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/

Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music feat. Jay Douglas and many more @ The Old Mill, Monday

Play It Loud! star Jay Douglas tops the bill at Jaymz Bee's epic Caravan of Music fundraiser at the Old Mill on Monday night. 

Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music

Jaymz Bee has spent the past decade turning his birthday into a fundraising celebration, raising tens of thousands for various charities. For the past several years, he has raised funds for the Unison Fund, a non-profit music industry organization providing counselling, emergency financial support, and other resources to the Canadian music community. 

Monday, April 13, 2026 marks his biggest event yet: 24 bands and over 140+ musicians performing in 12 unique rooms at the iconic Old Mill Toronto, all in one unforgettable night.

The Caravan of Music is a four-hour event where hundreds of people tour the historic Old Mill, catching a few songs in each room, from intimate 100-person spaces to 300-capacity venues. 

Each ticket (a passport) grants you full access to enjoy over 140 musicians in one evening, spanning various genres: jazz, funk, soul, blues, country, singer-songwriters, and an 18-piece big band. From solo artists to full ensembles, there's something for every music lover. Confirmed lineup includes Jay Douglas (see below), Genevieve Marentette, George Koller, Jane Bunnett and Danae Olano, Drew Jurecka, Eliana Cuevas and Jeremy Ledbetter, Adam James, Alexis Baro, Alison Young, Ben Wittman, Blackburn Brothers, Brendee Green's Poetry Brothel, Chris Bottomley's Brainfudge, Denielle Bassels, Dizzy and Fay, Eric St-Laurent, Ewen Farncombe, Mark Kelso, Melissa Payne, Michael Shand, Robert Priest, Roger aka Roger, Ross MacIntyre, Sam Broverman, Sean Nykwist, Swing Shift Big Band, Taylor Abrahamse, The Roncy Boys, The Shuffle Demons, Tony Quarrington, Whitney Ross Barris, and more to come! 

Caravan participants will have a map, along with their passport ticket, to help them find the various live music rooms: The Westminster Room, Drawing Room, Garden Room, Balmoral Room, Humber Room, Victoria Room, York Room, Mill Room, Main Dining Room, The Chapel, and more! 

Get tickets right here. Watch a few performances by Jay Douglas, Jane Bunnett & Danae Olano and Genevieve Marentette below. 

Jaymz Bee's Caravan of Music

Date: Monday, April 13th

Venue: Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Rd

General Admission Tickets: $55 +HST / $60 +HST at the door

VIP Gala Dinner: $250 +HST - An intimate evening before the Caravan begins, includes a three-course meal with wine courtesy of Henry of Pelham and Peninsula Ridge Estates, all-star house band with special guest performances, and full Caravan access following dinner. 

Doors: 7:30 PM

VIP Gala Dinner: 6PM-8PM

Caravan of Music: 8 PM-12 midnight

Jaymz Bee Movies @ Paradise Theatre, Monday

TIFF? SCHMIFF! Jaymz Bee screens four of his short films at the Paradise Theatre on Monday at 7 pm. 

JAYMZ BEE MOVIES (four short films and short Q&A)

MONDAY! - please get your tickets now!  

Monday September 8 - at 7 pm ( doors at 6:30 pm) - Paradise Theatre - if you prefer, you can walk up for the 9:00 screening and pay $20 in cash. Getting 7 PM tickets in advance is highly recommended! Lots of familes coming to the 7pm show. They aren't kids movies per se, but they are family friendly!  

Get tickets right here: https://bemusednetwork.com/events/detail/1049

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.

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. 

Jazz In The City host Jaymz Bee is signing off from Toronto's Jazz.FM 91

Musician/filmmaker and radio personality Jaymz Bee will host his final Jazz In The City show for Jazz.FM 91 on Thursday at 9 pm.

From Dana Wigle, General Manager, Jazz.FM 91: 

"For over twenty years, Jaymz Bee has been an integral member of our JAZZ.FM91 community. Jaymz’s commitment to supporting artists combined with his energy and passion for entertaining fostered the growth of many of JAZZ.FM91’s programs over the years from the curation of some of our first Jazz Lives concerts, local and international Jazz Safaris and the development and nurturing of the beloved program, Jazz In The City.

"Ever innovative and up for new challenges, Jaymz recently focused his creative talents on a new venture, filmmaking, and in true Bee style he’s received recognition at festivals from around the world such as Cannes, London, Hollywood and Tokyo, just to name a few.

