Category: Reviews

  • Sammy Hagar-“The Best Of All Worlds Tour”@Budweiser Theatre-Thurs.,July 31st,2024

    By Wayne Baggs Sammy Hagar rocked Toronto on July 31, 2024, with a concert that fans won’t soon forget. The Red Rocker brought his A-game to the stage, delivering a high-energy performance that spanned his entire career. From Montrose classics to solo hits and Van Halen favourites, Sammy had the crowd singing along and dancing…

  • Blues Rock Guitarist Frank Cosentino Readies to Conquer the Airwaves with New Single ‘VIBIN’ Ahead of ‘COMEBACK’ Album Release

    “VIBIN’” YouTube and Spotify Website Blues rock guitarist Frank Cosentino ready to take over the airwaves with new single ‘VIBIN’. After more than four decades of touring, writing, and producing new music Frank Cosentino realized he needed to change his lifestyle. “I overcame the challenges of addiction and got sober seven years ago,” he stated. “With renewed inspiration, I…

  • From Death Metal Drummer to Folk Artist: San Francisco’s David Benson (aka Said Sara) Releases New Single “Then There You Are”

    “Then There You Are” YouTube and Spotify Website David Benson wears many hats. He’s a drummer for longtime death metal outfit Acephalix when he’s not a special education teacher at a high school in his native San Francisco. Now Benson, under the moniker Said Sara, ventures out into eclectic but effective musical territory with his latest single “Then…

  • Canada Black Music Archives Announces the Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour

    June 2024-September 2024 Eglinton Avenue West (DufferinSt. – Marlee Ave.) The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) is thrilled to announce the Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour. The CBMA presents an interactive tour that will allow for participants to explore shops, restaurants, art, and of course, the music. This guided tour will begin at 2353 Dufferin St.(in front of St. Hilda’s Towers) and ends…

  • Lori Yates Bids Farewell to Grief with Heartfelt New Single “3 Sisters”

    “3 Sisters” YouTube and Spotify Website Normally, when an artist writes a song about the sudden and unexpected death of her mother and titles it “3 Sisters,” you can logically assume she’s paying tribute to the brave, bereaved children who have been left behind. But Canadian roots icon Lori Yates is up to something more personal and metaphorical…

  • Afrobeats Sensation Sojiii Unleashes Highly Anticipated EP ‘Alive’ and Single ‘Ti Le’”

    “Ti Le” YouTube and Spotify Website Lagos, Nigeria-born, Toronto, ON-based Afrobeats artist Sojiii is excited to announce the release of his highly anticipated EP, “Alive,” followed by the brand-new single, “Ti Le.” This debut EP is a must-listen for his fans and all Afrobeats lovers.   His newly released project shows the world exactly why he’s one of the bright…

  • Indigenous Country Star Jason Benoit Leaves Fans Smiling With “1000 Mile Grin”

    “1000 Mile Grin” YouTube and Spotify Website When musicians leave their hometown for bigger musical hubs like Austin or Nashville, it can be a double-edged sword. One obvious drawback is sacrificing being with family and friends for a chance at stardom. Some leave jaded and hurt, often with a 1000-yard stare from the experience. But for Indigenous Newfoundland…

  • Mariposa Folk Festival @Tudhope Park-July5th-7th,2024

    By Wayne Baggs Mariposa Folk Festival 2024 was an unforgettable celebration of music, community, and culture. Held on the scenic grounds of Tudhope Park on the shores of Lake Couchiching in Orillia Ontario, the festival spanned three sun-soaked days from July 5-7, drawing thousands of enthusiastic attendees. The diverse lineup showcased an impressive array of…

  • Amanda Marshall & Colin James @The Budweiser Stage-Fri.,July 12th,2024

    Amanda Marshall & Colin James performed to an ecstatic crowd on July 12th at the Budweiser Stage in Toronto. It was pouring rain but that didn’t stop fans from enjoying this incredible show for one minute! Colin James wowed the audience with his unique flavour of Canadian blues rock, backed by a great band his…

  • Bif Naked Returns with ‘Champion’: Her First Studio Album In 15 Years 

    “Champion” – YouTube Spotify I Facebook I Instagram I Website I Merch Store “Sharing CHAMPION serves as a reminder that we can all emerge as champions and rise to our own personal greatness no matter our circumstances and overcome any obstacle, defying all odds.  You are all Champions.  We have previously released three songs from this album (Jim, Broke into Your Car, and…

