NuFunk Presents Saturday, February 10th – 9:00 PM 18th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Tribute Lazo & Exodus Reggaddiction & Special Guests DJ Earl Grey Hosted by Kwazi Douglas Lee’s Palace – 1150 Queen St W.
NuFunk Concerts presents the largest and most enduring Bob Marley Birthday Tribute in Toronto. This event highlights the finest talent from Toronto’s reggae music scene while also contributing essential food donations to the Parkdale Food Bank Toronto’s longest-running Bob Marley Birthday Tribute will be held on Saturday, February 10th at the iconic Lee’s Palace. Immerse yourself in the live reggae experience with the #1 Bob Marley Tribute band Lazo & Exodus, alongside Toronto’s acclaimed Reggaddiction, DJ Earl Grey, and special guest – all hosted by Kwazi Douglas.
REGGADDITION PERFORMING AT LAST YEAR’s CELEBRATION
Your participation goes beyond the music – bring a non-perishable food donation for the Parkdale Food Bank and receive an Official Jamaica Tourist Board or Bob Marley One Love Movie prize pack, while supplies last. Attendees will also have a chance to win exclusive passes to an advance screening of the new Bob Marley One Love Movie, courtesy of Paramount Pictures and The TARO Group releasing in theatres on February 14th!
NuFunk, Higher Ground Radio, and United Soul presents Sunday, December 31th – 9:30 PM GROOVIN’ NYE featuring Skratch Bastid, Jason Palma, DJ YOGI, Iced Misto & Jay NuFunk VELVET UNDERGROUND – 501 Queen St. W Get Tickets / Facebook Event
Join DJs Jason Palma, Iced Misto DJ YOGI, Jay NuFunk & very special guest Skratch Bastid for an incredible evening of music, and dancing in an intimate setting.
Skratch Bastid is a Canadian turntablist, producer, and all-around maestro of the decks, celebrated for his unparalleled skills in scratching and mixing. With a career spanning over two decades, Skratch Bastid has become a prominent figure in the global DJ community, earning respect for his ability to seamlessly blend genres and create electrifying performances. Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Skratch Bastid’s journey began in the local hip-hop scene, where his innate talent quickly gained recognition. He has since graced stages worldwide, sharing his passion for music and leaving audiences in awe with his jaw-dropping turntable wizardry. Beyond his exceptional live performances, Skratch Bastid has also made a mark as a prolific producer, collaborating with a diverse range of artists and consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of turntablism. His dedication to the craft and infectious love for music continue to make DJ Skratch Bastid a trailblazer in the world of DJing.
Jazz is Dead – The acclaimed All-Star instrumental ensemble, famous for interpretations of classic Grateful Dead songs with jazz influences, returns in 2023 to celebrate its 25th Anniversary. Co-founder Alphonso Johnson will be joined by Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers, performing Grateful Dead’s ‘Wake of The Flood’ marking it’s 50th Anniversary, in addition to other beloved selections. Jazz Is Dead XXV ‘reunites’ two greats! Steve Kimock & Alphonso Johnson, who together in heavyweight post-Garcia Grateful Dead off-shoot The Other Ones together with Bob Weir, commanded the instrumental prowess of that band.
Formed in 1998 by bassist Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report, Santana, Bobby & The Midnites, The Other Ones), drummer Billy Cobham (Miles Davis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby & The Midnites), keyboardist T Lavitz (Dixie Dregs) & guitarist Jimmy Herring (Aquarium Rescue Unit, Widespread Panic), with drummers Rod Morgenstern (Dixie Dregs) & Jeff Sipe (Leftover Salmon) replacing Cobham in 1999, and guitarist Jeff Pevar (CSN, David Crosby CPR, Phil Lesh & Friends) replacing Herring in 2000, recorded 3 acclaimed albums, the second of which ‘Laughing Water’ in 1999 was in fact an instrumental ‘Wake of The Flood’ reinterpretation – so there is precedent. That album also featured Derek Trucks, Donna Jean Godchaux & Vassar Clements.
