WCRA

Fiddle, folk and emotional three-part harmony is the essence of Wild Bloom. The trio was formed in Toronto, Ontario by musicians Becky Leigh, Brittany Iwanciwski, and Alyssa Tess. With rich emotive vocals, lush harmonies, and captivating fiddle improvisation, Becky, Brittany, and Alyssa combine their years of musical expertise to blend singer songwriter and fiddle styles to create beautiful and evocative music. Together, Wild Bloom weaves friendship and stories with their fem folk sound to share music that speaks to the heart.

All originally from different places across Canada, the three creatives met at Humber College while completing their music degrees. After realizing their shared passion for folk music, the trio’s friendship blossomed into a musical collaboration and the band was officially announced in late 2022. 

In their first year as a band, Wild Bloom played at many iconic venues throughout Toronto, such as the Dakota Tavern, and received over one hundred - thousand views on Youtube for their unique arrangements of popular songs. In 2024, Wild Bloom released their first original song “Travel Song” and studio version of their popular Gregory Alan Isakov cover “San Luis”. The trio also completed two successful tours that took them through popular venues in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal (co-headline with Wild Remedy) and Southern Ontario (in support of York Street Thought Process’ album release tour).

Now heading into lucky number year three, Wild Bloom is writing and recording new music for release in 2025. 

— Social & Band Info —

https://linktr.ee/wildbloomband

WAYLING RIDERS based out of North Toronto, are a high-octane 5-piece {sometimes 6-piece} party band that fuses funky, gritty guitar riffs, danceable grooves, and infectious stage energy to light up any venue from festival stages to corporate events. With a sound that blends classic rock swagger, modern pop hooks, and funk-fueled rhythms. With both their covers and original music, this band is built to get crowds movin and groovin and connect personally with all who attend their performances!

— Social & Band Info —

https://www.instagram.com/waylingriders?igsh=MWoxZm1pazllOHZpdQ==

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1337352764005740/

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!

— Social & Band Info —

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerometuckerband/

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

— Social & Band Info —

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

Brought to you by the Willowdale Arts Collective and Yonge North York BIA, this high energy Canadian lineup is a great way to celebrate Canada Day!

Be sure to join us at the main stage of Mel Lastman Square. The program will run from 6:00 - 10:00pm.

Full program details at Yonge North York BIA

The Thomas Steele 10Tet is a ten-piece contemporary large ensemble based in Toronto, Ontario. While a modern and contemporary group, the music composed and performed by the group is rooted in the jazz tradition. The group has performed across the city in a variety of venues, and has been a featured ensemble in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Toronto TU Jazz Festival.

Born in November 2019, the ensemble is most notable for its distinctive instrumentation and genre-defying compositions. The ensemble consists of four woodwinds players, two trumpeters, two trombonists, a bassist and drummer. The lack of a chordal instrument, such as a piano or guitar, creates a unique opportunity for the ensemble to experiment with incorporating melody, harmony and rhythm into their works.

In February 2021, the ensemble released their debut record “10Tet”, which has been heard across the globe. The record features seven pieces of original music written by Thomas and members of the ensemble, and features ten of Toronto’s finest young musicians.

As time passes, the group continues to expand their repertoire and look forward to continuing to compose and perform their innovative music for years to come.

— Web & Social —

Web: www.thomassteele.ca

Instagram.com/thomas_steele_

The Selena Savage 10tet is a dynamic, high-energy jazz ensemble comprised of some the city’s best and brightest young musicians. With original arrangements taking inspiration from the likes of Rob McConnell and Terry Promane, they bring a fresh perspective to the classic Toronto big band sound.

— Web & Social —

Formed in Toronto in 2024, Soul Central is a dynamic and exciting funk/soul band, all currently studying music at Humber College. inspired by the jazz-infused neo-soul sounds of the late 1990s and early 2000s, this project presents unique arrangements by members of the band of everything from well-known hit songs to deeper cuts.

If you like good vibes and sizzling grooves, this crew is not to be missed!

— Web & Social —

Instagram:  @justbethpls

Rimay is a six piece, Latin group with over 20 years world touring experience.

Their high energy music is just what you need after a long day and is sure to get you up and dancing!

— Web & Social —

Instagram: RimayCanada