  • Big Shiny Tunes @The Bowl Of Sobeys Stadium-York University-Sat.,July 6th,2024

    Photography By SV Photography & Franklin Lau The retro Big Shiny live performance occurred on Saturday July 6th @The Bowl of Sobeys Stadium. It was a trip down memory lane with Much Music’collection of  iconic Big Shiny Tunes CDs, this event featured Canadian iconic bands: The Tea Party, Headstones, I Mother Earth, Treble Charger, and…

  • L.A. Horror Fans! Twisty Supernatural Thriller THE SOUL TRADER Previews to Cast Crew &Celebrities Thursday July 11–

    THE SOUL TRADER, a new supernatural thriller from director/producer Susan Dynner and her production company Aberration Films, will have a sneak peek screening followed by a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception with the cast and crew at Landmark Theatres Sunset in West Hollywood on Thursday, July 11. The film is fresh off preview screenings at the American Pavilion at Cannes and the…

  • Australian/Dubaian Rapper BENTLY BOY Drops First Mixtape “DESTINED 2 BE” – Already 400,000 Streams And Counting…

    “SUMMER NIGHTS” YouTube and “DESTINED 2 BE” Spotify Instagram and TikTok Fresh off from collaborating in the track “Alexander McQueen” with American rap heavyweight NLE Choppa – who currently amasses over 18 million monthly listeners in Spotify -, Melbourne-grown BENTLY BOY is set up for success with new Hip Hop mixtape “DESTINED 2 BE,” highlighting the Trap banger “SUMMER NIGHTS”…

  • TD Jazz Festival 2024 Part 3

    By Wayne Baggs/BKONTHESCENE Final overall take on TD Jazz 2024 – The TD Toronto Jazz Festival of 2024, was a magnificent display of jazz music and culture. With over 500 artists taking the stage, the festival provided an excellent platform for showcasing both local and international talent. The festival atmosphere was vibrant, with music lovers…

  • Son of James Capture The Soulful Sounds of Chinatown on Driving, Rolling, Careening “Come On”

    “Come On” Spotify Website Son of James’ new single “Come On” is oh so careening and funky that you’d have a hard time believing what’s making that gritty, swaggering sound is a delicate Chinese instrument. Especially with bandleader Shon Wong’s whiskey-soaked commands to “Come on!” harkening back to James Brown’s “Get on up!”  But when you listen…

  • TD Toronto Jazz Festival-Part 2-Sun.,June 23rd,2024

    By Wayne Baggs Day 2 – June 23rd – Today was a whirlwind of amazing performances at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival! The Village Stage was bustling with energy and excitement. The atmosphere was electric as people gathered under the summer sky, ready for a day filled with fantastic music. My first music experience of…

  • Free LSD, from punk rock supergroup OFF!. coming soon to a theater near you! The film premiered at closing night of the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival and features an album of the same name!

    Free LSD, from punk rock supergroup OFF!. coming soon to a theater near you! The film premiered at closing night of the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival and features an album of the same name, which debuted at #20 on the Billboard Album Sales Chart. The film Free LSD follows the story of Keith (played by Keith Morris), an elderly…

  • Symphony in the Gardens: Rock Symphony with Justin Di Donato and Cleopatra Williams @Casa Loma-Monday, June 24th,2024

    We had the pleasure to attend the performance of Justin Di Donato and Cleopatra Williams for an evening of Rock and Roll with the Maestro and the orchestra for that amazing symphony sound belting out the best from Elton John, The Beatles, Lady Gaga, Led Zeppelin and more. Monday evenings in the summer, Casa Loma…

  • Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at The Opera House – Canada Music Week-June 2024

    By Wayne Baggs If the blues had a heartbeat in Toronto last night, it was pounding through the walls of The Opera House. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram delivered a masterclass in soul-drenched guitar and raw emotion as part of Canada Music Week 2024. From the moment he stepped on stage, the energy was electric—like the spirit…

  • TD Jazz Festival 2024-Part One-Sat.,June 22nd,2024

    By Wayne Baggs/BKONTHESCENE The first day of The TD Toronto Jazz Festival was absolutely beautiful. The weather was exceptionally lovely. The stages were set up in a way that was perfect for walking and provided ample shade. The Main Stage showcased multiple Local High School Jazz bands, preserving the music’s vitality. Denielle Bassel, Brock Stonefish,…