Please check back regularly for updates on the date of the next Music Expo!
Below is a list of the Musicians that came to our 2020 event. Keep checking this page for announcements of 2021 appearances.
Click On Artists names to read more (those in black indicate played the Acoustic Showcase)!
Gord Deppe
THE SPOONS, A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS
The Spoons released a brand new album in March of 2019 called “New Day New World"
With a string of smash hits - Nova Heart, Tell No Lies, Old Emotions, Romantic Traffic - the Spoons redefined the musical landscape in the '80s and captured the hearts of fans everywhere.
The Spoons have stayed active to this day, continuing to record new music and perform across the country. Gord Deppe, the band's lead singer and songwriter, recently published the autobiography SpoonFed, a #1 Best Seller on Amazon which will be available for sale at the Music Expo! He is the guitar player with acclaimed A Flock Of Seagulls, known for their hit “I Ran”, who tour internationally to this day. Gord Deppe will also be selling copies of his book "Spoonfed: My Life with the Spoons" at the event.
Ongoing history of new music/Geeks&Beats
Alan Cross is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. His radio documentary series, In his nearly 40 years in the broadcasting and music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock and is also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like the long-running show, The Ongoing History of New Music.
Born and raised in Toronto Ontario, David Boyd Janes is quickly making himself known among the country music community. His solo career into country music began in September 2017 and he has already had 3 consecutive Top 100 singles: Summertime Feeling, I Ain’t Sticking Around and Whiskey Won't.
David’s newest single “Another Day” is set to be released August 9th and will be available across all digital platforms. David attended our 2019 Music Expo and we are excited to welcome him back for 2020!
Signe Miranda
I love inspiring people to follow their hearts and express the songs inside of them. Leading The Song Creation Formula & Get Unstuck With Your Songwriting workshops and doing private songwriting coaching has been an exciting way to witness people learning new ways to express themselves creatively through music and words." - Signe
Monty Greig
For 20 years, Monty Greig has been singing and entertaining audiences all over Ontario. Once the lead singer for the popular 80’s-style Rock & Roll band “One Night Stand”, he served as the show opener for Canadian rockers “Trooper” and for 60’s legends “Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show”. Even though Rock & Roll was his first love, Monty was eager to dive into something new and challenging. While working in Las Vegas, the whole “rat pack" style of music and entertaining lured him in. Upon arriving home, he started his journey into jazz standards and has never looked back.
Monty attended our 2019 Music Expo and we are excited to have him return for 2020!
Olga received her Master’s Degree in Violin Performance and Music Education in 2007 from Donetsk State Music University, Ukraine. She has more than 15 years of international working experience as a performer and over 10 years of experience teaching violin and piano to students from beginners to advanced university majors.
Dwayne LaForme
Dwayne LaForme is an Indigenous blues singer, songwriter and lead guitarist. Dwayne is also the only Canadian and 100% Native American member of the Native American Music Awards house band. Also known at the Nammys, they are sanctioned by the Grammys.
For Wasaga Beach’s Rebecca Rain, there are three things that matter most- family, the small town she grew up in and music. Drawing influences from Loretta Lynn, June Carter Cash, and Patsy Cline, Rain has crafted a sound described as “Roots Country” delivered by a voice that is hauntingly pure and with a reflective songwriting style well beyond her years. Through independently releasing singles with Canadian Music Company Northwood Music and building a local fan base performing, Rebecca has opened for Tim Hicks, James Barker Band and Rogers Hometown Hockey to name a few.
Carlos Morgan is, a multi award winning singer, songwriter, producer, and performer, poised to break on a global level.
“Feelin’ Alright”, Morgan’s debut album, showcased the diversity of Morgan’s sultry singing style with seductive ballads like “Let Me Love Again” and “Forever For You” to the upbeat R&B tracks “Give It To You”and “Baby C’Mon”. “Feelin’ Alright” went on to garner the Juno Award , 2x Canadian Urban Music Award Recipient, MuchMusic Video Award, SOCAN Music Award, 2x Caribbean Cultural Committee Award Recipient.
Alyssa Pridham
Alyssa’s music is a balm for the weary soul. Her songs bring encouragement and inspiration to the listener. Her music is truly an outpouring from her heart to yours with lyrics that are honest, soulful, raw and powerful, looking to the silver lining, she shares her journey and lessons learned along the way. Some people describe her as the love child between Jewel, Norah Johns, Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos. Alyssa has worked professionally as an actress, singer/songwriter, model, and dancer for 20 years, taking time off over the last few years to start a family, she is back and ready to re-emerge as a Female Soul and Inspirational artist and share her music with the world.
