WCRA

The pianist Dennis Lee, has 10 years of musical experience on diverse cruise lines playing shows and jazz music, leading his own trios for 3 years around the world.

He is a professional jazz pianist with extensive international and local performing experiences leading two established jazz trios;one performing regularly aboard Princess Cruises in the Take Five venue around the world, and another based here in Toronto.

His trio in Toronto featuring Steve Farrugia on the drums and Mike Lalonde on the bass are one of the finest jazz musicians on the scene.

Seu is a Mexican singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past four years, he has performed extensively across Canada and internationally, gracing festivals, private events, and concerts in countries such as Germany, Spain, Ireland, Mexico, and Canada. His music reinvents the traditional bolero genre by fusing it with contemporary influences like reggae, funk, dancehall, soul, dub, jazz, and R&B.

In recent years, it has been present at important festivals in Mexico and Canada, such as the Festival Alternativo (MX), Markham Village Music Festival (CA), Winter Song Music Fest (CA), and Lavazza Inclucity Festival (CA), to name a few.  

His New single “Deseo” (desire) marks a bold and intimate chapter in Seu’s musical evolution, blending R&B and reggae with his signature lyrical depth and unforgettable vocals. The song was produced in collaboration with fellow Mexican artist Roger Vargas, explores the emotional complexity of longing—knowing it might never be fulfilled, or could even be forbidden. The song features trumpet by Argentine musician Camila Vaudagna, with mixing and mastering by Adriano Morales (S.C.A.), and visual artwork by Canadian artist Robyn Lightwalker.

Karl Silveira is a Toronto-based trombonist, composer, and educator known for his versatility across jazz and world music. A JUNO nominee with the Lemon Bucket Orkestra, Karl has performed with top ensembles like the Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra and the David Braid Sextet. His debut album A Porta Aperta earned critical acclaim, and he currently teaches at the University of Toronto while representing Yamaha as an Artist.

The Joseph Funk Trio is a diverse modern jazz ensemble contributing original compositions and arrangements to the numerous popular music traditions of swing, R&B, and other contemporary pop music. In addition, the ensemble is heavily influenced by the rich Canadian traditional jazz ensemble works and wishes to honour the "Toronto sound" in a stunning and united way.

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!

Newly formed Korean Canadian pop, soul and jazz band consisting of John Kim on vocal and acoustic guitar, Allen Kim on keyboard, Dave Holla on bass and David Lee on drums. Celebrating North American live music mix with K-pop, old and new top 30 and jazz, KOCA band performs various music of high energy and soulful covers and originals. In average of 10+ years experience being professional musicians themselves, KOCA Band will bring satisfaction to all age audiences.

Leader’s Bio: John Kim is a Korean-Canadian musician from Owen Sound, Ontario who discovered his passion for music at a young age, inspired by K-pop icons such as Big Bang. Trained in classical piano, his musical horizons broadened when he moved to Toronto for high school, where he began exploring a variety of genres. His experience playing guitar and leading worship with his church’s praise team sparked his interest in songwriting and helped shape his distinctive sound. Blending elements of R&B, pop, folk, and singer-songwriter traditions, John draws inspiration from artists like Justin Bieber and Allen Stone. Through heartfelt performances and soothing melodies, he strives to create a warm, genuine connection with every audience he meets.

Melodies of Light: Jewish Songs and Tango:

An unforgettable evening of music where the warmth of the guitar and the expressive voice of the clarinet intertwine in duos and solo performances. This concert journeys across cultures and genres, showcasing the versatility of these instruments and the brilliance of their interpreters.

• Flamenco Fire – The soul of Spain resonates in the music of Paco de Lucía, Gerardo Núñez, and Víctor Monge “Serranito”, where guitar artistry meets rhythmic intensity.

  Argentinian Tango – The passion and rhythm of Buenos Aires come alive through the works of Astor Piazzolla and Nicolau, blending nostalgia with fiery modernity.

  Classical Masterpieces – Virtuosity and elegance shine in selections by Niccolò Paganini, Giulio Caccini, Béla Bartók, and Maurice Ravel, highlighting the timeless beauty of European tradition.

    Jewish Music – From heartfelt melodies by Simeon Bellison, Kovacs, and Levenson to vibrant traditional Klezmer tunes, this segment celebrates heritage and joy.

Jazz Inspirations – Swing, improvisation, and modern grooves flow through the works of Herbie Hancock and the renowned R. Smirnov, bringing the program to a spirited close.

This concert is a celebration of diversity, virtuosity, and the universal language of music—bridging cultures and traditions through the intimate voices of guitar and clarinet.