Jul
30
8:00 PM20:00

30th Anniversary Honey Jam Concert

Titled “INSPIRATIONS,” the 30th anniversary Honey Jam concert promises to spotlight extraordinary diverse talent and will be a dynamic evening of music that spans several genres including Hip Hop, Jazz, Pop, Gospel, Opera, RnB, Rock, Country, Dancehall and more!

Role modeling and mentoring are central to Honey Jam’s mission of inspiring new generations of artists, and in tandem with the concert theme, featured vocalists will perform songs by the icons who have inspired them.

Proceeds from ticket sales will help to support the non-profit programme which provides mentoring, educational, performance and networking opportunities to emerging artists. It is a welcoming, supportive sisterhood and a safe space for young women to not only learn about the industry but also to be vulnerable, to build self esteem and long-lasting relationships. (see honeyjam.com and @thehoneyjam).

See information below about the Community Ticket Sponsorship Campaign and stay tuned for exciting line-up announcements!

Tickets

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Aug
8
to Aug 9

Canadian Steelpan Music Industry Conference

  • University of Toronto Scarborough (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Welcome to the Canadian Steelpan Industry Conference!

Join us for a dynamic and inclusive gathering that celebrates the rich legacy and evolving future of steelpan in Canada. Held at the University of Toronto Scarborough, this two-day event brings together professionals, educators, community members, elders, and enthusiasts from across the country to explore current trends, innovations, and challenges in the steelpan landscape.

The Canadian Steelpan Industry Conference is part of a broader initiative led by artist and researcher Joy Lapps, whose project aims to map the steelpan movement across Canada and help its stakeholders to connect—highlighting its key contributors, stories, and impact on communities.

Produced by Girl in the Yard, and proudly sponsored by SoundLife Scarborough and the University of Toronto, this conference features insightful sessions, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and live performances. It’s a space for learning, collaboration, and intergenerational exchange.

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or newly exploring the steelpan world, you’ll find opportunities to connect, reflect, and contribute to the ongoing story of steelpan in Canada.

Be part of the rhythm. Be part of the story. Be part of the future.

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Aug
11
to Aug 15

Wadadli Music Camp

The Wadadli Music Project is committed to nurturing young musical talent by providing a supportive environment for growth and creativity. Our programs focus on comprehensive music education, offering both instrumental and vocal instruction alongside workshops that develop individual skills and ensemble performance. Since its inception, the project has had a lasting impact, with over students participating in our camps. Many have gone on to perform in local bands at hotels, churches, and other venues, while some have pursued music at the post-secondary level. 

The annual Wadadli Music Camp serves as the cornerstone of our initiative, offering students and teachers alike an enriching experience that fosters passion and skill development. Through mentorship, performance opportunities, and community-building activities, we aim to inspire the next generation of musicians. By supporting the Wadadli Music Project, you are helping to create a legacy of music education and development, ensuring that young talents continue to thrive in Antigua’s vibrant cultural landscape.


Click HERE for camp registration

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Jun
21
8:00 PM20:00

ON THEIR SHOULDERS - with Shakura Saida and The Toronto Jazz Festival

Toronto Jazz Fest and Shakura S’Aida are proud to present On Their Shoulders - a once-in-a-lifetime concert celebrating the African Canadian artists who have made invaluable contributions to the Toronto music community.

This historic concert will celebrate jazz legends like Frank Wright, Archie Alleyne, Jodie Drake, Jackie Shane and Dianne Brooks while highlighting landmarks that provided safe spaces for the African Canadian music community and their audiences.

This unforgettable evening will feature live performances from a stacked lineup of award-winning artists including: one of the greatest jazz voices of our time, 98-year-old icon, Ada Lee; Queen of Jazz, Blues and Gospel, Jackie Richardson; legendary pianist and composer, Joe Sealy; one of Canada’s greatest voices, Molly Johnson; Toronto reggae great, Jay Douglas; GRAMMY-nominated steel pannist, Joy Lapps; revolutionary blues and R&B artist, Bobby Dean Blackburn; and JUNO-nominated singer-songwriters SATE and tUkU.