Recently, my drummer from the Darkest Dawn band, Michael Hackman - (brother to the late Paul Hackman, founding member of Helix) - has joined forces with me to create a new band called Becoming Dawn. Becoming Dawn plays all the popular cover songs you know with their own flavour as well as originals. I am very excited about this new project! We debuted at The Corktown Pub, in Hamilton, ON., a couple of weeks ago and have a couple more gigs lined up in Simcoe, at The Place 2 B... a venue I have already performed at as a soloist.
We have a high energy performance you do not want to miss and unlike any two piece band you have seen! It's a show you don't want to miss!
Elsa Hsieh studied both piano performing and teaching at Birmingham Conservatoire, UK. She was awarded 1st prize in the Wales Tystysgrif piano competition in 1988. Since then her students from her own music studio have won scholarships in the music festivals. Her full house concert events received high praise from the Mayor of the City and were presented with the recognition of music contribution award in 2004 at her " One Moment In Time " concert. Elsa has also been contributing her time towards conducting choirs and was selected as the mass choir conductor in the 2007 Toronto Evangelical Crusade. Elsa was the awardee for both Absolutely Fabulous Women & Dancing Damsels in 2017 and currently an ambassador of Women of Diversity.
The Dinosaur Earth Society is an up and coming rock n' roll band founded in January of 2019. Started by drummer Stevie Norris, 16 years of age, and Singer/Guitarist Aric Olsen, 17 years of age. Dinosaur Earth Society has a classic rock sound that falls somewhat like that of Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith. The Dinosaur Earthers wasted no time breaking into the scene, playing their first show after just four months in April of 2019 to an awestruck crowd.
Natasha Meister
Natasha Meister is a 28 year old singer/guitarist/songwriter. Born in London, Ontario, Natasha started music at the age of 6. Growing up singing in her local church and entering competitions lead her to pursuing music full time. With tons of performance experience over the last several years on various stages internationally, she captures audiences wherever she goes with her skilful guitar playing and powerful vocals. She is a versatile artist playing anything from blues, jazz, rock, to pop music. Now under her belt is over 10 years experience in the industry with notable performances opening for The Pixies and LIVE on tour in South Africa 2017.
Alt country rock artist Suzi Kory, born in Beirut and raised in Toronto, burst on to the music scene in 2017 with a rock EP, entitled 'Spellcasting',produced by John Angus Macdonald (The Trews).
Following performances in Canada, the USA and Brazil, she found herself writing and recording in Los Angeles with producer Brent Woods (Vince Neil, Sebastian Bach, Chevy Metal), which would have her sound take an organic turn towards country.
This rocker gone country artist has since released two singles, 'The Secret Garden' (2018) and 'Pretty Little Things' (2019), both which have collectively garnered over 26,000 streams online and almost 15,000 views on YouTube.
Listen for Suzi's newest single 'Settle of the Dust' coming on Jan 8th, 2020 to be featured on Sirius XM and available on all streaming platform.
For more information on Suzi Kory, check out www.suzikory.com
One In The Chamber
Having released their debut studio EP, I've Got Something To Say... on September 22nd, 2018, One In The Chamber has been compared to the likes of Led Zeppelin, Mötley Crüe, Soundgarden, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens Of The Stone, and Guns N’ Roses, among others. The band has also successfully released two music videos for singles “Bills To Pay” and “Itchin’ Back”. Since then, the band was interviewed live on CP24 Breakfast and has been tirelessly touring across Ontario. Their recent summer tour culminated with a sold out Indie Week spotlight. Currently, One In The Chamber are gearing up for an even busier and bigger 2020.
We call ourselves The Noolands. An eclectic group of longtime Canadian friends from Barrie Ontario who write rock & roll with some funky gypsy soul and a whole lot of groove! Really, it’s the music of the people. Our people. Our friends and ourselves. We started as a bunch of generation-why boys in our high-school t-shirts that one day decided we should “make a record, man!” and from the living room, to the stage, to the studio, we traversed. By day, we ride the bus to our nine to five and by night, we’re getting loosey goosey with anyone who’s hip to our sound! In-between all of this, we’re writing, eating and recording together. It never seems to stop, and that works for us!
