself referred to the track as “a drunk voicemail,” and the rawness of her delivery is palpable. Recorded in the early hours of the morning, the song captures a kind of emotional honesty that feels both unpolished and deeply human. It’s a standout moment of intimacy on an album filled with experimental production. - A Record-Breaking Hit:
“Work,” the lead single from Anti, became a cultural phenomenon upon its release. With its hypnotic dancehall rhythm and minimalist production, the track dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks. It helped Rihanna achieve her 14th number-one hit, surpassing Michael Jackson in the process. The song’s success reaffirmed Rihanna’s ability to effortlessly blend Caribbean influences with global pop appeal. - A Braille-Infused Cover:
The Anti album cover, designed by Roy Nachum, is as layered as the music it represents. Featuring a childhood photo of Rihanna with a crown covering her eyes, the artwork also includes a poem in Braille. The inclusion of Braille reflects themes of perception and the idea of being misunderstood, a recurring motif in both the album’s lyrics and Rihanna’s career. It’s a visual statement that invites deeper interpretation. - Genre-Defying Eclecticism:
One of Anti’s greatest strengths is its refusal to be boxed into a single genre. The album effortlessly weaves together elements of dancehall, doo-wop, trap, and psychedelic soul. Tracks like “Love on the Brain” nod to 1950s balladry, while songs like “Needed Me” lean into moody, contemporary trap. This diversity not only showcases Rihanna’s vocal range but also her willingness to challenge mainstream expectations.
Jay Douglas Documentary Play It Loud! – How Toronto Got Soul Set For VIFF Premiere And Knowledge Network Airings
Exclaim: “An entertaining celebration of one of the key architects of the Toronto sound”
JAZZ FM: “Beloved Toronto music legend Jay Douglas is finally getting his flowers! Proud to see his story come to life through this film!”
Reggae North: “A landmark event in Canadian music history!”
Sly Dunbar: “The Lou Rawls of Jamaican music”
For much of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Caribbean, Jamaican and reggae music scene in Toronto was almost unrivaled in North America in terms of quality and performers. Jay Douglas, lead singer of The Cougars and one of the biggest and brightest talents of that time, is the subject of a fantastic new TVO Original documentary entitled Play It Loud! — How Toronto Got Soul. The documentary, directed by Graeme Mathieson, produced by Andrew Munger (Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band), and Executive Produced by Clement Virgo (Brother, The Wire) will be screening with the Director, Producer and Cast at The VIFF on February 7 at 8:30pmPT – tickets on sale here), followed by television airings across British Columbia starting February 27 at 9:00pmPT via the Knowledge Network.
Play It Loud! — How Toronto Got Soul traces Douglas’ life from a young boy in Jamaica to immigrating to Canada in his teenage years and residing in Toronto with a host of other Jamaica-born artists such as Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles and Wayne McGhie among others. With Toronto becoming a hotbed of Jamaican music, Douglas established himself as the lead singer of The Cougars, a fabulous group who performed a collage of genres (reggae/Caribbean/soul/ska/funk) wherever and whenever they could.
Whether it was the vibrant clubs on Toronto’s Yonge Street during that era or performing in smaller towns in Northern Ontario or Quebec, the group dazzled fans despite little to no airplay or label support aside from appearing on one album entitled Caribana ’67.
Douglas (born Clive Pinnock), described by legendary reggae producer Sly Dunbar as “the Lou Rawls of Jamaican music,” maintained a music career performing on cruise ships, banquets, and clubs long after The Cougars’ heyday. In 2006, after influential hip-hop artists discovered a drum break from McGhie’s song “Dirty Funk,” that time and place in Canadian musical history was resurrected thanks to Jamaica To Toronto: Soul Funk & Reggae 1967-1974, a now legendary compilation issued by Seattle label Light In The Attic which shone the spotlight on the blazing Jamaican music scene, Douglas (a three-time Juno Award nominee), and this magical era. Play It Loud — How Toronto Got Soul takes the journey with Douglas through the highs and lows, in a way akin to the 2012 critically acclaimed documentary Searching For Sugar Man about the rather obscure musician Rodriguez and one man’s search for the artist.