Backed by an all-star house band led by award-winning and JUNO-nominated musical director Eddie Bullen, featuring acclaimed artists like JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter Brooke Blackburn and GRAMMY Award-winning drum phenom, Larnell Lewis, this special evening of music celebrates the foundation of Toronto’s jazz scene.

Tickets

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Jun
13
7:00 PM19:00

A Glimpse of Quincy

  • Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grammy Award-winning artist Larnell Lewis leads an electrifying tribute to a living legend who transformed the global music landscape. Over six decades, Quincy Jones shaped the sound of popular music, masterfully bridging jazz, rock, rhythm and blues, pop, and hip-hop.

Larnell is the arranger, producer, musical director, whilst Joy Lapps will be a guest artist on the show

Tickets

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May
29
12:00 PM12:00

Summer Steelpan Workshops @ U of T Soundlife Scarborough

Thursdays | 12:10-2pm | AA303
Summer: May 8, 15, 22, 29 June 5, 12

Join us for steel pan workshops with internationally lauded artist and composer, Joy Lapps. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12-2pm, in the Arts and Administrative building in Room AA303. All are welcome to join, open to UTSC community and the public!

Meet the Facilitators: Joy Lapps and Roshane Wright,

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May
22
12:00 PM12:00

Summer Steelpan Workshops @ U of T Soundlife Scarborough

Thursdays | 12:10-2pm | AA303
Summer: May 8, 15, 22, 29 June 5, 12

Join us for steel pan workshops with internationally lauded artist and composer, Joy Lapps. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12-2pm, in the Arts and Administrative building in Room AA303. All are welcome to join, open to UTSC community and the public!

Meet the Facilitators: Joy Lapps and Roshane Wright,

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May
15
12:00 PM12:00

Summer Steelpan Workshops @ U of T Soundlife Scarborough

Thursdays | 12:10-2pm | AA303
Summer: May 8, 15, 22, 29 June 5, 12

Join us for steel pan workshops with internationally lauded artist and composer, Joy Lapps. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12-2pm, in the Arts and Administrative building in Room AA303. All are welcome to join, open to UTSC community and the public!

Meet the Facilitators: Joy Lapps and Roshane Wright,

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May
8
12:00 PM12:00

Summer Steelpan Workshops @ U of T Soundlife Scarborough

Thursdays | 12:10-2pm | AA303
Summer: May 8, 15, 22, 29 June 5, 12

Join us for steel pan workshops with internationally lauded artist and composer, Joy Lapps. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 12-2pm, in the Arts and Administrative building in Room AA303. All are welcome to join, open to UTSC community and the public!

Meet the Facilitators: Joy Lapps and Roshane Wright,

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Apr
30
7:30 PM19:30

The Joy Lapps Project

Discover Joy Lapps, winner of the Maisons de la culture award at Mundial Montréal 2023!

Découvrez Joy Lapps, lauréate du prix des Maisons de la culture à Mundial Montréal 2023!

Gentle reminder to arrive 15 mins prior for seating.

Description

Joy Lapps apporte le steelpan et les rythmes caribéens sur les scènes jazz du Canada. Son répertoire regorge de motifs rythmiques et harmoniques d’inspiration afro-caribéenne et afro-brésilienne, de guirlandes mélodiques et de beaucoup d’espace pour la spontanéité. 
Très appréciée du public, Joy apporte sa personnalité brillante et authentique et est connue pour ses prestations dynamiques et captivantes. Elle s’est produite dans de nombreux festivals de jazz à travers le Canada, y compris le Festival international de jazz de Montréal et les festivals de jazz de Victoria, d’Edmonton et d’Halifax.

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Apr
12
4:00 PM16:00

The Joy Lapps Project

  • Maison de la culture de Parc-Extension (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Discover Joy Lapps, winner of the Maisons de la culture award at Mundial Montréal 2023!

Découvrez Joy Lapps, lauréate du prix des Maisons de la culture à Mundial Montréal 2023!

