Canada

Jason Blaine Aims To Pump Up The Country Crowd

Story by Nick Krewen | September 13, 2013 For SOCAN Words and Music   “Hey, Nashville! Break’s over!” Jason Blaine remembers the gentle joshing he received from fellow workers during the few years he toiled at a filing cabinet factory back in the ‘90s. As a then-aspiring country music singer and songwriter who dreamed of living in Music City, Tennessee, and making an impact on country music, Blaine was ribbed…


Brian Chater helped build Canadian music industry

Chater, dead at 73, also helped Bryan Adams get his start Canadian music industry executive Brian Chater, who died Sept. 5 at the age of 73.   By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Tue Sep 10 2013 The man whose early belief in Bryan Adams helped the Kingston, Ont., native become one of the world’s biggest superstars has died at 73 after a long illness. Brian Chater, who died Thursday,…


Robin Thicke at Wham Bam: our review

Robin Thicke at Wham Bam: our review Fresh off a controversial performance at the VMAs, concertgoers were hoping for similar excitement at the Molson Ampitheatre. By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Sun Sep 01 2013   http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2013/09/01/robin_thicke_at_wham_bam_our_review.html Robin Thicke didn’t click. Fresh off a controversial performance with Miley Cyrus at the MTV Video Music Awards last weekend, one might have hoped some similar drama involving the son of Canadian actor…


Avril Lavigne co-headlines Wham Bam Fest in Toronto

Avril Lavigne co-headlines Wham Bam Fest in Toronto Singer talks about her Rock N’ Roll video, working with husband Chad Kroeger and the charity Raise Your Voice Nick Krewen Music Published on Thu Aug 29 2013 What’s up with the bearshark, Avril? If you’ve had a chance to see Canadian pop rock superstar Avril Lavigne’s zany and hilarious video for her new single “Rock N’ Roll,” officially released earlier this…


How Afrofest evolved into Toronto’s largest celebration of African culture

Authentic foods, arts, crafts and music from across the continent highlight event, now celebrating 25th year. Nick Krewen Music, Published on Fri Jul 05 2013 It was as good an omen as any. Michael Stohr recalls that 25 years ago at Queen’s Park during the debut of Afrofest, a downpour threatened to dampen the celebrations of those attendees waiting patiently for South African trumpet superstar Hugh Masekela to take to…