Music News Digest: A New Glimpse at Late Soul Icon Jackie Shane

Internationally acclaimed classical violinist Adrian Anantawan and multi-platinum selling guitarist and songwriter for Platinum Blonde, Sergio Galli, will be inducted into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame as part of this year’s Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival. The Induction Ceremony will take place on September 8 at 11:00 am at Memorial Park’s Gazebo Stage in Port Credit, Ontario and the public is welcome to join the festivities.

Established in 2012, the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame has previously inducted Oscar Peterson, Gil Moore and Rik Emmett of Triumph, Ronnie Hawkins, Tommy Hunter, Denny Doherty of the Mamas and Papas, Jeff Healey, Phil X of Bon Jovi, Liberty Silver, Alessia Cara and many more.

– The Forest City London Music Awards were held on June 16 at The London Music Hall, as the climax to a week of multiple concerts and events. Winners included J David, Saveria, Peter Denomme, The Brothers Wilde, Lost In Japan, Amanda Keeles and The Sun Harmonic. See the full list of winners here. Of note: The City of London won the Music City of the Year award at the recent Canadian Live Music Industry Awards.

– Toronto-based alt-pop group Less Killjoy has won the first annual NXNE Garage Band People's Choice Award at North By Northeast (NXNE). Runners-up were avant-garde psychedelic punk duo Harmony on Mars and Hamilton alt-metal band Hollow Core. The awards were handed out at the NXNE Closing Night party at The Rec Room on June 16. NXNE attendees were asked to cast their votes for their favourite bands/artists performing during the 2024 festival season. The fest reports substantial growth this year, with ticket sales and attendance increasing by 50%.

– On June 14, legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn was given an Honorary Doctorate of Music by Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and addressed the graduating students. On hand was Cockburn's longtime manager Bernie Finkelstein, who reports on Facebook that "we had a fine time."

– A new trailer is out for Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, the Elliot Page, Banger Films and NFB-produced documentary about the late icon of Canadian music and queer history Jackie Shane. The film premiered at SXSW and Hot Docs this year, and will be coming to select Canadian theatres in August (details TBA).

Festivals news

– Now in its third year, Ontario's Revelree Music Festival has announced a strong lineup comprising the Goo Goo Dolls, Brett Young, Gavin DeGraw, Teigen Gayse, The Castellows, and a yet-to-be-named Special Guest. It runs at Canatara Park, Sarnia, July 19 and 20. More info here.

Industry news

– Jon D Harvey, singer-bassist in popular Juno-winning Canadian hard rock bandMonster Truck, has quit the band. He made the announcement on his Facebook page at the end of last week, stating that "I've decided to part ways with Monster Truck. Their vision for the project and my vision for my life and career are out of sync. I wish the guys the best of luck in all their pursuits ahead."

In his post, Harvey added that "new chapters are the hardest to write. I’ve always traditionally had a fear of change and resisted it vigorously...Happiness should be non-negotiable. Set yourself free. Also, check out @thewildhighband for the aforementioned next chapter." Last Sept., Billboard Canadareported on a solo residency Harvey played at Hamilton venue The Corktown. The Wild High has already started gigging, including a Canadian Music Week show in Toronto earlier this month.

Since forming in 2009, Monster Truck released four full-length albums and two EPs. Eight of their songs made the Top 20 of Canadian Rock charts and the band won the 2013 Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year. Monster Truck also toured extensively in Europe, the U.K. and the U.S. In Nov. 2021, Monster Truck was featured in Kid Rock's re-recording of their song "Don't Tell Me How To Live," and this collaboration aroused controversy. Drummer Steve Kiely left the band in 2022, prior to the release of their their fourth studio album, Warriors, that year. No official statement on the future of Monster Truck has been received.

– Pulsations is an international initiative which brings together musicians from 24 countries around the world to celebrate the Paris 2024 Cultural Olympiad and International Make Music Day. In a rhythmic relay race commencing in New Zealand and travelling through Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe this four-hour live-streamed music event features free public concerts with a 10-minute live broadcast segment for each participating nation. The Toronto segment takes place at Hugh's Room Live, June 21, with Indigenous Quebec duo, Twin Flames, representing Canada in this event. June 21 is both the Summer Solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day. Twin Flames portion of the livestream runs from 11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for the free event. Stream it here

– An acoustic guitar signed by rising Indigenous music star Aysanabee is up for bidding in support of Toronto-based non-profit Make Music Matter. 100% of net proceeds will support MMM’s innovative Healing in Harmony music therapy program in Indigenous communities. The Denver acoustic guitar was donated by Long & McQuade. Bidding is now open here, closing on June 23 at 8 pm ET online.

– The passing last year of producer/guitarist/songwriter David Baxter has left a large void on the Toronto roots music scene. His peers now hope to honour his legacy by raising enough funds ($5K) to name a seat in his memory in famed music venue, Massey Hall. His close collaborator and friend Justin Rutledge has launched a GoFundMe campaign for this purpose. Those interested can contribute here.

– Presented by the Downtown Hamilton BIA, the annual Gore Park Summer Promenade runs Tuesday to Thursday from 12 -2 p.m. every week from now until August 29. The free performances include such local talent as Ariana Fig, Alex Whorms, Sarah Beatty, Lily Sazz & Don Oakie, Alfie Smith Duo, Will Gillespie, Mary Simon, The Soul Cats, Northern Lights, Andrew Bentham-Riley, Mahima Akshinthala, The Martin Brothers and more. See a full schedule here.

Artists news

– On June 20 (7.30 p.m.), famed Hamilton recording facility Grant Avenue Studio presents An Evening with Ron Lopata & James Bryan, featuring music and stories from these two veteran Canadian songwriter/musician/producers. Lopata was a member of Jacksoul, while Bryan found CanPop fame with The Philosopher Kings and Prozzak, and as a writer of hits by other artists. Tickets here.

– Coinciding with National Indigenous History Month, award-winning world music ensemble Sultans of String have a concert at Hugh's Room Live in Toronto on June 22. Sultans of String have collaborated with Indigenous artists in innovative ways. View a short promo clip for the show here. Tickets here.

– Rootsy singer-songwriter Tyler Ellis plays an album release concert for his new record, Greater Than, at Hugh's Room Live in Toronto on June 21, with special guests Lynn Harrison and Noah Zacharin. Tickets here. Check out Ellis' new materialbelow.