Irene Torres & Denielle Bassels light up Vesuvius Music Showcase @ Paradise Theatre, Monday

MagicLand stars Irene Torres and Denielle Bassels top the bill of a six-artist Vesuvius Music Showcase at the Paradise Theatre on Monday night at 8 pm.

Here's the scoop...

It seems like a perfectly Jaymz Bee-esque tie-in to the Monday premiere of his first feature film, MagicLand at the Paradise Theatre (1006 Bloor St. West), six of his Vesuvius Music artists – including MagicLand stars Irene Torres and Denielle Bassels (see clips below) – will be performing their own songs backed by stacked band of Jaymz Bee's friends and collaborators. 

Doors at 7 pm. Showtime is 8 pm. 

Tickets: https://bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/1081

The full list of performers includes: Denielle Bassels • Jocelyn Barth • Irene Torres • Taylor Abrahamse • Robert Priest • Serafin LaRiviere

And they'll be accompanied by: George Koller • Eric St-Laurent • Ewen Farncombe • Richard Underhill • Ben Wittman • Great Bob Scott • Jono Grant

NOTE: The Paradise Theatre program also includes screenings of Super Wonder Films, a Toronto 48 Hour Film Festival retrospective and a special advance screening of Jaymz Bee’s first feature film, MagicLand. For more information, visit Jaymz Bee's substack here. 

Join Jaymz Bee and friends for a joyful celebration of independent Canadian artists, cinema and live music.

Jaymz Bee's feature film "MagicLand" screens @ Paradise Theatre, Sept 14

Jaymz Bee's epic feature film debut MagicLand stars Toronto singer/songwriter Irene Torres and a cast of local music scene celebs

Here's the scoop from Jaymz Bee...

"I will screen my first feature film, an hour and a half Myth-illogical musical comedy called “MagicLand”. Starring Irene Torres and featuring: Jef Faqhuarson, Robert Priest, Barbra Lica, Denielle Bassels and me, Jaymz Bee." – Jaymz Bee

MagicLand screens at the Paradise Theatre on September 14 at 3:45 pm. Tickets are $20 and available here. Boffo movie poster designed by Jason Brown. Read Jaymz's discussion about making a feature-length film on his Substack page right here.  For more information on what Jaymz Bee is up to, visit his site: https://jaymzbee.com/news/. 

MagicLand, Dinner and a Showcase: 

Vesuvius Music turns A Monday into an event

TORONTO, ON — Who says Mondays have to be boring? On September 14, Vesuvius Music Inc. is turning Toronto's historic Paradise Theatre into a one stop shop for film, food, and live music, and yes, you can do all three in one night.

Curated by filmmaker, broadcaster and Vesuvius Music co-founder Jaymz Bee, the day kicks off at 4pm with a screening of MagicLand, a feature film from Bee and co-director Jason J. Brown starring a cavalcade of Toronto's own musicians, comics and actors in cameo roles you'll be pointing at the screen for. Runtime is a tight ninety minutes, no filler. There's no post-show Q&A this time around, and that's by design: you've got a concert at 8pm, which means you've got just enough time to grab dinner, maybe brag to your table about who you spotted in the movie, and get back for the main event.

That main event is the annual Vesuvius Music Showcase, and it is, without exaggeration, the best two hours of live music you'll get on a Monday anywhere in this city. The lineup features label artists Denielle Bassels, Jocelyn Barth, Irene Torres, Taylor Abrahamse, Robert Priest and Serafin LaRiviere, backed by a house band that reads like a "who's who" of Canadian music: George Koller, Eric St-Laurent, Ewen Farncombe, Richard Underhill, Ben Wittman, Great Bob Scott and Jono Grant. 

Tickets are $30 advance  (www.vesuviusmusic.com) or $40 at the door. 

This show sells out every single year. We are not being modest about that, we are warning you. If you're planning the full night, film, dinner, concert, don't leave your tickets or your restaurant reservation to chance.

THE LINEUP

4:00 PM — MagicLand (feature film screening) https://bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/1078

Film ends by 5:45pm - you have time to go out and eat and come back - make dinner reservations to be safe!