NuFunk, Higher Ground Radio, and United Soul presents Saturday, October 28th – 9:30 PM GROOVIN’ IN THE DARK featuring Jason Palma, Kiki LeFreak, DJ YOGI, Iced Misto & Jay NuFunk VELVET UNDERGROUND – 501 Queen St. W Get Tickets / Facebook Event / Promo Video
The 3rd annual collaboration of local promoters NuFunk Concerts, United Soul, and Higher Ground Radio will feature the best funk, soul, disco, and house music mixed with deadly costumes, tempting candy, and spooky decor. Get your costume ready to dance with reckless abandon!
SPECIAL GUEST VOCALIST ANNOUNCED! Wade O Brown is a Soul, RnB & House Music Legend! He’ll be performing #House classics and a new track from his Whether mesmerizing audiences with the sheer bravado of his inimitable sensual and velvety vocals, or dazzling fans as a maestro on the keyboards, singer/songwriter Wade O. Brown is “an artists’ artist” delivering the richness of soul and rhythm & blues. Born in Detroit, Wade cut his chops as a self-taught keyboard player, playing and singing in his church band and choir. By his teens, he was performing regularly at gospel shows and conventions throughout the Mid-West and in Toronto. He eventually relocated to Toronto, where he played keyboards and sang back-up for a local reggae and funk bands. He later assembled his own band, gaining local popularity with regular performances in the city’s hottest nightclubs and venues. Wade built on his popularity, performing with noted recording stars like Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Roger Troutman, Glenn Lewis, Divine Earth Essence, and Ivanna Santilli, among others. He also appeared on the award-winning TV series Soul Food, performed live on MuchMusic, and co-starred in several Toronto-based theatrical productions.
FEATURED DJ PERFORMER
Kiki LeFreak is a fixture in Toronto’s queer and underground house music scene. Keeks always delivers the goods, she’s gotchu boo!
Kiki LeFreak is an established force in Toronto’s queer community and underground house scene. Since her start hosting the legendary queer party Juicy in 2003, she has built inclusive bouncing rooms across the city, animating many venues, launching legendary events (Sticky Fingers, Monster, Shango, Hipnosis, A Love Bizarre) and sharing the stage with industry greats (Dj Greg Wilson, Marcellus Pittman, Osunlade, Alton Miller, Eddie C, Peter Croce, Dj Holographic, Fred Everything and most recently Mark Farina at Groovin’ in the Park!). Kiki LeFreak’s DJ sets take you on a joyful uplifting journey, transcending space and time. Her musical style pays homage to the rich heritage of the Great Lakes region. She plays a wide range of genres House, Boogie, Disco, Electro, and New Wave drawing inspiration from cities like Toronto, Chicago, Detroit, plus New York City, Miami, and Baltimore. Kiki LeFreak brings her extensive musical knowledge and gift for reading any crowd to creating everlasting memories in Toronto, and beyond. House music all night long c’est what?
Make it Funky Presents Saturday, October 14th – 9:00 PM MAKE IT FUNKY PARTY w/ DJ YODA (UK) alongside Farbsie Funk, Jay NuFunk & DJ Maculate (SF) STONE LOUNGE (at REVIVAL BAR) – 783 College St 9:00 pm 19+ Tickets / Facebook Event
DJ Yoda is a multi-award-winning hip-hop DJ and producer, headlining festivals and clubs around the world. No typical club DJ, his interests lie in finding fresh and unique ways to bring turntables out of the club and getting involved in bespoke collaborations. Working with classical composers to neuroscientists; brass bands to film directors; Dr Dre to Dame Evelyn Glennie; Banksy to Mark Ronson; BBC radio 4 to the bfi, he reinvigorates his craft with wry invention and humorous intent.
Toronto’s favourite strictly 90s R&B and Hip-Hop party, Get on Up joins Toronto’s longest-running all-90s party, Renaissance, and legendary MuchMusic VJ Master T for an incredible evening devoted to the 90s.
