WCRA

The Angela Pincente Octet is a jazz ensemble featuring the compositions and arrangements of Angela Pincente. Her approach to large ensemble arranging highlights the trombone as a featured soloist as well as features each member of the ensemble in new and unique ways. This ensemble includes Toronto's most notable young musicians and gives a platform for them to showcase their artistry. The Angela Pincente Octet was created to further the lineage of the large ensemble music scene in Toronto and to spotlight young musicians within the undergraduate category.

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Insta: @angelapincente

What happens when a seasoned blues band steps outside the genre and covers all the hits from the past few decades in pop, rock, funk, R&B?.. You get Left Turn. Born out of the popular Friday Night Blues Jam, the house band decided that they needed an act that would allow them to combine all the different influences the members bring to the table.

This high energy act plays with the conviction of a blues band, which creates a unique vibe and experience for the listener. The band has been gaining attention with a standout debut performance at the 2023 East York Blues Festival. Come see what all the buzz is about!

On “powerhouse vocals” Juliet Ann, “searing guitar” Mike Sedgewick, “thundering bass'“ Text Bach, and “solid groove” drums Paul Domanski

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The Jay Blues Trio are a Canadian Psychedelic Blues & Funk band from Toronto composed of Jwoel “Jay” Benn (guitar/vocals), Ben Graffam (drums) & Kyle Colesanti (Bass). The band formed in 2023 from a collective of Blues, Rnb, Jazz and Funk lovers who met busking in the streets of Toronto and performing within the local scene. Channeling the styles of Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Albert King, BB King, Muddy Waters, The Spinners, Sly & The Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses Chicago Blues, 70’s Funk, and Whirling psychedelic solos with Slow Sultry Blues and a tight rhythm section that will make you want to move and groove..

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Insta: @bluesforj

In its grandeur and freedom, Groovy Turtles Band aspires to convey emotions through music. Music, a beautiful gift, is something they are eager to share with everyone without exception. Bringing joy and love through music is the most exquisite expression for them. 

The Groove Turtles Band explores the realms of jazz, fusion, soul, and funk. They genuinely revel in the fusion of captivating jazz harmonies and the freedom of improvisation. Through the remarkable possibilities these styles offer, they endeavour to express our profound love for the world and present the magnificent and boundless art of music as a gesture of gratitude.

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Insta: https://www.instagram.com/groovy_turtles_band

Over the past 25 years, Brazilian jazz singer Fernanda Cunha has produced, recorded, and released ten albums and performed at prestigious jazz festivals around the world such as Wien Jazz in Austria, Aarhus Jazz Fest in Denmark, Jazz a Juan in France, and Borneo Jazz in Malaysia.

After performing across Canada annually since 2005, including performances at the International Vancouver Jazz Festival, Edmonton, Calgary, and even stops in the Yukon and Nunavut, Brazilian jazz singer Fernanda Cunha made her home in Canada.

In Canada she explores all possibilities whether performing concerts, performing masterclasses in universities such as Carleton University in Ottawa, teaching singing classes online, or writing songs.

Her recent album “Late Night” was recorded and released in 2021 with Toronto guitarist Reg Schwager, featuring original songs written by them. The album features musicians including Tom Szczesniak on piano and accordion, Pat Collins on bass, Michael Lambert on drums, Masashi Usui on saxophone, and Allison Au on alto saxophone. The album received great reviews in specialized jazz media such as “The Whole Note”, and “All About Jazz”. Available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and all digital stores.

Fernanda is a Latin Grammy Award member since 2007.

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Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fernandacunha02/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fernandacunha.cantora

Website: www.fernandacunha.com

Shanty Sweets, a Toronto-based recording artist, singer, songwriter and Dj who boasts a diverse musical style that blends Roots-Reggae, Dub, and Jazz influences. Her journey into music was influenced and shaped by drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists including Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Erykah Badu, Alanis Morissette, Phyllis Dillon, and Bob Marley. Shanty's music resonates with a rich tapestry of musical heritage.

 With over two decades of experience performing live. Shanty has mesmerized audiences across  renown venues in the Greater Toronto Area, including the Gladstone Hotel, Carlu Hotel, Art Gallery of Ontario (A.G.O.), Nathan Philip Square, Yonge-Dundas Square, Mel Lastman Square and more. Additionally, she has performed at festivals such as Afro-Fest, Masani Production’s “RastaFest”,  The T.U. Jazz Festival, The International Music Arts Festival, the Welland African-Caribbean Music Festival, Moksha Canada’s “Niagara Falls - Colours Festival, captivating audiences with her soulful performances. 

Her debut single "Let it Burn," was released in Fall 2022, garnered widespread acclaim for its powerful rhythm track, cleverly written lyrics, and relevant subject matter.  In addition to her success, she’s received an award for top 5 performers of the year 2024 from one of Canada’s top reggae magazines, Reggae Xclusive.

Shanty is currently working with her jazz band, “The Shanty Sweets Quintet,” featuring : Dr. Keyz on Keyboards; D-1 on Saxophone; Bryant on Bass; and Oz on DrumsShanty is currently working with her jazz band, “The Shanty Sweets Quintet,” featuring : Dr. Keyz on Keyboards; D-1 on Saxophone; Bryant on Bass; and Oz on Drums

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shantysweetsmusic/

Jerome Tucker is a music writer, producer, performer, vocalist, and bassist who has lived in Chicago and played and shared the stage with Chicago’s most elite Blues artists. 

Now living in Toronto heading “The Jerome Tucker Band” he is clearly setting a new trend in soul music. Band Members include: Carl Harvey Guitarist, Rob Neal Christian, Sax , Keys and Flute. Richard Greenspoon, Drums. Kingsley Ettienne Hammond B3. Neil Brathwaite Sax 

If you have not seen Jerome Tucker and his amazing band before, make sure you come out and see his high energy Funky Rhythm and Blues Band with a blistering Groove. You will be hooked once you see them play!

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An obvious uniqueness that identifies and sets apart Blackburn Brothers is that they are a band of brothers. Led by Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals, writing), and Cory (drums, harmony vocals). Oldest brother Robert (guitar, vocal harmonies, writing) and cousin Nathan (bass guitar) can be heard on recent studio recordings. Longtime horn section bandmates include Neil Brathwaite on tenor saxophone and Ted Peters on trombone. Touring bass guitarist is Andrew Stewart. The brothers musical lineage traces back to R&B legend Bobby Dean Blackburn, whose legacy in the Toronto music scene spans over six decades.

Beyond the music, other history runs deep. The Blackburn Brothers are 4th-generation Canadians, descended of freedom seekers through the Underground Railroad and settling in Southern Ontario. The Blues that the Blackburn Brothers create is part of their inheritance, and always about a message of history, freedom, legacy, family, Black unity, and love. 

The SoulFunkn’Bluesalbum is a tribute to all the trailblazers, all of the ancestors and forgotten tribes who taught the Blackburn Brothers the importance of history, blues, soul, groove, rhythm and life. It is a tribute to 230 years of Canadian Roots and Blues. 

Blackburn Brothers have graced stages alongside an illustrious lineup of globally renowned icons, from the legendary Mavis Staples and Dr. John and The Nite Trippers to the electrifying talents of Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Cedric Burnside. Additionally, they've shared the spotlight with esteemed Canadian artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Colin James, The Bros. Landreth, among others. These collaborations highlight their versatility and appeal across different genres and audiences. They have performed at many of the largest blues, jazz, and folk music festivals across North American and in Central America. 

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blackburnbrothersmusic.com
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