A world class opera singer awaits emergency surgery that pre-empts her returning home to attend her father's funeral; Drake revives OVOfest for 2019, the Wolfe Island Fest announces its lineup, The Toronto Blues Society reveal their finalists and the Arkells extend their Rally Cry tour dates to cover Halifax and Ontario are among the items for today.
To celebrate the Raptors win, Drake releases two new tracks (artwork pictured), Les Francofolies lineup is announced, and the MS Sucks benefit brings stars to The Horseshoe. Also in the news are Green Door Studios, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, Graham Henderson, Bob Gruen, Grant Hurley, FACTOR, Jim Cuddy, and Kevin Hearn.
Today has been proclaimed Massey Hall Day (pictured), Bruce Cockburn announces a new album, and Festival Village at NXNE gets underway. Also in the news are CMW, Kelly Jay, The Key of X, HUFF, Cabana Room tribute, Indie Week, Pride Hamilton, Carole Pope, Greg Keelor, and Music NB. Videos added for your enjoyment.
Arcade Fire (pictured) raise $250K in Montreal, Hot Child in the City enters Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and a celebration of the life of Ralph Murphy is planned in Toronto. Also in the news are Elvis Costello, CIMA’s Road Gold, Supercrawl, Toronto Fringe, Canada’s Walk of Fame, Acoustic Guitar Project, Woodstock 50, The Sadies, and farewell Bushwick Bill. Videos added for your enjoyment.
Corey Hart (pictured) adds A Flock of Seagulls to his Toronto show, NXNE gets under way, and Stones support lineup is announced. Also making news are Oh Susanna, Palaye Royale, Stephen Stohn, Mel Warner, The Crump Twins, Bandzoogle, golf rock, The Franklin Electric, Michael Hutchence, and farewell Jahiant Jahh. Videos added for your enjoyment.
In today's column we bid farewell to Dr. John, a true legend of New Orleans music and an inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The CFC/Slaight Music Residency Showcase (pictured) is approaching, the 2019 SOCAN Songwriting Prize finalists are announced, and a new book on Massey Hall seeks your input. Also in the news are the Allan Slaight Juno Master Class, Paul McCartney, Emma Stevens, Taylor Knox, Laurie Brown, The Trews, CFMAs, Adam Levine, and Audrey Ochoa. Videos added for your enjoyment.
Concert promoter Ron Sakamoto (pictured) receives The Alberta Order of Excellence, Geddy Lee's book is a beautiful best-seller, and wave goodbye to iTunes. Also making the news are The Funhouse, Soulpepper Theatre Company, XL The Band, Our Lady Peace, Tamara Williamson, Franco-Fête de Toronto, and farewells to Mose Scarlett and Roky Erickson. Videos added for your enjoyment.
Earlier this week, Corey Hart joined MusiCounts, Canada's leading music education charity, to surprise the students of Juniper Ridge Intermediate in Torbay, NL with a special performance, and $10K in new instruments from the MusiCounts Band Aid Program.
The SiriusXM Top of the Country competition returns (pictured, 2018 winner Andrew Hyatt), Kalle Mattson wins two Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards, and early Chilliwack albums get a new life. Others in the news include The James Barker Band, Massif Music 2019, Wavelength, Rollo Bay Fiddle fest, Grant Hurley, Nicola Piovani, JV’s Boogaloo Squad, and farewell Genevieve Waite.
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Martha Wainwright (pictured) has opened a new cultural venue in Montreal, Heather Nova returns with her 10th album, and the NXNE lineup is announced. Also in the news are Mark Howard, Manitoba Music, Indigenous Day Live, Peter Serrado, Ken Stead, Music PEI, Music Nova Scotia, and Scarlett Jane. Videos added for your enjoyment.
Richard Flohil (pictured) to turn 85 with a big party, Carly Rae Jepsen announces a Canadian tour, and Our Lady Peace revives Summersault. Others making news include Drake, POP Montreal, the IMAs, CIMA, Project WILD 2019, Diapason Festival, MusicOntario, FIMPRO, Jully Black, Call the Office, The Lumineers, Into the Abyss, Sunday Wilde, and farewell Jake Black.