NUFUNK, SFS Ent., & Brown Eyes Entertainment in association with Beaches Jazz Fest present ALL 90s – GET ON UP meets RENAISSANCE
w/Starting from Scratch, Mista Jiggz & special guest host Master T
Thursday, July 20th, 2023 – 7:00 PM
Woodbine Park Main Stage – 1695 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON
Co-hosted by Timbrrr, Kid Artik & Jay NuFunk FREE ADMISSION VIA RSVP FREE RSVP
Two of Canada’s top tier DJs, Starting From Scratch & Mista Jiggz, and the creator of MuchMusic’s legendary X-Tendamix/Da Mix are pressing rewind to bring you back to one of the greatest decades in music; the 90s. Get ready to groove all night and belt out all your favourite tunes from the decade that brought you Biggie, Brandy, the Backstreet Boys, and so much more. So, dust off those Nike Air Max 90s, get a babysitter for your Tamagotchi, and page your crew because this one is going to be bigger than FUBU.
One of Canada’s most recognized DJ’s, DJ Starting From Scratch, holds the title of 2014 Turntablist of the Year from the prestigious Global Spin Awards. He has also been honoured in 2013 with two nominations in the categories of International DJ of the Year and Remixer of the Year. His decorated career includes touring with top performers including Russell Peters, Usher, John Legend and Kanye West.
Blazing the music scene around the world with his unrivalled talent, unstoppable energy and flawless sets, Mista Jiggz has captivated crowds and moved masses across Canada, as well as in Miami, Osaka, Nassau, Negril, Dubai, Arusha, Diani Beach, San Francisco and New York. Mista Jiggz is a relentless entertainer who is always taking his craft to new heights. He is known for perfectly blending beats into signature, live remixes – keeping his sets fresh and his audiences craving more. Mista Jiggz is the mastermind behind Forever Young – 80s Dance Party, Renaissance – All 90s, and All Vinyl Everything – sell-out concept events that have taken retro revelers by storm. His talents have also been showcased on national television shows in Canada, and he can currently be seen in the movie “Drop The Needle”, playing on Prime Video Canada.
Master T
Originally from Leeds, England, Tony Young aka Master T has been in the forefront of music, dance and culturally diverse television for over 40 years. He and his wife Paula created the show X-Tendamix/Damix which aired on Muchmusic from 1990-2001 and was one of the networks highest rated shows. He fueled the growth of urban music in Canada during his 11 years on air as a Muchmusic VJ and also established himself as an innovative producer. He became world renowned for his relaxed, well-researched style of interviewing some of the biggest stars in the world, such as Madonna, Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, P Diddy, John Travolta, Mary J Blige, Spice Girls, Eminem, Meat Loaf, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre and countless others. Master T is also the last to interview Tupac before his untimely passing in 1996. He was responsible for introducing North Americans to some of their favorite Reggae artists including Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Lady Saw, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man and many more.
Britain’s most influential and conscious reggae artist makes his Toronto Debut w/ Reggaddiction + DJ Mali & Jade Fyah
Rootz Reggae Radio in association with NuFunk Concerts Presents: Wed, Mar 29th, 2023 Macka B & The Roots Ragga Band feat. Reggaddiction, DJ Mali & Jade Fyah Adelaide Hall – 250 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON $20 – $25 + applicable fees Online Tickets via AdmitOne
One of the most legendary toasters in reggae music for nearly four decades, Macka B has used his incredibly unique voice and powerful music to push dancehall music back to Rastafarian consciousness while tending to other branches of the reggae tree-like dub, roots reggae, and lovers rock. Macka B possesses one of the richest voices in reggae music, balancing gentleness and ferocity in every performance. His vast, expansive catalog of records stands as a testament to his massive lyrical prowess, displaying a remarkable ability to move between serious and more lighthearted subject matter in a way few other artists can. His ongoing “Medical Mondays” series on YouTube, promoting health and wellness, has brought him to a whole new audience outside the reggae world. With a stage presence to match his legendary output, Macka B & The Roots Ragga Band always put on a special show that all music lovers, not just reggae heads, are sure to enjoy.
