Marc Jordan has led a fascinating career. The veteran Brooklyn-born, Toronto-based hitmaker is the subject of a new biography. Named after one of Jordan's songs (a hit for Rod Stewart), Rhythm of My Heart: The Authorized Biography of Marc Jordan is written by fellow Canadian author, songwriter and bandleader Don Breithaupt (Monkey House), and is already earning positive reviews. The book is now available through Amazon and Indigo and bookstores. Jordan's songs have sold over 35 million units, via versions by such artists as Bonnie Raitt, Diana Ross, Joe Cocker, Cher, Bette Midler, Natalie Cole, Chicago, Kenny Loggins, Kim Carnes, Shawn Colvin, Rod Stewart and many more, and he has also made a number of solo albums.
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Festivals News
Alternative Quebec City music festival Le Phoque OFF has unveiled a major wave of programming. The fest (running Feb. 13-21) is expanding both its showcase and festival components, and also announced details of its DJ sets and its substantial PRO program.
DJ sets at La Cuisine bar feature DJ Lily Pita & SinLess, DJMA, DJ Raven and Okapi, while L'Anti hosts a DJ set by Liam Cormier (Cancer Bats) for an Emo Night on Feb. 14. Le Lit Double will host the official afterparty of Gawbé’s l’endroit-l’envers show with a DJ set by Marius Mars, joined by Gawbé and special guests. The festival also presents two electronic music evenings on Feb. 20 and 21 along the ice skating rink at Place D’Youville, with Flupke, Aujourd’hui and vinciane.
For rock fans, in addition to performances by Sandveiss and Messe, and Sedmi and Beurre, Le Phoque OFF announces the GUEULEUSE night featuring Nova Spei, Obsolete Mankind and Within Embers. Performers at showcases include alternative acts such as Patche, rock artist Laura Niquay, pop artist Rayannah and folk acts l i l a and Afternoon Bike Ride. On Feb. 16, the Fanmi se Fanmi night features Valérie Clio, Ammoye, Frank’emcy and the Juno-winning Okavango African Orchestra. L’Anti Bar & Spectacles hosts rappers Kamilou, Na$-T, SLM, and Jashim. The entire showcase program is accessible for $40 with the Discovery Pass here.
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– The Chinook Blast festival returns to downtown Calgary from January 30 to February 16, featuring eight days of free programming with dozens of live music performances, a drag show on ice, children's opera, interactive activities and more. Held at the newly renovated Eau Claire Plaza, it features the work of guest curators, Paul Magnuson, Victoria Bucholtz (a.k.a. Karla Marx), and Kayla Bigras (a.k.a. Smokey Waters/B.Sassidy). Performers will include Cedric Lightning and Kris Demeanor, L’omelette and Tribe Artist Society, Dos Leches, DJ Cybervvitch, Dempsey Bolton, the Cruz Brothers, DJ Molly Fi, The Librarian, Esette B2B Jon Delerious, Cary Chang, Safi, DJ Hannah, Dan Solo, Tea Fannie, Alex Hughes, Damase Elis, Sean Beaver, Maclayne and K-Riz & The Family. More info here.
Industry News
Music Publishers Canada (MPC) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Women in the Studio National Accelerator. Now in its eighth year and boasting 48 alumni, the program is designed to provide the cohort with skills development and networking opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible to them. The Accelerator will focus on topics including technical and songwriting skills and branding and financial literacy and will offer opportunities for creative collaborations.
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It will run from June to October 2026 with virtual sessions and workshops and an in-person residency over five days in the summer in Toronto (exact dates TBD). This program is intended for mid- to high-level working producer-songwriters who primarily produce for others. Applications will be accepted online here until Feb. 9. The Women in the Studio National Accelerator 2026 is supported by FACTOR and the Government of Canada, RBC, Ontario Creates and Cassels and Compass Rose.
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– Hamilton, Ontario is set to host Juno Week and the Juno Awards in late March. The Road to The Junos concert series will launch on Jan. 22 in Hamilton venues. The six-day series features area talent and begins with The Redhill Valleys at Bridgeworks on Jan. 22, followed by shows there by Cadence Weapon (Jan. 23) and Whitehorse (Jan. 24). Tickets are available here. A classical showcase with performances from Shoshana Telner, Leana Rutt, Stephen Sitarski and Emma Rush takes place on Jan. 25 on Jan. 25 at L.R. Wilson Concert Hall. Tickets here. Mills Hardware hosts shows by Cam Kahin (Feb. 6) and Terra Lightfoot (a sold-out show on Feb. 7). Tickets here.
– To mark the 30th anniversary of Black History Month, the National Music Centre (NMC) will present a full-day celebration spotlighting the creativity, legacy, and future of Calgary’s Black community. A free event, it is hosted by Studio Bell on Feb. 7 (10 am to 5 pm). Curated once again by veteran VJ Master T and hosted by NMC’s Rebecca Bukasa, the day will feature performances by eight-piece neo-soul and hip-hop collective (un)decided and singer Peace Etaje,the winner of NMC’s 2025 Black Music Month Talent Expo. The day also includes a fashion show, discussions and a craft market.
– Music Nova Scotiais seeking a new membership and admin coordinator, a person who will be responsible for supporting the administrative functions of Music Nova Scotia and managing member relations. Applications are open here until Jan. 29.
– Toronto folk/roots music venue Hugh's Room has launched the Michael Wrycraft Accessibility Fund, named in honour of the late Juno-winningalbum designer, radio producer and event promoter. Wrycraft curated 80 shows over the years at Hugh's Room, even after his disability meant he couldn't attend his own shows at the venue. The accessibility issues at Hugh's Room are now being addressed and this new fund is part of the solution. The accessibility project will cost $750K, and the Canadian Cultural Spaces Fund recently awarded Hugh's Room $328.5. Another $225K has been raised, leaving a target of $196.5K. You can donate to the fund here.
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Artists News
On Feb. 20, East Coast roots music favourite Alan Doyle releases a new EP Already Dancing, to be followed by an extensive 48-date North American tour, beginning on Feb. 27 at home in St. John’s, Newfoundland, wrapping May 17 in Edmonds, Washington. Joining Doyle on all Canadian dates is the Juno-winning PEI folk duo The East Pointers, with Brooklyn indie-folk-pop-Americana outfit Bandits on the Run set to support the U.S. leg. Check the tour dates here. Already Dancing was recorded in six studios across five cities in two countries, and a video for one of the tracks, "Take It Easy With Me," is now out.
– On Sunday night, prolific Hamilton singer-songwriter-artist Martin Verrall launched his new vinyl album, C/O The Brain, with a show that was also the very first ticketed event at brand new Hamilton club venue The Parlour. After well-received sets from Tammy and Darryl and Edgar Breau (Simply Saucer), the imposing figure of Verrall took the stage for a short set in which he was accompanied by vocalist/instrumentalist Rosemary Stehlik, followed by a full band set in which he reprised the intense and poetic material from the new record (produced by Mark Howard) in its entirety. Those in Verrall's ace five-piece band of Hamilton players included Jack Syperek of The Trews. The sound quality in the new space was impressive, so this is a welcome addition to the city's live music scene.