Featuring interviews with Dunbar, vocalist Jackie Richardson, Cadence Weapon (Rollie Pemberton), former MuchMusic host Michael Williams and many others, and the music of Bob Marley, Bo Diddley, James Brown, The Cougars, Wayne McGhie.
The film was funded by TVO, Canada Media Fund, Telefilm, Ontario Creates, Rogers Documentary Fund, Knowledge Network BC and the Hot Docs–Slaight Family Fund.
For an intriguing, intimate look at an incredibly underrated and then underappreciated era in Canadian music, Play It Loud — How Toronto Got Soul will stir your soul to seek out these artists and this incredible sound while shedding light on one of Canada’s most revered musicians.
98º Brings the Heat with New Single “Got U” and Album ‘Full Circle’
98º is back and better than ever with their new single “Got U,” out now, a heartwarming anthem of love, devotion, and connection from their upcoming album Full Circle (May 9th, 2025/ XOXO Entertainment Corp.) Penned by Alex Cantrall (JoJo, Toni Braxton, EXO, SHINee), Carsten Schack (Whitney Houston, 2Pac, Brandy, Usher), Kenneth Karlin (Backstreet Boys, Mary J. Blige, Monica, Sting), and Nick Lachey, the track showcases the group’s signature harmonies and emotional resonance. Produced by Anders Bagge (Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Santana) with polished finishing touches from 5x Grammy Winner, Orlando Calzada (Lady Gaga, One Direction, Beyonce) and mastering by Chris Gehringer (AJR, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, & “APT” by Bruno Mars & Rose), the 27-time Grammy-nominated & 3x winning engineer, “Got U” is a perfect blend of classic 98º and contemporary sophistication.
After two decades of creating unforgettable music, 98º returns with Full Circle, a highly anticipated album that bridges their iconic past with an exciting future. Featuring five brand-new tracks, the album reflects the group’s growth while staying true to the essence that made them pop legends. Collaborations with international sensations Katrina Velarde and Janine Teñoso inject vibrant, dynamic energy into modern pop-soul anthems that fans won’t want to miss.
The album also reimagines five of their biggest megahits, now remastered in stunning 96kHz Stereo and Dolby Atmos, delivering a richer, more immersive listening experience. From soulful ballads to infectious up-tempo tracks, Full Circle is a heartfelt journey through music that celebrates the band’s enduring legacy.
Full Circle is a celebration of connection, nostalgia, and evolution with the group managed by the legendary Johnny Wright and Joe Lilac at Wright Entertainment Group. The title Full Circle symbolizes the group’s journey, bringing their timeless harmonies into the modern era for fans new and old. With their unparalleled vocal blend stronger than ever, 98º proves they are here to stay, creating music that resonates across generations.
98º invites listeners to feel the love, relive the memories, and embrace the future with Full Circle—an album that’s as iconic as their legacy.
Anishinaabe Songwriter Graeme Jonez Blends Roots And Rock in Gritty ‘Ride or Die’
The bikers’ famous credo is that we ride to live and live to ride. But Graeme Jonez wants you to know that it runs deeper than that. His new single, “Ride or Die,” raises the stakes of a life on the road to something truly metaphysical—an irresistible rendezvous with the infinite that’s just a full tank of gas away.
A gutsy, gritty piece of latter-day roots rock, the song is sung from the perspective of a rider who’s surrendered to the call of the “great highway,” trusting it to take him wherever it will. That road might even end in death, but he welcomes the chance to one day learn “the kind of things no living man knows.” In the meantime, he harbors “no worries about tomorrow/’Cause tonight it’s ride or die.”
“Shouldn’t we all think this way?” Jonez asks, by way of explaining the mindset he was in when he wrote the song on a 2023 trip to Mexico. “I mean, everyone dies at some point, and we never know when it’s coming. So why not do things that really make you feel alive while you still can?”