Reggaddiction is a 10-piece reggae band from Toronto, Ontario. The reggae band includes sensation vocals led by the 2020 Soul Slam Winner D.M., songstress Trish Campbell providing a unique vibe and falsettos, and Sunray Grennan the son of the famous Jamaican drummer Winston Grennan, known for his Studio One recordings with Bob Marley and the Wailers as well as the creator of the One Drop reggae rhythm in the late ’60s. Backing the band includes a multi-horn, multi-percussion, multi-drum, and powerful guitar, bass, and keys instrumental section. The band recently released their 2022 “Ganja Harvest” album, a reggae interpretation of Neil Young’s 1972 album “Harvest”. Reggaddiction is known for delivering cross-over vibes, refreshing vocal harmonies, and powerful instrumental riddims. With a stage filled of reggae riddims powered by a 10-piece band and three talented vocalists, Reggaddiction will take you back to the island. Expect a night when we can all come together, dance and rejoice, and live in a world of ONE LOVE.
Saturday, February 11th – 9:00 PM 17th Annual BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE North America’s #1 Bob Marley Tribute Act Lazo & Exodus Reggaddiction with special guests Pressure Drop Selectashosted by Kwasi “da Food God” Douglas
FREE Jamaica T-Shirt, Toque & Swag for any non-perishable food donation to the Parkdale Food Bank.
NuFunk Concerts’ Bob Marley Birthday Tribute is the biggest and longest-running Bob Marley Tribute in Toronto, and one of the hottest local reggae concerts of the year! It showcases the best of Toronto’s reggae music scene while raising important food donations for the Parkdale Food Bank. This year Lazo & Exodus returns to the Tribute joined by up-and-coming Toronto band Reggaddiction and The Pressure Drop Selectas for a heartfelt tribute to reggae’s first international superstar, for a special celebration of what would have been Marley’s 78th birthday.
Featuring: LAZO & EXODUS
North America’s #1 Bob Marley Tribute Band with Lazo Finn (Juno winner & former vocalist for The Wailers)
plus REGGADDICTION & The Pressure Drop Selectas
NuFunk Concerts’ Bob Marley Birthday Tribute is the biggest and longest-running Bob Marley Tribute in Toronto, and one of the hottest local reggae concerts of the year! It showcases the very best of Toronto’s roots reggae music scene while raising vital food donations for the Parkdale Food Bank. This year, North America’s #1 Bob Marley Tribute band, Lazo & Exodus, are joined by up-and-coming Toronto band Reggaddiction and The Pressure Drop Selectas for our annual tribute to reggae’s first international superstar, for a special celebration of what would have been Marley’s 78th birthday.
Juno award-winning Lazo brings to the stage a roots rock reggae rousing performance that is sure to keep the audience rocking, grooving, and talking about their experience for weeks to come.
Arriving in Canada in the 80s Lazo continued following his dream of honing his craft as a prolific songwriter and multi-talented musician. He has produced several albums including “Impetus,” Juno nominated album “Something Real” and Juno award-winning album “Heart and Soul”. As a former member of the Wailers Band, he provides an outstanding Bob Marley tribute. Lazo is a Graduate of the University of Toronto where he studied Political Science and History. As a lifelong learner, he continues to focus his attention on world issues including the environment, pan-African concerns, and his philanthropic endeavors as well as agriculture and growing food insecurity.
Lazo tours tirelessly throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. In 2010, he toured the United States and South America with the world-renowned Wailers. The group was Bob Marley’s original backup band, featuring Aston “Family Man” Barrett on bass, and the legendary Keith Sterling on keys. The South American leg of the tour included African reggae star Alpha Blondy. Lazo is also known as the frontman for the Bob Marley Legend show produced by Craig Martin’s Classic Albums Live.
Reggaddiction is a Toronto-based 10-piece reggae band based known for delivering cross-over vibes, refreshing vocal harmonies, and powerful instrumental riddims. The band includes sensational vocals led by the 2020 Soul Slam Winner Dave “D’Vocalz” Matthews, charismatic songstress Trish Campbell and Sunray Grennan the son of the famous Jamaican drummer Winston Grennan (who recorded hits with Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Toots & The Maytals). The backing band includes a who’s who of Toronto’s top reggae musicians including multi-horn, multi-percussion, multi-drum, and a powerful guitar, bass, and keys instrumental section.