7:00 PM — Doors Open

8:00 PM — Vesuvius Music Showcase https://bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/1081

Tickets and info: all links from Jaymz Bee's site: https://jaymzbee.com/movies/

Irene Torres' Peruvian Quartet @ OLG Village Stage, June 25

Irene Torres w/ her Peruvian Quartet hit the T.O. Jazz Fest's OLG Village Stage (Cumberland & Bellair) tonight at 6:30 pm. Free!

Etobicoke Jazz Fest w/ Jane Bunnett & Irene Torres @ The Old Mill, Thursday

The pairing of flautist Jane Bunnett with singer Irene Torres makes for a stellar double bill tonight at the Old Mill. Doors at 6:30 pm. 

Kensington Market Jazz Fest w/ Irene Torres, Jane Bunnett, Gigi Marentette & more @ Supermarket, Saturday

Irene Torres presents a set of Peruvian music at the Supermarket after sets from Gigi Marentette, Jane Bunnett & Dánae Olano & Barbra Lica starting at 4pm.

Kensington Market Jazz Festival

Supermarket (268 Augusta)

Saturday, September 20

Barbra Lica 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (see clip)

Jane Bunnett w/ Dánae Olano 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (see clip) 

Genevieve Marentette 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (see clip)

Irene Torres 8:30 PM - 9:15 PM (see clip) 

diskarte 9:45 PM - 10:30 PM (see clip)

Hosted by Hosted by Raine Liliefeldt

Tickets at the door for all events $20-$25 cash only. 

Visit the Kensington Market Jazz Festival site for a complete list of artists and set times. 

Irene Torres shares Alister Johnson's deep house remix of her song "Madreselva Florecida"

Irene Torres enlisted Toronto DJ/producer Alister Johnson to turn "Madreselva Florecida" into a floor-filler – check it out.

Madreselva Florecida [Remix]  

by Irene Torres × Alister Johnson 

Written by Peruvian-born vocalist Irene Torres, this remix of Madreselva by Toronto's beloved groove specialist Alister Johnson is a prayer for guidance and resilience, composed during her first year in Canada as she began her immigrant journey. 

The song’s mantra, “Guíame, enséñame” (“Guide me, show me”), carries both longing and strength, rooted in Afro-Peruvian tradition and Torres’ personal story.

For this new version, Toronto DJ/producer Alister Johnson reimagines the track with a hypnotic dancefloor pulse, weaving deep house textures around Irene’s soulful delivery. The remix bridges the sacred and the celebratory—transforming a song of survival into a groove of healing and release.

Released on Vesuvius Dance, the new imprint of Vesuvius Music dedicated to global remixes and collaborations. Writes Irene:

"Written after arriving in Canada, this song is my metaphor for resilience and finding roots in new soil.  Now it blooms on the dance floor through Alister’s deep house vision.  Thank you for listening + sharing." – Irene Torres  

You can hear Alister Johnson's deep house remix of "Madreselva Florecida" following a swingin'  acoustic performance of song below. Get a digital copy via Bandcamp right here.

Irene Torres plays The Supermarket on Saturday, September 20 at 8:30 pm as part of The Kensington Market Jazz Festival. Get tickets and info right here.

Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music fundraiser @ The Old Mill, Wednesday

Irene Torres, Jay Douglas, Tia Brazda, Jessica Stuart and other T.O. performers join Jaymz Bee at The Old Mill on Wednesday.  

Get tickets for Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music benefit extravaganza for Unison Fund right here.

Irene Torres with Mariska Martina @ The Rivoli, Sunday

Toronto's own fab Irene Torres is joined by Mariska Martina for an intimate show at the Rivoli tonight starting at 7 pm.

Music For Secret Agents Live w/Irene Torres @ Koerner Hall, Wednesday

Irene Torres will be joined by Gavin Hope, Serafin LaRiviere and others singing your fave James Bond themes followed by Gigi's Songs of '69 album launch. 

Here's the scoop...

Join us on Wednesday, October 16 at Koerner Hall for a night of music and celebration at Jaymz Bee presents THANK YOU JAZZ.FM91 - A Benefit Concert! Doors open at 7 PM, and the show kicks off at 8 PM.