Recorded at Toronto’s The Nelson Room by producer Derek Downham and engineer Tim Foy, “Ride or Die” conveys its message with a sound that’s raw, honest and untamed. It blends the influences of country, blues, folk and rock into a contemporary sound that conjures up the feeling of an exhilarating road trip broken up by contemplative nights around a campfire. Jonez has even thrown in some affectionate nods to the 1960s hot-rod music he grew up with, including a shoutout to Jan & Dean’s infamous “Dead Man’s Curve.”
Painting pictures on record comes naturally to this Anishinaabe/English song stylist, whose skills as a writer and performer depend equally on the storytelling traditions of his birth culture and his personal affinity for vintage folk and blues. His Indigenous background has enabled him to infuse an everyday concept like motorcycle riding with a quasi-spiritual significance with the lyrics “My mama swears we all go to heaven,” he sings in the new single’s opening lines, “but everyone I know just turns to bones and dust.”)
A member of the Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Jonez is an alumnus of Manitoba Music’s Indigenous Music Residency; since then, he’s received grants from the Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council, and last year participated in a one-week songwriting residency at the SOCAN LA House. High-profile live gigs have included the ReconciliAction Market (Downie Wenjack), Union Summer (Red Music Rising) and Aga Khan Museum (Indigenous Peoples Week). He made his recorded debut with 2023’s full-length album Creatures & Criminals, giving him a foothold that led to the success of singles “100 Days Deep” (which saw rotation on SiriusXM’s Indigiverse) and “The Flood!” (#1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown and ultimately the Merilainen Music Award winner for Single of the Year).
This year will bring the release of his eagerly anticipated second album, with “Ride or Die” its tantalizing opening salvo. As with all of his music, there’s plenty for us to chew over while we wait.
“‘Ride or Die’ was inspired by the motorcycle lifestyle, but it’s really just about our individual relationship with our own mortality,” he says. “Are we all living the life we want to live? What happens when you die? Are you ready to meet your maker if tomorrow is your last day?”
Maybe. But we’d really like to hear that album first.
Winterfolk XXIII: Celebrating 23 Years of Folk, Blues, and Roots Music in Toronto
Winterfolk, Toronto’s beloved annual celebration of folk, blues, and roots music, returns for its 23rd year from February 14–16, 2025, at the iconic Tranzac Club. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary mix of established artists, including Michael Jerome Browne, Dala, Sultans Of String, Donné Roberts, Russell deCarle, Amanda Rheaume, and Tannis Slimmon, alongside emerging talent and community-driven performances, all set to reignite the spirit of live music and inspire audiences of all ages.
Since its inception, Winterfolk has championed the rich traditions of folk, blues, and roots music while offering a platform for emerging voices in the industry. Over the years, the festival has grown from a grassroots effort to a highly respected event that draws over 150 performers and a diverse audience annually. Beyond showcasing exceptional talent, Winterfolk creates opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and connection within the music community.
The full lineup includes: Amanda Rheaume, Brian Blain, Brian Gladstone, Brian Morgan, Camie, Cathy Anne, D’Arcy Wickham, DALA, Danny Marks, David Newland, Donné Roberts, Glen Hornblast, Harpin’ Norm, Howard Gladstone, Jesse Greene, Jessica Stuart, Ken Whiteley, Laura Fernandez, Lynn Harrison, Lynn Miles, Melanie Peterson, Michael Jerome Browne, Noah Zacharin, Q & A, Robert Priest & the Revelations, Russell deCarle, Shawna Caspi, Sultans of String – Trio, Suzie Vinnick, Tannis Slimmon & Lewis Melville, The Mid-Century Modernes, Tony Quarrington, Tyler Ellis, Wild Bloom.
This year’s festival focuses on rebuilding and revitalization, presenting a lineup that combines iconic performers with fresh, youthful energy to ensure the continued evolution of roots music. According to Winterfolk founder Brian Gladstone, “Amid declining resources and shrinking audiences, Winterfolk is focused on rebuilding for a sustainable and vibrant future by presenting young emerging talent—a voice from the future that ensures the evolution and vitality of roots music.”