"Jaymz has decided to focus full time on his burgeoning filmmaking career and is bidding farewell to JAZZ.FM91. Though his departure signifies the winding down of Jazz in the City, this is certainly not goodbye. Jaymz is family and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

"We will celebrate Jaymz with a very special Jazz In The City finale on July 25th at 9pm. He will be on with Ralph Benmergui on Saturday July 27th 1pm-4pm and will host Session Notes on Sunday July 28th at 9am. Go to www.jazz.fm or 91.1 FM to listen live!

"Jaymz Bee will continue his work with local artists and we’ll see him at festivals throughout the GTA. He is currently working on a TV pilot and his new feature film, Magicland is currently in production. Jaymz Bee will host and produce a concert at Koerner Hall on October 16th to help raise money for the station. Details to follow in a week."

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.

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. 

Happy 100th Birthday Phil Nimmons!

Celebrating the 100th birthday of composer/educator and Canadian jazz legend Phil Nimmons with an interview and two classics.

LINKS

MyScena – Phil Nimmons: 100 Years In The Making

CBC.ca – Legendary B.C. jazz musician Phil Nimmons turns 100

Jaymz Bee seeks crowd-funding support for film project

Toronto music personality Jaymz Bee could use your help finishing his 20-minute short film called Wild Music. Read all about it.

Here's the scoop from Jaymz Bee...

"I've wanted to make a movie for a long time, and now it looks like it's about to become a reality! 

"'Wild Music' is a short film about a man who gets a second chance in the music business and makes rock stars out of Senior Citizens.  The soundtrack is audacious, and the 20-minute film will be hilarious. You can bet on that. My buddy, Captain Paul (www.barbourfinanical.com) suggested I do a movie about a guy who makes bizarre music popular. The concept is loosely based on my radio show, "Jazz Gone Wild", another endeavour Paul championed. My patron, Michele, understood the concept in a zoom meeting and agreed to become involved. Then many others came on board. I'm so excited to make this movie this summer. 

"Maybe this idea will be a feature one day, but it will work brilliantly as a short, and no doubt hit the festival circuit. If you can donate towards making this dream a reality, I'd be most grateful." – Jaymz

Those interested in contributing to Jaymz Bee's "Wild Music" film project should visit his GoFundMe page right here.  

Toronto's Heather Luckhart previews new album with "Too Tired"

"Too Tired" is off Heather's forthcoming Make It Through album. Listen to the song followed by a video bio and interview.

LINKS 

Site https://www.heatherluckhart.com 

Bandcamp  https://heatherluckhart.bandcamp.com

Jaymz Bee presents A Very Untraditional Christmas

Jaymz Bee and pals knocked out a nutty Christmas benefit album with proceeds supporting musicians in need. 

Get a copy of Jaymz Bee presents A Very Untraditional Christmas right here. Listen to Jef Farquharson's "Christmas Iz" (vocally enhanced by Mary Margaret O'Hara) and Gita Baltensperger's version of "Santa Baby" following the album credits below. 

Charles Hackbarth created the album's colourful sleeve artwork. 

 

A VERY UNTRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS

​

1 - It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas 3:28 (Willson Meredith) Frank-Music Corp.

JEF FARQUHARSON  

 

2 - Santa Baby 3:15 (Joan Javits / Philip Springer / Tony Springer) Tamir Music/BMG

GITA BALTENSPERGER 

 

3 - I’ll Be Home For Christmas 3:36 (Kim Gannon / Buck Ram / Walter Kent) Carlin America Inc.

CHARLENE JALONDE  

 

4 - Silver Bells (4:38) (Jay Livingston / Ray Eans) Sony/ATV/Harmony  

HEINO  

 

5 - Winter Wonderland 2:53 (Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith)

PD THE THREE QUINTS (Dallas, Hunter and Logan Quint) 

 

6 - Sleigh Ride 3:37 (Anderson Leroy, Parish Mitchell) Mills Music Inc. 

INGRID VON BIFFENFEFFEN  

 

7 - The Christmas Song 5:10 (Mel Torme / Bob Wells) Morris-Edwin-H-Co.

KING SALTY  

 

8 - Let It Snow 2:41 (Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne) Cahn Music Co. Quaytor Prod. LLC

ERINA CHORINA  

 

9 - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 2:39 (Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane)  EMI Feist Catalog Inc.

