Award Winners

Iconic singers Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett rock Budweiser Stage with nostalgia-filled sets

Although there’s no doubt that Morissette gave it her all, there was a problem that dampened proceedings: a bad sound mix, writes Nick Krewen By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett Three stars (out of four)  Budweiser Stage on Saturday, July 13, 2024  Isn’t she iconic? True that the term “iconic” has been employed to the point of nausea by every well-meaning publicist grasping for…


In his stunning four-star Toronto debut, Jelly Roll proves he’s the rock star the world needs now

The message of his hybrid rock, country and hip-hop sound is all about life and its struggles and imperfections. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Jelly Roll 4 stars (out of 4) History, Toronto, Wednesday, July 10 Jelly Roll finally made History Wednesday night. Not actual history, although in retrospect some may eventually see it that way, but specifically, he performed at the popular Toronto music venue. Up until…


Remembering the Toronto music exec who helped shape the careers of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen

Artists as diverse as Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy and the Marshall Tucker Band were touched by Mary Martin’s expertise. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star If the only thing Toronto’s Mary Martin had achieved during her extraordinary career was introducing Bob Dylan to the Hawks, it would have been enough to enshrine her place in music history. But Martin, who died July 4 in Nashville at the age of…


As he gets inducted into the Mariposa Hall of Fame, Bruce Cockburn looks back on the highs and lows of summer festivals

The 79-year-old musician will play the Lightfoot Stage at the Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia on July 7.  By Nick Krewen Special to the Star The second time he played the Mariposa Folk Festival, in 1969, Bruce Cockburn wasn’t supposed to headline. That honour belonged to Neil Young, fresh from his split with Buffalo Springfield, until a last-minute health issue forced the Ottawa-born folksinger and songwriter — who, until that point, had…


A Toronto concert offers jazz great John Coltrane’s music in a rare format: arranged for symphony orchestra

“He was a passionate player that was always looking forward,” says saxophonist Joe Lovano, featured soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in world premiere “John Coltrane: Legacy.” By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Get ready to hear the music of John Coltrane in a whole new context. While the legendary repertoire of the late jazz sax colossus has been performed in many configurations over the last 75 years or so,…