Highlights of Winterfolk XXIII
- Opening Night – Friday, February 14, 2025: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with “Valentine Voices: A Night of Female Power,” featuring performances by Lynn Miles, Melanie Peterson, and more artists to be announced.
- Saturday, February 15, 2025: A full day of music, including fan-favorite artists DALA, Robert Priest, Tannis Slimmon, Noah Zacharin, Lynn Harrison, Brian Gladstone, and Laura Fernandez, as well as “The Blues of Winterfolk” showcase starring Toronto Blues Society rising star Jesse Greene and friends. Additional workshops and guitar sessions will round out the day.
- Sunday, February 16, 2025: The festival shines a spotlight on community music organizations and talent like Ken Whiteley, Michael Jerome Browne, Amanda Rheaume, providing a glimpse into the past and future of folk, blues, and roots music.
- Winterfolk XXIII’s lineup features a mix of celebrated names and rising stars, including Michael Jerome Browne, Donné Roberts, Russell deCarle, Dala, Amanda Rheaume, Tannis Slimmon & Lewis Melville, Harpin’ Norm Lucien, Jesse Greene, and many more.
In addition to its artist showcases, Winterfolk is partnering with local organizations such as the Toronto Folk Festival, Brampton Folk Festival, and Seneca College Music Program to amplify their work and foster greater collaboration within the music community.
Beyond performances, Winterfolk XXIII offers workshops, seminars, and discussions designed to engage audiences on a deeper level. These activities provide opportunities to learn about the rich history of roots music and connect with the vibrant Toronto music scene.
Like many festivals, Winterfolk faces challenges as it continues to recover from the pandemic. Despite a low-budget year, all signs point to success as audiences, sponsors, and grants steadily return. Gladstone remains optimistic: “It takes a community to build a festival, and Winterfolk’s success has been a true partnership with our fans, audiences, artists, and supporters. Together, we’ve grown the festival, enriched the roots music scene, and strengthened the Toronto music community.”
Winterfolk XXIII invites music lovers, families, and friends to experience three unforgettable days of live music, community connection, and cultural celebration. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the festival for the first time, Winterfolk offers something truly special for everyone.
For tickets and more information, visit Winterfolk’s Official Website.
Winterfolk XXIII is proudly presented with the support of local partners, artists, and volunteers who share a passion for keeping the spirit of folk, blues, and roots music alive.
HOLLY COLE RELEASES NEW ALBUM ‘DARK MOON’
Renowned Canadian / International vocalist Holly Cole has released her 13th studio album, Dark Moon. Teaming up with her long-time live performance partners, along with additional musicians to create rich harmonies and layers, this album is a true ensemble project that highlights her signature style. Dark Moon is available here via Rumpus Room/Universal Music Canada.
“I really wanted this album to embrace the spirit of spontaneity. At the same time a quintessential part of the sound of my music is in the arrangements. So, we did very little rehearsal in advance, and the songs were incredibly fresh for us while we were in the studio. The musicians that I play with contribute greatly to the arranging of the songs, and I wanted to hear the sound of when the light goes on for each one of us and many of the arrangements fell together as we played them. What we end up hearing on this record is the moment when we discover what we love about the song, and what its essence is for me.” – said Cole.
Holly Cole isn’t one of those artists who falls into any one category. Her smoky voice is sultry, her arrangements smart and sexy and all the while she and her musicians very uniquely reshape traditional Jazz, Pop and Country standards this time particularly from the New American Songbook writers including Marty Balin, Peggy Lee, Hal David, Burt Bacharach and Johnny Mercer.
The ensemble that Holly has brought together to help create and perform on Dark Moon includes long time live performance / recording mates, Aaron Davis (piano), George Koller (bass), Davide Direnzo (drums) and John Johnson (saxophone). Add to that the brilliance of sometime accompanist’s including guitar master and provocateur Kevin Breit and on harmonica two-time Grammy winner and original member of Bella Fleck and the Flecktones, Howard Levy and finally the wonderful three-part 1950’s Nashville style harmonies of the Good Lovelies. Together they define the absolute best in “ensemble playing”!