Music for Secret Agents brings your favourite James Bond themes to life with an unforgettable set! You’ll hear iconic tunes like GoldenEye, Thunderball, and Skyfall, performed by Toronto’s top jazz vocalists, including Irene Torres, Gavin Hope, Serafin LaRiviere, and more. It’s going to be a thrilling ride through the best of spy-inspired music! 

After that, Genevieve "Gigi" Marentette will take the stage to celebrate the release of her new album Songs of ’69! Expect some jazz-infused magic as she reinterprets the classic hits from one of the greatest years in music! Pre-save Gigi's new Songs of '69 album right here. Come out, support JAZZ.FM91, and soak in the best that Toronto’s jazz scene has to offer! Tickets start at $30 and are still available right here. 

Check out the video for "GoldenEye" featuring Irene Torres from Jaymz Bee Presents: Music For Secret Agents along with Genevieve Marentette's version of "Undun" by the Guess Who. 

Jaymz Bee presents Music For Secret Agents and Songs of '69 @ Koerner Hall, Oct 16

Jaymz Bee toasts Jazz.FM91 with a night of James Bond themes featuring Irene Torres along with music from Genevieve Marentette's Songs Of '69 album. 

Here's the scoop...

After 22 years of being an on-air host, concert producer and tour guide, Jaymz Bee is leaving JAZZ.FM91 to focus on his film career. To celebrate, Jaymz is presenting a special fundraiser for JAZZ.FM91. The night opens with “Music For Secret Agents” (James Bond and Beyond) featuring singers Irene Torres, Adam James, Serafin LaRiviere, John Finley, Gavin Hope, Simon Denny & Queen Pepper. After the intermission, Genevieve Marentette celebrates her album “Songs of ’69”. The night features a stellar band: Michael Shand (piano), Eric St-Laurent (guitar), George Koller (bass), Ben Wittman (drums), Bill McBirnie (flute) and Alison Young (saxophone). Ticket prices start at $30 and you can get 'em right here. 

Check out a couple of clips of songs from Music For Secret Agents featuring the amazing Irene Torres who released her excellent Travessía album back in March. 

Irene Torres & Jay Douglas light up Jaymz Bee's Caravan Of Music @ Old Mill, tonight

The fiery Irene Torres and soulful Jay Douglas top the cast of 24 artists performing at Jaymz Bee's fundraiser tonight starting at 8pm

JAYMZ BEE'S CARAVAN OF MUSIC

The Old Mill (21 Old Mill Rd., Toronto)

Thursday, April 11th

Time: 8:00 PM - 12 Midnight. Doors at 7:30 pm. 

General Admission: $40 advance ($50 at the door). Get tickets here. 

Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music, an all-night extravaganza at Toronto's historic Old Mill featuring 24 artists performing in 12 different rooms, all in support of the Unison Fund. Over 100 musicians in total!

Jaymz Bee has spent the past decade celebrating his birthday by raising funds for various charities and for the past several years has raised funds for The Unison Fund (https://unisonfund.ca), a Canadian charity that assists those in the music industry in times of crisis. Bee was on its board of directors for years and has raised tens of thousands from his parties.

This year's event will be the biggest yet – 24 bands performing in 12 rooms at Old Mill Toronto to raise money for The Unison Fund, a non-profit music industry charity that provides counselling, emergency financial support, and other resources to the Canadian music community. 

Jaymz Bee’s Caravan of Music is a four-hour event where hundreds of people tour the various rooms at Old Mill Toronto, taking in a few songs from each band. Tickets (a passport) are $40 each, with 100% of the door going to The Unison Fund, and access to all of the rooms. You can enjoy over 100 musicians in one evening, performing various styles of music. See the event map below. 

Caravan participants will have a map, along with their passport ticket, to help them find the various venues: The Westminster Room, Drawing Room, Garden Room, Balmoral Room, Humber Room, Victoria Room, York Room, Mill Room, Main Dining Room and The Chapel and more! The evening will end at midnight - but will continue in the main dining room for those who don’t feel like going home just yet.

Irene Torres launches her new album Travesía at Lula Lounge, Wednesday

Toronto's fabulous Irene Torres presents songs from her new album Travesía at Lula Lounge March 6. Get a copy below. 