In early 2023 the band released “Ganja Harvest, a reggae interpretation of Neil Young’s definitive album “Harvest.” The band’s live debut was in February 2019 opening for Sister Nancy and some of the largest shows in Canada have followed including headlining both the 2019 Beaches Jazz Festival at Woodbine Park with Otis Gayle, the 2019 Caribana launch party at Dundas Square with Carol Brown. Reggaddiction was also a featured performer at the 2021 Q107 Virtual Canada Day Picnic. CBC selected the band’s remix interpretation of “A Man Needs a Maid” featuring Jimmy Reid for national radio airplay on CBC Radio One and national airplay for additional singles from the “Ganja Harvest” album (A reggae tribute to Neil Young) have followed including “Harvest” on CBC’s Big City Small World.
With a stage filled with reggae riddims powered by a 10-piece band and three talented vocalists, Reggaddiction will take you back to the island. Expect a night when we can all come together, dance and rejoice, and live in a world of ONE LOVE!
Pressure Drop Selectas
Chuck Boom and Guv’nor General are the hosts of Pressure Drop, one of downtown Toronto’s longest running music nights, at which they play strictly vinyl selections of the finest Jamaican music dating from the 1960s to today. Pressure Drop selectors have opened for such top-drawer reggae acts such as Sister Nancy and Noel Ellis, and also been guests at such iconic Toronto parties as Footprints and Turning Point.
The Parkdale Community Food Bank is a grassroots organization, founded by volunteers in 2007 and serves 3,000 people each month. Located on Queen Street West in the heart of Parkdale, their philosophy reflects a strong commitment to a client-based model where respect, inclusion, and the dignity of their members are the first priority. The food bank uses a shopping system, as opposed to the more common hamper system to maximize selection and respect members’ various dietary needs. The Food Bank has only one employee and relies on 50 committed volunteers. With no direct funding from any level of government, The Parkdale Community Food Bank raises all of its funds independently and is dependent on donations from individuals and events like the annual Bob Marley Birthday Tribute.
Make it Funky is back with another once-in-a-lifetime show featuring UK’s party rocker A.Skillz, beatboxer Scratch from The Roots and Canada’s top breakbeat DJs Marty McFly, d-Monic, Farbsie Funk, DJ Tanner & more. Held at Toronto’s newest venue The Box in little Italy and featuring world-class VJ Tanner.
A.Skillz is a true party rocker behind the turntables, captivating crowds withhis ability to embrace all aspects of music that he takes inspiration from andmash them up into a unique cocktail, infused with his own signature flavour of funk. With his DJ bookings taking him to the four corners of the world, he hasappeared on stages big and small and no matter what venue or style, healways brings the house down…
Having clocked upover six million plays on his Soundcloud page, hisrecordshave gained the support of the biggest names in the industry, from Jazzy Jeffto Pete Tong, Annie Mac to Zane Lowe, whilst his DJ mixes have won over anarmy of supporters and resulted in him being commissioned by Radio 1 to puttogether a specialDJ mix for their Beatles tribute night, that even had PaulMcCartney tapping his feet. His James Bond mini mix is the only ever mix tobe played on every daytime show on Radio 1 in the UK, whilst his productionshave appeared in films, TV adverts and many a computer game.
His label Jam City has released, alongside his own work, tracks from the likesof DJ Yoda, Doorly, the Cuban Brothers, Afrika Bambaataa, Jungle Brothers, Nightmares on Wax, Mica Paris to name just a few, whilst his productions have seen him collaborate with a selection of some of the industry’s finestincluding; Kurtis Blow, Dr Luke, Nasa, Krafty Kuts, DJ Numark, Beardyman,Nick Thayer and Z trip.
Scratch, is a world-famous beatboxer and hip-hop phenomenon. Scratch is one of the most diverse producers, entertainers, and of course, beatboxers in the world. Scratch is a seven-time nominee and two-time Grammy Award winner with a successful career as part of the Legendary Roots Crew. He has performed on stage with icons Jay Z, Kanye West, and Musiq just to name a few artist collaborations. His projects have sold over 35 million worldwide.