The first featured single is ‘No Moon At All’ is an up-tempo, sexy version of the track originally recorded by Peggy Lee that features a wonderful Howard Levy (2-time Grammy winner, friend, and original member of the Flecktones) harmonica solo.
Dark Moon is available now via Rumpus Room/Universal Music Canada on CD, 180-gram black vinyl, standard, Hi-Res digital + ATMOS.
Holly Cole is a renowned Canadian / International jazz singer who began her career in 1989 with the release of her 4-song EP ‘Christmas Blues’ under indie label Alert Music, followed by her debut album ‘Girl Talk’ in 1990.
In 1992, she signed with Blue Note’s Manhattan imprint and released ‘Blame It on My Youth’ which achieved Platinum + sales in Canada, over 200,000 copies internationally, and based on the success of the single “Calling You”, a number 1 charted single and album in Japan. The next album based on her hit rendition of Johnny Nash’s, “I Can See Clearly Now” and its accompanying video cemented her success internationally setting up her following release, the critically acclaimed, Temptation, an album made up of material exclusively written by Tom Waits, one of Holly favourite songwriters.
With 12 previous albums to her name, Cole has achieved multi-platinum sales and received numerous awards, including 2 Juno Awards (out of 8 nominations) and 2 Gemini Awards. She has also won two Japanese Grand Prix Gold Disc Awards and the prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Award from the Montreal Jazz Festival, joining the ranks of Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall and Etta James. In 2014, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University.
In 2019, Holly Cole reunited the original Holly Cole Trio, with David Pitch on bass and Aaron Davis on piano, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. They performed at the cabaret Lion d’Or in Montreal, and these special shows were recorded and became the 2021 album ‘Montreal’.
For Christmas 2022, Cole released a remastered compilation combining her holiday releases from 1989 and 2001, titled anew ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside and I Have the Christmas Blues’.
The Music / Track listing
CD/DIGITAL/LP (Side 1 #1-5 / Side 2 #6-11)
- Steppin’ Out with My Baby
- Where Flamingoes Fly
- Moon River
- No Moon at All
- Message to Michael
- The Exciting Life
- Dark Moon
- Comin’ Back to Me
- Kiss Me Quick
- Walk Away Renee
- Johnny Guitar
Upcoming Tour Dates
- March 7, 8, 10, 11 – Tokyo, Japan – Blue Note
- April 27 – Peterborough – Market Hall Performance Art Centre
- July 2 – Montreal, QC Festival International de Jazz de Montreal Theatre Jean Duceppe – Place des Arts
- Canadian Summer Festival appearances announcements coming soon
- Germany / US / Western Canada Late Summer / Fall 2025
Whiskey Jack Celebrates 46 Years In Music With Country-Folk Single “O L D” About Aging and Pickleball
If you’re fortunate enough to grow old, things begin to happen and you begin to ask yourself simple questions, like “did I leave my keys in my wallet or in my car? Did I leave my wallet in my car or at home? Did I leave my dentures in my car or in my wallet?” Time remains undefeated after all. But for Whiskey Jack, the process of aging has provided inspiration for their latest whimsical toe-tapper “O L D.”
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ5t7gV0tnE&si=9RRxScKb3IeXLZ_f
“O L D” was inspired in early 2024 when singer and guitarist Douglas John Cameron was chatting one day with his old pal Steve Hunter. During the discussion, Cameron had a momentary brain lapse and forgot something. “It looks like you’ve got the O L D,” Steve quipped with a laugh. The apt response was the creative spark for the single. “I just wrote about everything that was happening around me at the time — losing keys, doctor appointments, and pickleball,” Cameron says. “The song wrote itself.”