Get a copy of Travesía album by Irene Torres from her site right here: https://www.irenetorres.com. 

Jaymz Bee's Wild Music film/concert event @ Paradise Cinema, Sept. 12

Jaymz Bee screens a selection of his films and presents the music of his Vesuvius artists at the Paradise on Tuesday (Sept. 12). 

WILD MUSIC film screening and Vesuvius Music live showcase

Paradise Cinema (1006 Bloor St. West)

September 12, 2023

Doors at 6:30 PM

WILD MUSIC & other short films – screening at 7:00 PM

Vesuvius Music live showcase at 8:30 PM

Performances by John Finley, Genevieve Marentette, Irene Torres, Serafin LaRiviere, Robert Priest, and Queen Pepper

Accompanied by Ewen Farncombe (keys), Lou Pomanti (keys), Eric St-Laurent (guitar), Alison Young (saxophone), Ben Wittman (drums), and George Koller (bass).

Ticket Options: Regular Admission – Ground floor: $55, VIP Upper Balcony Bar Seating: $85 (includes one drink, finger food, and private washroom) (*first two rows not available). Get tickets right here. 

Watch videos for "Darling" and "Golden Eye" featuring Irene Torres below. 

Irene Torres previews new album @ Revival, Wednesday

Toronto's Irene Torres will be performing songs celebrating her Peruvian roots at Revival tonight starting at 8 pm. 

Here's the scoop from Irene...

"On Wednesday May 17, I'll be taking the stage with my talented brothers at the incredible nightclub REVIVAL (783 College St) to share the enchanting rhythms of Peruvian music.

"I'm here to plead with you, from the depths of my heart, to be a part of this unforgettable experience. It marks the beginning of my solo career as a songwriter, and I cannot express how much it means to me to share this music with all of you. Alongside some of the most gifted musicians you know, I'll be pouring my heart and soul into every note. Trust me, it's going to be an evening filled with magic.

"This performance holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to share my Peruvian roots. For the past two years, I've dedicated myself to crafting a solo album that pays homage to my heritage, blending traditional Peruvian instrumentation with my own stories and imagination. While the album itself won't be released until this fall, I couldn't resist giving you a sneak peek of what's to come. Rest assured, I promise to take you on a soul-stirring journey through the rich rhythms of Peru, accompanied by lyrics that ignite passion and inspiration within you.

"Tickets are available for $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Don't miss out—grab yours now! And of course, feel free to bring a friend along for an evening they won't soon forget."

https://www.showpass.com/irene-torres-revival/

 

One For the Weekend: Irene Torres

Toronto singer Irene Torres of the Santerias, Sugar Devils, Sol Azul and Tiki Collective breaks out on her own with "Madreselva"  

Here's the scoop...

Peruvian-born singer and visual artist Irene Torres has been active in Toronto's music scene for about a decade. As a front-woman for many groups, she has appeared with the Flamenco fusion ensemble, Santerias, the Afro Cuban band Battle of Santiago, the Tiki Collective, her original blues and soul music supergroup Irene Torres & The SugarDevils, and the Latin house project Sol Azul.

Greatly influenced by Irene's culture, heritage and unique life's journey, her solo debut features a fusion of the folkloric instrumentation of Peru and the raw storytelling of her original lyrics.

"Madreselva" is a story of the immigrant experience and the journey to ‘home’ in a new land.

"One day, as a child, not long after I had arrived from Lima, Peru to Toronto, I was walking down Brock St., and my nose caught the familiar scent of the beautiful Madreselva (Honeysuckle) blooms.

"I closed my eyes and it took me right back to my abuela and my neighbourhood in Lima. And I was home. Fragrantly strong, sweet and resilient, the Madreselva quickly climbs and covers anything it wants, sprawling over the city's concrete murals and metal fences. Madreselva's message: if I can thrive here, then so can you." - Irene Torres

Watch a performance of "Madreselva" below. Get "Madreselva" right here.

Watch Irene Torres live under the Canopy

Toronto's Irene Torres offers a glimpse of her new album with guitarist Eric St-Laurent, Matias Recharte & Mario Rivas Rosas.