BUEHLER TOBOGGANHEAD  

 

10 - White Christmas 3:02 (Irving Berlin) Irving Berlin Music Company 

ROGER © with DAISY BAMWOOD 

 

11 - It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year 3:27 (Eddie Bola, George Wyle) Barnaby-Music Corp.

FRED SPEK 

 

12 - There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays 3:20 (Al Stillman, Robert Allen) Charlie Deitcher Prod./KItty Anne Music Co.

FRIENDLY RICH & MARY MARGARET O’HARA  

​

BONUS TRACK (not available on vinyl) 

13 - Christmas Iz (Rusty McCarthy & Jef Farquharson) 4:12 

JEF FARQUHARSON 

Produced by Rusty McCarthy 

Jef Farquharson-lead vocals, background vocals

Rusty McCarthy-guitar, bass, background vocals

Matt Horner-keyboards

Mike Sloski-drums

Geoff Bennett-percussion

John Johnson-tenor sax

Mary Margaret O’Hara-sweet warbling

​

ARTWORK by CHARLES HACKBARTH

​

Recorded, Edited, Mixed and Mastered by Mariana Hutten

Additional Recording: Vezi Tayyeb & Ben Pelchat

Produced by Jaymz Bee

 

Starring:

Bulldog Ujjak Zene - Piano 

Great Bob Scott - Drums

Bartholomew Wankman - Bass

Ariana Chopstikz - keyboards, bv’s 

Hans Grober - lap steel, accordion, trumpet, slide trumpet, bells

Marcus O’Hara - balloon sounds 

Chauncey McBarnacle - flute

Dirk Fiddler - violin

 

Lee Aaron sings "Goldfinger" for Jaymz Bee's Music For Secret Agents

Lee Aaron's update of "Goldfinger" is off Jaymz Bee's Music For Secret Agents launching at the Paradise Theatre, November 18.

Here's the scoop...

The lead off track from the forthcoming concept album, Jaymz Bee presents Music For Secret Agents, is the ultimate James Bond theme "Goldfinger" – written by John Barry with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley – featuring the unmistakable voice of legendary rock diva Lee Aaron, who continues to be one of Canada's great vocal powerhouses. Listen to Lee Aaron's version of "Goldfinger" below. Stream it here. 

 

Says Jaymz Bee "Lee Aaron absolutely slays this classic 007 song and I have been a fan since her debut in 1984, so I’m absolutely thrilled to have her on the album. She is incredible!" 

 

Also featured is the extraordinary Juno-nominated saxophonist Alison Young,  who has performed with everyone from Heillig Manoeuvre and Shuffle Demons to Joe Sealy and Corey Hart. 

 

The Music For Secret Agents band includes Eric St-Laurent (guitar), Adrean Farrugia (piano), George Koller (bass), Davide Direnzo (drums), Great Bob Scott (percussion), Irene Torres (backing vocals) and Jono Grant on the talk-box. Produced by Jaymz Bee and Juno, Gemini and Genie winner Jono Grant.

Music For Secret Agents will be celebrated with a live concert and party at Toronto's impressive music venue and movie house, Paradise Theatre (1006 Bloor West) on November 18 featuring a live band, film shorts and videos, courtesy of D.J. Swankenstein. Doors at 7 pm. Concert at 8 pm. Get tickets here.

Listen to Lee Aaron's version of "Goldfinger" followed by Shirley Bassey's original from 1964. 

 

Tiki Collective Mother's Day Brunch @ Hugh's Room, Sunday (2 pm)

Join the Tiki Collective crew for a Mai Tai with mom at Hugh's Room this afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm. 

The Tiki Collective @ Hugh's Room Live, Saturday

Jaymz Bee's Tiki Collective will hit the stage at 8:30 pm. Listen to Duke Ellington's Mood Indigo sung by Tyra Jutai. 

Tiki Collective's Muse album launch @ Lula Lounge, Thursday

Jaymz Bee unveils the Tiki Collective's Muse album, featuring Tyra Jutai's exotic Mood Indigo – check the clip below.

The Tiki Collective, Yasgurs Farm @ The Horseshoe Tavern, Monday

Don't miss the Tiki Collective featuring Tyra Jutai, George Koller, Michael Davidson and the Great Bob Scott.