Gentle reminder to arrive at least 15 minutes prior for seating.

Description

Joy Lapps apporte le steelpan et les rythmes caribéens sur les scènes jazz du Canada. Son répertoire regorge de motifs rythmiques et harmoniques d’inspiration afro-caribéenne et afro-brésilienne, de guirlandes mélodiques et de beaucoup d’espace pour la spontanéité. 
Très appréciée du public, Joy apporte sa personnalité brillante et authentique et est connue pour ses prestations dynamiques et captivantes. Elle s’est produite dans de nombreux festivals de jazz à travers le Canada, y compris le Festival international de jazz de Montréal et les festivals de jazz de Victoria, d’Edmonton et d’Halifax.

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JAZZ.FM91 Presents: Where Are They Now? Feat. Joy Lapps
Mar
19
6:30 PM18:30

JAZZ.FM91 Presents: Where Are They Now? Feat. Joy Lapps

We're launching a new series exclusively on Instagram - Where Are They Now? These alumni features will be live conversations hosted on IG Live with artists from our Education & Outreach programs who are making their mark in the world of jazz!

We're kicking things off with the one and only @joylappsmusic - internationally lauded artist, speaker, educator and creative consultant who activates spaces for community building and creative expression. The conversation will be hosted by Take Me to the Water host @jelaniwatson

📺Tune in tomorrow, March 19 at 6:30PM EST exclusively on JAZZ.FM91's Instagram Live

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Dec
4
8:00 PM20:00

The Caribbean Christmas Mixtape Live @ The Jazz Bistro

Enjoy the Caribbean Christmas Mixtape Live @ The Jazz Bistro…

Joy Lapps and Larnell Lewis blend their Caribbean heritage, Canadian upbringing and exceptional musicianship in “The Caribbean Christmas Mixtape Vol. 1”.

Joy, an award-winning instrumentalist of Antiguan and Barbudan descent, treats the steelpan as a tool for engagement, anchoring her artistry in a profound, community-centered musical tradition. Her husband Larnell Lewis, artist, educator, and a member of the Grammy Award-winning band Snarky Puppy, brings his St. Kitts heritage and mastery of jazz, soul, R&B, gospel, and Caribbean genres.

The project was born in 2020 and first premiered at the JazzFM.91 studios and streamed live on radio and social media.  The demand from listeners each year and genuine love for the project inspired Larnell and Joy to develop more arrangements and release the work as an album (released November 15, 2024).

The Caribbean Christmas Mixtape Vol. 1 shines through innovative arrangements from the soca-infused “Soca Sleigh Ride to the reggae arrangement of “Carol of the Bells,” inspired by Peter Tosh and Bob Marley,  This labor of love showcases the couple’s ability to bridge traditional and contemporary styles adding a beautiful new twist to familiar Christmas music.

Larnell and Joy’s arrangements will be brought to life once again by a cast of some of Toronto’s most sought-after musicians and vocalists.

We welcome you to the Jazz Bistro on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to not just watch – but be a part of a beautiful holiday tradition.

Musicians

Rich Brown – bass

KC Roberts - guitar

Jeremy Ledbetter – piano

Subria Lapps – vocals

Justin Bacchus – vocals

Roshane Wright – percussion

Michael “Skel” Redhead – saxophone

Terry Woode – trombone

Jan Morgan – trumpet

Larnell Lewis – drums

Joy Lapps – steelpan

COVER: $25

Visit the Jazz Bistro website for more details on how to book your tickets.

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Sep
21
7:00 PM19:00

FLOW FEST 2024

The rhythm of drumming and syncopated sounds return to The Rose Mainstage for the third annual FLOW FEST, Brampton’s International Drumming Festival. Back in a big way, Grammy Award-winning, Brampton-raised musician, composer and educator, Larnell Lewis, and award-winning musician, composer and educator, Joy Lapps collaborate as artistic directors to bring you an evening you will not forget.    Experience everything from DJs and roaming musical ensembles to visual art and food. Be immersed in a percussive party celebrating culture, music, and drums from around the world as you dance and play the night away.