“O L D” was written, composed, and produced by Cameron, a two-time JUNO Award nominee for his songs Mona With The Children (1986) and Ants In Your Pants (2000). This is a sparse but spectacularly precise tale of realizing the aches and pains might not go away so easily. Told as if it was a doctor-patient consultation, “O L D” brings the work of John Prine, Lyle Lovett, Leon Redbone, and Jerry Reed to the fore for being highly comical and true. The song features Cameron on guitar and vocals, Duncan Fremlin on vocals and Steve Hunter on piano. And from the subtle piano tickling to the light and airy rhythm section, Whiskey Jack has played all the right notes to have a hit on their hands.
“We played it for the first time live with our band mates Billy MacInnis on fiddle, and James McEleney on bass, at a Royal Canadian Legion show in April, a crowd not known for their exuberance,” Cameron says. “We were stunned by the extended applause and robust laughter. Today, this has become our signature song and is featured at all of our shows. The reactions are the same each time. The young like it because they say, ‘My dad would love that song.’ The older crowd loves it because it speaks to what they’re experiencing every day as a senior. If it had been on a recording this year, our CD sales would have soared, and the pickleball craze would be even bigger.”
“O L D” is the latest offering from Whiskey Jack, a band who has been touring and recording for almost half a century. Appearing on CBC Television’s The Tommy Hunter Show’s “Ol’ Back Porch” segment, the group were honoured in 1990 when the legendary Stompin’ Tom Connors made the group one of his studio and touring bands. The partnership lasted for almost a quarter of a century before Connor’s death in 2014.
Whiskey Jack have several albums in their discography dating back to 1979’s Uptown debut, which was followed up by 1981’s One More Time. The group, who released their latest album Whiskey Jack 10 (Do It Again) in 2023, have also appeared on CBC Morningside, The Alan Thicke Show and The Ralph Emery Show on The Nashville Network. Memebers of the group also supported Connors on Late Night with Conan O’Brien when the host took his show to Toronto in 2004. Whiskey Jack, who have taken their years with Connors to create a Whiskey Jack Presents Stories & Songs of Stompin’ Tom concert, describe their performances as “polished” while “exuding humour, playfulness and professionalism.”
Now with plans for a Legends of Canadian Country Music TV trek with Donna and LeRoy from The Tommy Hunter Show in the cards, and a brand-new single in “O L D,” Whiskey Jack have definitely struck G O L D with this terrific tune.
“One Good Reason” Marks a Brilliant Follow-Up for Ojibwe Folk Artist SARA KAE After Top 10 Indigenous Music Countdown Hit “25”
Depression and mental health issues can be heavy topics to discuss. But with more awareness comes more empathy and ways to address these issues head on. Folksy singer-songwriter Sara Kae, an Ojibwe and Cree member of Ontario’s Lake Helen First Nation near Thunder Bay, has tackled the subject with the warm, almost criminally melodic single “One Good Reason.” The song should strike a chord with listeners as much as it did Kae.
“‘One Good Reason’ is a song of perseverance,” Kae says. “I had been struggling with mental health and the idea that it can be exhausting to keep yourself afloat through the confusion and heartache that can come with life. The song is about the temptation of falling deeper into spaces of sadness and hurt. That it sometimes feels as if situations in life and your mind are guiding you there.
“I wrote the line ‘one good reason’ as a challenge to the things in life that might try and knock me down and keep me there. I was trying to challenge my own thoughts of giving up and living in my own despair instead of trying my best to work towards happiness, which is easier said than done at times. I wrote this song knowing that many struggle with these same thoughts, and music is what allows us out of isolation a bit.”
Kae wrote “One Good Reason” at home and wanted a counterbalance to the song’s weightier issues “with optimism.” “I wanted both worlds to co-exist which is the reality of life,” she says. “We have to juggle the good with the bad and try and find our way through it.” As a result, the song’s music and melody are warm, engaging, and teeming with brighter sonic hues. With some sweet mandolin and guitar work in the song’s homestretch, combined with her excellent vocal delivery, Kae has crafted a song that recalls Kacey Musgraves, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and The Be Good Tanyas.
“One Good Reason” is another fine release from Kae who also writes and performs. Kae’s career commenced at age 12, touring local schools and performing at community gatherings in Northern Ontario with her father, who was a counselor. Kae also performed in Rise with Sara Kae, a 2023 concert series in collaboration with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and co-created Trading Places, a musical theatre production.
