The 16th international AIDS conference that was held in Toronto more than two years ago was obviously very inspirational to Canadian musicians.
Another HIV/AIDS song – called A Song for Africa – was also created involving prominent Canadian musicians, including members of Billy Talent, Thornley and Big Sugar, and recorded at Scarborough’s Phase One Studios on Kennedy Ave. just north of Finch Avenue.

The following is a story that was written during the recording of the song, back in 2006 … 

A Scarborough recording studio recently played host to a steady stream of top Canadian recording artists, including members of Billy Talent, Thornley and Big Sugar, all lending their talents to a benefit CD/video single designed to raise awareness of AIDS/HIV in Africa.

(more…)

A song dedicated to AIDS fundraising and awareness, with contributions from some of the biggest names in roots and world music, got its genesis from the 16th international AIDS conference that was held in Toronto more than two years ago.

It was recorded in Toronto, at six different studios, under the direction of Parkdale resident Waleed Abdulhamid, a renowned producer/musician who emigrated from the Sudan in 1992.

Abdulhamid, who also teaches in the Humber College music program, called in just about every favour he could to help forge this eclectic international cast led by David Clayton Thomas of Blood, Sweat and Tears fame.

(more…)

With the third annual Nuance Art Rock Festival running this Saturday, Oct. 4 in East York, Music Notes conducted a Q&A with Wilton Said who is both the organizer and one of four bands that will be playing.

The festival is being held at the Legion Hall, Br-10, located at 1083 Pape Ave just south of O’Connor drive.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m, and the event runs Until 9:30 p.m. with a 90-minute dinner break.

Door Cover is $20. Children 12 and under free.

The website is www.myspace.com/nuancegta.

A long-time East York area resident who lives with his wife in the area of Coxwell and Danforth, Said is Scarborough-born and raised, attending Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute, later attending York University.

Just click on ‘more’ to read the complete Q&A … (more…)

I wasn’t responsible for any of the more than four million votes recorded in the two hours after the final Canadian Idol performance showdown between Theo Tams, who ultimately won, and Mitch MacDonald.

That’s because – and you can call it a cop-out if you want – I enjoyed both artists, both in their final show and throughout the season, in general, and so decided to keep sitting on the fence, like a good Libra. (more…)

With a history dating back to 1953, the Scarborough Choral Society, which is now in the midst of its spring production of Brigadoon (wrapping up April 5), counts itself as one of the oldest art groups in the city.

In fact, it’s been around so long that the venerable musical Brigadoon is back for the third time, having previously been performed in 1984 and 1967. (more…)

Covering the local music scene for more than two years now, the thought has struck me that a comparison can be made to breweries.

Think of your favourite brew by a major label, and then by a mirco brewery?

In a taste test, some might even prefer a micro-brewed beer even though it couldn’t even begin to compare with its major brewery counterpart in terms of sales and profits earned.

I found the same thing with the local artists I’ve had the privilege to listen to now for a couple of years.

Many of their CDs have confidently crept from my work file into my regular collection.

Among them are: (more…)

Two local music festivals on Danforth Avenue are once again pencilled in to help residents beat the February blahs. (more…)

East York resident Randy James might have to think twice – or even three times – about what band he’s anchoring on the drum kit at a CD release party Friday, Dec. 14 at the Hollywood on the Queensway.

One thing he won’t need to think twice about, however, is who his band mates are: from Rexdale lead vocalist Todd Sharman; from Mississauga bass player Paul Whiteside; and originally from Windsor, guitarists Stephen Ruppert and Mark Higginbottom.

The band mates have actually been together for many years. But the band’s stage name can change depending on the gig. (more…)