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Jun
9
2:05 PM14:05

From Skin 2 Steel and Beyond Workshop at Luminato 2024

Join artist, composer, speaker and educator Joy Lapps for an engaging hands on workshop
experience.

Participants are invited to explore the rich history of the steelpan. In addition to steelpan, participants will have the opportunity to play instruments including West African skinned drums, tamboo bamboo, iron, and other percussion instruments that are cornerstones of steelpan history. This steelpan-centered workshop is an opportunity celebrate the genius of steelpan innovators while learning a few new grooves.

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The Jon Cowherd Trio and Larnell Lewis & Joy Lapps
May
11
8:00 PM20:00

The Jon Cowherd Trio and Larnell Lewis & Joy Lapps

Larnell Lewis and Joy Lapps bring their signature Caribbean jazz alongside Koerner Hall favourites John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and Jon Cowherd.

The Jon Cowherd Trio features three of the most imaginative, sensitive, and wide-ranging artists in modern jazz: pianist and Hammond B3 player Cowherd, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade. 

Cowherd has worked extensively with a broad array of players and singers from the jazz, pop, and rock worlds, including Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Brandi Carlile, k.d. lang, Rosanne Cash, Iggy Pop, Glen Hansard, Cassandra Wilson, John Scofield, and Lizz Wright.

Grammy Award-winning musician, composer, producer, and educator, Toronto-based Larnell Lewis has established himself among the most diverse and in-demand drummers in the world. Since 2012, Lewis has been playing with three-time Grammy Award-winning band, Snarky Puppy. He leads successful ensembles of his own and has toured the globe with musicians such as Quincy Jones, Laila Biali, Jeremy Ledbetter, Etienne Charles, Gregory Porter, Lalah Hathaway, Jacob Collier, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Lisa Fischer, and more.

Internationally lauded artist and composer Joy Lapps activates spaces for community building and creative expression. The award-winning instrumentalist of Antiguan and Barbudan descent treats the steelpan as a tool for engagement, anchoring her artistry in a profound, community-centered musical tradition. The Toronto native has performed alongside Stewart Goodyear, Roberto Occhipinti, Larnell Lewis, and the Toronto Mass Choir, and recorded with Gramps Morgan, Elmer Ferrer, Jeremy Ledbetter, Johnny Reid, and her musical mentor, pannist-composer Andy Narell.
 

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The Joy Lapps Project at Empowering Women In The Music Industry Conference Artist Showcase
Apr
27
7:00 PM19:00

The Joy Lapps Project at Empowering Women In The Music Industry Conference Artist Showcase

THE JOY LAPPS PROJECT will be featured alongside MC Treasa Levasseur, Kellylee Evans and Lorraine Klaasen at The National Arts Centre Fourth Stage!

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Axé WorldFest proudly announces the 4th annual Empowering Women in the Music Industry conference. It is an essential gathering to continue much-needed conversations about gender roles in the industry, to network, spark new ideas, and connections through eclectic musical showcases, panels, and networking events over three days.

 

This groundbreaking event continues its mission to connect, network, and amplify marginalized voices within the music industry.

 

Axé WorldFest is a leading organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry. With a focus on celebrating cultural heritage and empowering underrepresented voices, Axé WorldFest hosts concerts, festivals, and educational events throughout the year.

 

The Empowering Women in the Music Industry conference is open to all genders and serves as a platform for people to share insights, build connections, and foster growth in their careers.

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Apr
16
11:00 AM11:00

Joy Lapps Project x Larnell Lewis Band @ The Mayor's Art Lunch 2024

The Mayor's Arts Lunch, which takes place in the spring every year, is a high-profile event that brings together a carefully curated room including artists, cultural leaders, arts philanthropists, key business and civic leaders, and politicians from all levels of government to celebrate and spotlight the artists and arts organizations whose work shapes and strengthens this creative city through the presentation of selected Toronto Arts Foundation awards

This year's event will take place on April 16 at the Arcadian Court.

