Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

  The Kingdom Choir Brings Gospel Spirit and Holiday Cheer to Toronto By Stephen Weir Halloween has come and gone, and with it, all the skeletons and wispy ghosts have been packed away. What's next? A quick visit to any store reveals the answer: Christmas! Stocking stuffers and tree decorations are already on display, and holiday music is making its way into the airwaves. For many, the festive season means the return of a unique tradition—celebrating with music. And this year, one of the most beloved gospel choirs is coming back to Toronto. Too soon? Maybe so, but people are already eager to purchase tickets to see and listen to Karen Gibson, aka the godmother of British gospel, and her 15-member Kingdom Choir are coming to town. It is an early evening of of Gospel music and Christmas carols at the George Weston Recital Hall. Don’t recognize the name? Think back. Remember the Royal Wedding. Were you one of the 2 billion people who watched the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Mark...

Never mind Crawfish and Carnival, love infused Jazz at the George with Louisiana’s red-hot singer, Quiana Lynell  by stephen weir Hectic just doesn’t cut it when describing jazz singer Quiana Lynell’s life these days. Two better words just might be airport and hotel! The red-hot jazz singing sensation from Louisiana is en-route to Toronto for her long delayed Canadian debut concert.  But in between leaving her home two days ago in the Deep South and experiencing her first Deep North winter next week, she has taken her quartet to Europe to perform. The vocalist extraordinaire is booked into the George Weston Recital Hall, next Saturday night (Feburary 15th) as part of the Jazz at the George concert series.  The George bills itself as Canada’s best recital hall and one of the world’s top venues; it is part of the Meridian Arts Centre complex on Yonge Street in North York. On Wednesday, the Caribbean Camera's Stephen Weir caught up with the winner of th...

Etienne Charles on stage in Toronto, photo by Maria Nunes Etienne Charles in Toronto Carnival. The Sound of People Madly Clapping Volume 1 By Stephen Weir with notes from Ken Bruzual Trinidad born jazzman Etienne Charles proved the old adage never listen to the Rumour Mill. Word on the street earlier this month was saying that his big venue concert was going to be cancelled because of slow ticket sales.     Although not a total sell-out thanks to Caribbean Camera support Charles’ concert turned out to be hottest ticket in Toronto last Friday night. Described as one of the most “exciting young jazz artists today” Michigan based  Etienne Charles , launched the new “Jazz at the George Series” at the George Weston Recital Hall (the Sony Centre’s North York Theatre).   Charles, his five sidemen, a guest pan player and three costumed performers, also used their first Toronto performance as the North American launching pad for their brand new CD Carni...

Etienne Charles Trinidad’s Best Jazz Trumpeter Bringing His Carnival Show to Toronto By Stephen Weir For Toronto bound jazz great  Etienne Charles  there is more to Carnival than just parading through the streets of Port of Spain.    No, for the Trinidadian trumpeter, the annual carnival is a source of profound inspiration for a musical tradition that dates back to colonial times.   The 35-year old trumpeter is coming to Toronto on November 16 th  for the North American launch  Carnival: The Sound of a People   Volume 1 , his new CD and to perform it live at the 1,000 seat George Weston Recital Hall in North Toronto.    The CD, recorded in part in Trinidad, has already been released to critical success in the Caribbean. “Carnival is an ocean made up of so many different hybrid influences,” Etienne Charles told the Caribbean Camera late last week.    “ In Toronto I want to make the statement that what you hear...