Events

CMA, Concert reviews, Country, Events, Hip-Hop, Nashville, United States July 11, 2024

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…

Adult Contemporary, Alt. Rock, Americana, Arranger, Blues, Bruce Cockburn, Canada, Canadian Music Hall Of Fame, Festivals, Folk, Gordon Lightfoot, Guitar, JUNO, Neil Young, Rock, San Francisco, Songwriter, Toronto, Voice July 3, 2024

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…

Alberta, British Columbia, Canada, Events, Folk, Halifax, Hamilton, Manitoba, Montréal, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Saskatchewan, Stratford, The Tragically Hip, Therapeutic, Toronto, Tourism, Travel, Vancouver June 24, 2024

From ‘Bobcaygeon’ to ‘Sudbury Saturday Night’ — this musician is cycling across Canada to learn about the places made famous in song

Aengus Finnan’s musical journey will end in mid-September on Vancouver Island.  By Nick Krewen Special to the Star As our country celebrates its 157th birthday, July 1 will find Aengus Finnan in the midst of a nation-hugging project of his own, one he calls “The Great Canadian Song Cycle.” It’s both a literal and figurative adventure: the folk musician and administrator is currently wheeling across our land on his trusty…

Arranger, BeBop, Big Band, Composer, Events, Grammy, Jazz, New York, Orchestra, Saxophone, United States May 9, 2024

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,…

Award Winners, Bass, Composer, Experimental, Festivals, Grammy, Jazz, Pop, Producer, Reggae, Rock, Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame, Songwriter, United Kingdom December 28, 2023

‘I’m still a student of music’ — Sting reflects on his long career ahead of his Toronto show

The solo artist and former Police frontman on his history with Toronto, his “unlikely pairing” with Shaggy and his ongoing love of touring. By Nick Krewen Whether it was with The Police or on his own as a solo performer, Sting has always had a special relationship with Toronto. The man born Gordon Sumner in Wallsend, England – and who will be appearing at Budweiser Stage on September 5  – has…