A honors graduate and Founders Award recipient from Mississauga’s Metalworks Institute, Kae received a Canadian Journalism Foundation-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship in 2023 while based in Winnipeg. She’s appeared at Thunder Bay’s Wake the Giant Music Festival, headlined her own radio program with Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, and partnered with Susan Aglukark’s Arctic Rose Foundation as a guest artist. Previous singles include 2022’s “Rise,” 2023’s “Constellations,” and “25” which was one of four songs from her Maadaadizi EP released in October. Plus, she made fun and insightful “Mini Car Series” video clips on Instagram regarding the material on Maadaadizi while seated in a passenger seat.
With its tasteful, tactful approach and sensitivity to a difficult topic, fans, and newcomers to Sara Kae’s music and story have several good reasons to listen to “One Good Reason.”
Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest Announces 2025 Lineup: Grammy Winner Nicole Zuraitis, JUNO Award nominees Alex Bird, Jill Barber, Jay Douglas, Tanika Charles
Destination Markham proudly announces the return of the wildly popular Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest for its third year. Building on the success of the sold-out 2023 and 2024 editions, this year’s series promises even more memorable evenings celebrating the vibrant culinary and musical culture of the City of Markham. With six events planned from late January to March 2025, Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest continues to grow as a must-attend cultural experience in the Greater Toronto Area.
2025 Event Schedule:
- Series 1: January 21–25 | 2x-time JUNO Award nominee Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks at SMASH Kitchen & Bar
- Series 2: January 28–February 1 | 3x-time JUNO Award nominee Jill Barber at Essence of Unionville, Hilton Toronto/Markham
- Series 3: February 4–8 | 2x-time JUNO Award nominee Tanika Charles at Laz Authentic Cuisine
- Series 4: February 26-28 I 2024 Grammy Award winner Nicole Zuraitis at “Draco” at Toronto Marriott Markham
- Series 5: March 4-8 I | 2x-time JUNO Award nominee Jay Douglas All Star Band at Rouge River Brewing Company
- Series 6: March 18-22 I MYSTERY GUEST & LOCATION
“Markham’s Jazzlicious WinterFest welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience Markham’s unique dining scene, while listening to world-class musicians,” says the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is investing in unique experiences that showcase all that southern Ontario has to offer, driving tourism and strengthening local economies.”
“We’re thrilled to see Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest continue to grow,” says Andrew Baldwin, Executive Director, Destination Markham Corporation. “This festival represents everything that makes Markham unique – the intersection of culinary excellence and cultural richness. We are proud to create a platform that draws visitors and spotlights Markham as a premier destination for unforgettable experiences.”
Culinary Highlights:
- Hosted at SMASH Kitchen & Bar, guests will enjoy an exceptional menu crafted by Executive Chef Isaac Co, perfectly complementing the evening’s performances.
- Essence of Unionville, located in the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites, will feature a menu by Executive Chef Jitin Gaba, enhancing the soulful sounds of the evening.
- At Laz Authentic Cuisine, guests will be treated to a spectacular meal prepared by Executive Chef and Owner Diakhia Lezama, paired with outstanding jazz performances.
- At Draco, located in the Toronto Marriott Markham, guests will indulge in a thoughtfully curated menu by Executive Chef Bill Jewer, elevating the dining experience with his creative culinary expertise.
- Rouge River Brewing Company will offer an innovative beer and food pairing experience, featuring artisanal pizzas crafted by Brewery Owner and Head Brewer Jordan Mills, and Pizza Chef Jezza.
Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or simply love good food and great company, Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is your perfect escape from the ordinary. Venture just north of Toronto’s downtown core to discover why Markham is rapidly becoming one of the GTA’s premier culinary and cultural destinations.
Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is produced by Destination Markham Corporation in collaboration with the Markham Jazz Festival, and in partnership with Cosmo Music, Flato Markham Theatre, JAZZ.FM91 radio and, with funding provided by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Experience Ontario and Central Counties Tourism.