Over the course of the Lunch’s history, Toronto Arts Foundation has welcomed leading Toronto personalities to host the event, including broadcaster and pop-culture critic Jesse Wente, director and actor Sharon Lewis, celebrated novelist, playwright and actor Ann-Marie MacDonald, actor R.H. Thomson and actor Allan Hawco.

“I’m not one for these big award shows, but I have so much love for the Toronto Arts Foundation, mainly because they recognize the important work that grassroots youth organizations are doing in our city.” Errol Nazareth, Host, Big City, Small World

This important event and the awards distributed are wholly supported by donations from generous arts champions

As an arts champion, we ask you join us in this celebration by becoming a Table Host with a sponsorship of $5,000. For information on sponsorship and your benefits, please click here. 

Ready to make your committment? Download, complete and forward the registration form. 

Individual tickets are not available. 

For more information on becoming a donor or sponsor of the Mayor's Arts Lunch, please contact:

Dane Bland, Director, Development & Engagement
416-392-6802 x 239
dane[at]torontoarts[dot]org

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Feb
2
to Feb 5

Joy Lapps Project feat. Larnell Lewis at GroundUp Music Festival 2024

  • 7275 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL, 33141 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We will be at GroundUp Music Festival This year. I will facilitate a clinic called Motherhood x Music on February 3, 2024 and will perform with my project on February 4, 2024.

Here is the ticket link!

ABOUT THE GROUNDUP MUSIC FESTIVAL

The only Florida music event named by The New York Times as one of the “top 10 definitive music moments of the decade,” GroundUP Music Festival was founded in 2017 by Miami arts veteran and CEO Paul Lehr, and Artistic Director and Snarky Puppy bandleader Michael League. Artist-centric and attendee-focused, GroundUP blends an eclectic mix of genres to create a dynamic and varied festival experience.

GroundUP stands tall amidst the Miami music scene with a different kind of festival experience. Known for its relaxed, intimate atmosphere, with wildly dynamic line-ups of hard to define artists, GroundUP defies genre, creating a laidback oasis of true community, steps from the sands of Miami Beach. While most music festivals centralize themselves upon a predominantly single-genre focus, GroundUP pairs unexpected combinations of sound into a seamlessly authentic lineup, allowing the individual stories of the artists to shine.

True to the heart of the festival since its inception, one of the most central aspects to the GroundUP ethos is diversity in every sense of the word – diversity of genre, style, geography, culture, race, age, and gender – as well as remarkable diversity among artists and attendees. Mirroring the geographic variety of the artists, GroundUP regularly draws a crowd of passionate music lovers and musicians from 48 states and 54 countries.

Taking place each year in February at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell, GroundUP delivers an immersive, authentic and optimal experience for both musicians and fans. Featuring two performance stages but no overlapping sets, GroundUP is stacked with musicians’ musicians — offering exclusive oceanfront workshops, musical brunches, interactive masterclasses, late night sets, and a welcoming, communal atmosphere, steps from the sand. 

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Jan
20
7:00 PM19:00

SNOWFLAKES ON STEEL

  • P.C. Ho Theatre - Chinese Cultural Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Joy Lapps Project will be featured as part of the 2024 Snowflakes on Steel.

The event will also feature:

  • Panatics Steelband Network

  • Gemini Pan Groove Steelband

  • Afropan Steel Orchestra

  • Pan Fantasy Steelband

  • Dance Caribe Performing Company

  • Steelpan Soloist Earl Brooks Jr.

TICKETS

Tickets:  At the Door $45  (Advance $40)  

Information: 416-525-2391 (Wendy); 

                       416-953-0905 (Earl) 

Other - Advanced Ticket Outlets:

 TicketGateway: https://www.ticketgateway.com/event/view/snowflakeonsteel2024


  A Different Booklist:  

       779 Bathurst St., Toronto 

           - 416-538-0889 

 M&A Discount Store: 

      1168 Morningside Ave, Scarborough 

           – 416-208-9474 

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