Scratch’s beatboxing talent will have everyone wondering how can one create so many sounds vocally and manage a loop station. Scratch has the ability to create everything from crisp scratches, lush bass, and melodic synth sounds by layering different vocal effects on top of each other for each track. In other words, Scratch is a one-man vocal DJ ready to rock any party. Scratch’s talent is unique and appeals to grown folks, music lovers, hardcore hip hopheads, and ultra-cool hipsters. This philosophy is what raises the bar to new heights for beatboxing.
It’s much more than the early days when beatboxing was a highlight or a small component of rap music. With relevant songs on the top 40 charts, Scratch has been able to mimic and complete his own rendition of your favorite songs! Making him your DJ’s favorite DJ but later realizing it’s a beatboxer.
Founded in 2005 by Bryan “Farbsie” & Jay “NuFunk”, The Make it Funky Collective set out to create a semi-monthly party series to explore a global phenomenon of turntablism, mash-ups & the funkier side of all things breakbeat. Over the past 15 years Make it Funky has brought together cutting-edge DJ & live line-ups for an inclusive, positive, fun vibe. Make it Funky’s mission has always been hell-bent on bringing the best of funk, breaks, hip hop, and beat-driven live music to the masses. Just a few of Make It Funky’s many highlights over the past 10 years include sold-out shows with DubFX, Beardyman, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Z-Trip, Breakestra, Krafty Kuts, A.Skillz, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Herbaliser, Fort Knox Five, Mat the Alien, DJ NuMark (of Jurrasic 5), Ursula 1000, DJ Swamp (Beck’s DJ), Tittsworth and DJ QBert and so many more… In addition to globetrotting DJs, the series has hosted Canada’s top bands and DJs including Five Alarm Funk, God Made Me Funky, Soul Motivators, KC Roberts & The Live Revolution, King Sunshine, Skratch Bastid, DJ Stickybuds, The Funk Hunters, Marcus Visionary, Marty McFly and more.
Join us this Sunday, February 6th at 6:30 PM for the 16th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Livestream Edition
NuFunk Concerts in association with RastaFest & Uma Nota Presents 16th ANNUAL BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY LIVESTREAM In support of the Parkdale Community Food Bank SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6th, 2022 Livestreamed from BSMT 245 in Toronto 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm FREE
NuFunk Concerts’ Bob Marley Birthday Tribute is the longest-running Bob Marley Tribute in Canada, and one of the hottest local reggae concerts of the year. The event showcases the best of Canada’s reggae music scene while raising essential food donations for the Parkdale Community Food Bank. This year, the second year in a virtual setting, veteran soul-reggae singer Jay Douglas collaborates with up-and-coming reggae collective Reggaddiction to reinterpret Bob Marley & The Wailers material and perform original reggae music. The Livestream will also feature pre-recorded live performances of reggae talent from across Canada as well as DJ sets exploring Marley’s vast catalog. Join us and celebrate Black History Month and Canadian Reggae Talent!
The Bob Marley birthday celebration/Black History Month celebration is sponsored by the Government of Canada, Canada’s private radio broadcasters alongside Factor, Rastafest Inc, Masani Productions & BSMT 245.
JAY DOUGLAS * TRISH CAMPBELL * D.M.
Jay Douglas is one of Toronto’s many hidden treasures, especially when it comes to the constant growth that is the Canadian music industry. Originally born in Jamaica, the first stage Douglas performed on was in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Uncovering a natural charisma when it comes to performing, Jay Douglas has been active in the entertainment industry for the past 45 years. Developing a passion for American Blues, West Indian Rhythms, and Jazz Standards, Douglas tackles a vast repertoire all while providing unmatched energy on stage.
Delivering crossover vibes, refreshing vocal harmonies, and powerful instrumental riddims, Reggaddiction is one of the top up-and-coming bands in the Canadian reggae scene. Single releases from the band’s highly anticipated upcoming Neil Young reggae tribute album Ganja Harvest have received stellar reviews and national airplay on CBC Radio. The band opened up for the legendary Sister Nancy in early 2019, backed by Studio One legend Otis Gayle at the Beaches Jazz Festival was featured at Downtown Markham Festival, Come Together Festival, and Q107’s Canada Day Livestream.