The perfect holiday gift, the 2025 edition of the Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest will now feature six musical and culinary pairings at signature venues across the city. Guests will be treated to a night of delicious meals prepared by some of Markham’s top chefs and live jazz performances by some of Canada’s brightest stars.
Tickets for the 2025 Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest are on sale on December 13, 2024. For further information and to pre-register for series tickets, visit jazzlicious.ca.
About Destination Markham: Destination Markham Corporation (DMC) is an arm’s length municipal corporation launched in April 2020 as the destination management organization (DMO) for the City of Markham. Its purpose is to promote Markham as a remarkable destination for visitors, including tourists, sport and festival attendees, meeting and conference delegates, and business travellers. The key tourism objectives are to research, develop, market, and grow Markham’s tourism/visitor economy. This initiative will collaborate with Markham’s hotel industry, festival-event conference-travel planners, attraction operators, cultural institutions, sports tourism promoters, entertainment and recreation providers, food service businesses and the City of Markham. Learn more at visitmarkham.ca.
About FedDev Ontario: For 15 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Roots Musician John Dawson Finds Universal Love in Wrestling-Inspired Single “Under All the Lights”
They say that behind every great man is a woman. That’s the theme of “Under All the Lights,” the new single from Newmarket roots musician John Dawson that finds deep emotional resonance in the age-old poetic trope of the enduring love between … a pro wrestler and his wife?
For real, though. Behind the song’s craftily ambiguous portrait of undying devotion is the specific story of WWE superstar Cody (son of Dusty) Rhodes and his loyal spouse, Brandi. They’re the pair Dawson is thinking of when he sings of a man—seen variously as a “warrior” and a “mage” by the world at large—who knows his true strength comes from his partner.
Under all the lights with only everyone,
He’s looking for one single face.
Without her, he’s just song without the sound.
He’s just words without a page.
The song was inspired by Rhodes’ participation in last year’s WrestleMania XL, and more particularly an interview he gave in the run up to the event.
“I was drawn to a seemingly offhand comment he made where he boasted of how well his wife would be positioned in the coming big show,” Dawson says. “It was this that struck me. The eyes of the world were on him, but his eyes were on her.”
Dawson knows his wrestling, have no doubt: When he isn’t making music or spending quality time with his own family, he cohosts a weekly radio show called Ringside Heat, in which he interviews some of the most notable names in the sport. But you don’t have to share his passion for the pastime to be touched by “Under All the Lights,” which has a universal, tug-at-the-heartstrings appeal held aloft by Dawson’s haunting vocals and guitar. (He’s ably supported by Steve Peconi on rhythm guitar, Manny DeGrandis on bass, Anthony D’Andela on drums and Mike Walsom on organ, piano and keyboards). What’s most important, though, are the sentiments behind the words, which Dawson knows extend far beyond the ring.
“It’s a simple tale of love and its triumph over adversity that, regardless of the specific subject matter, I hope can find meaning for any listener,” he says.
Imparting meaning through melody is something Dawson knows how to do in a myriad of ways. A songwriter, guitarist and composer who’s based in the Greater Toronto area, he has worked in multiple areas of the music industry, ranging from education to performance. Over the years, he has played with JUNO- and Grammy-nominated artists and had the honour of backing up Jackie Lomax at a 2011 Beatles festival. He’s a graduate of the Humber College Music program and holds degrees in Music and Education from York University. His muses as a writer and player include George Harrison, Paul Simon, Bill Frisell, Eric Clapton, and Mark Knopfler.
Those influences and more were in full flower on Dawson’s 2024 debut album, Outlier, a nine-song rumination on the changes each of us will invariably face in life. Standout tracks included the singles “Things That I Meant To Say,” “Life Just Came to Me” and “Where You Belong,” plus the jazzy, rootsy instrumental “Merry and Pippin.” To that sturdy repertoire, we can now add “Under All the Lights,” which starts Dawson’s 2025 on a note of pure class and elegant romance. Whatever else he has in store for us this year, it’s clearly going to be no holds barred.