Sharon Hampson, a member of Canada's much loved trio of family entertainers Sharon, Lois & Bram, has entertained families across North America since 1978. When Lois stepped away from performing in 2000, Sharon & Bram carried on as a duo. Through their touring, their gold and platinum and multi-platinum recordings, their acclaimed television series The Elephant Show and Skinnamarink TV, they have sung their way into the hearts and homes of young and old alike.
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Bree Taylor
Bree Taylor is a force to be reckoned with. Her latest country single release "Drive" hit the airwaves on September 6 hot on the heels of her debut single, "Turn It Up" and is pushing the limits between country music and pop music with huge crossover appeal. Combining the sounds of pop and country was perfect for the singer-songwriter who is also an engaging storyteller. With a career and brand built on authenticity, honesty and resilience, Bree's creative ambitions have no limitations. No matter what life throws at her, Bree is and always will be a fighter and she will keep writing songs, keep singing and will remain truly unapologetically Bree.
JD Vishus
JD Vishus began his career as a Hip Hop artist in 1987 and is well known as the OG of the Toronto Hip Hop community. He started performing at the “Monster Jam Series” at Concert Hall and in 1989 he made his television debut on Electric Circus. His debut album, “Humans Require Funk” dropped in June 2017 and he is currently working on his second album, set for release in spring, 2020. JD Vishus has also been a spoken word poet since 1994, performing in various venues across Toronto as well as New York, London, England and Detroit. In 1997, He was featured on "Wordlife; Tales of the Underground Griots” alongside an excellent compilation of Canadian poets including Jemini and Dwayne Morgan. In 2003 he won an “Open door pitch prize” at that year’s Innoversity Summit. This enabled him to create a radio documentary for CBC radio’s "Outfront” show. He also started his acting career around this time and has been featured on many commercials and tv shows including “Designated Survivor” and “Fear Thy Neighbor”.
Heather Christine is poised to make her mark on Canada’s music scene. Both soulful and captivating, she is an award-winning artist who has sung for audiences of over 25,000. Heather Christine connects with audiences with her vivacious stage presence, expressive voice and engaging personality.
Heather Christine’s 2019 debut release, Love in Colour garnered international recognition for its soulful blend of R&B, Jazz, and Pop. Within the first month of its release, Love in Colour rose to #1 on the Spanish Radio show Smooth Jazz Sitges (Radio 99.2FM Barcelona) also granting her a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2019 Mississauga Music Awards. Featuring her original compositions, songs from Love in Colour are currently being played in Canada on Toronto’s JazzFM91, CIUT 89.5FM and on Wave 94.7.
With a sound that seamlessly blends folk-rock and modern soul, there’s something for every music fan to love about Toronto singer/songwriter Matt Zaddy. As someone who has shared stages with a diverse array of artists including K’Naan, pop star Francesco Yates, CanRock legends Tom Cochrane and Jim Cuddy, and Australian alt-rockers Atlas Genius, Matt Zaddy’s intention is to connect with as many listeners as possible, regardless of any genre restrictions. Matt's new album Be, certainly possesses everything to achieve that goal in a big way, and to place Matt Zaddy squarely in the conversation about Canada’s most promising singer/songwriters.
Missy Knott resides in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough and is a member of Curve Lake First Nation. She is a singer-songwriter who has released 4 collections of music, and in 2017 her album “My Sister’s Heart” was nominated for Producer of the Year at the Indigenous Music Awards. In 2018-19, Missy was the Afternoon Drive Host for ELMNT FM in Ottawa, Ontario, the First Peoples’ Radio of Aboriginal People’s Television Network. Every time she earns a new opportunity for herself, she reinvests her energy into helping young artists and the youth of her community to find direction and fulfillment through following their dreams.
Greg Godovitz was born in Scarborough, Ontario on March 20th, 1951. He spent his first 13 years planning to be an archeologist but when his older brother brought home the first Beatles album and the needle hit, he was hooked. From that moment on, music has been his passion.
Greg's early musical career began in 1964 and included stints in The Wanderers, The Pretty Ones (with future songwriting greats Ed and Brian Pilling), The Backdoor Blues Band, The Pyggs, Sherman and Peabody, The Mushroom Castle (with future songwriting legend Eddie Schwartz), but his recording career began when he hooked up once again with Brian and Ed Pilling in Fludd which yielded a number of top ten Canadian hits including Cousin Mary, Turned 21, I Held Out, What An Animal and Brother And Me.
Hailing from the small town of Campbellford Ontario, as a young boy at the age of six, Ryan Anderson began to embark on what would soon become a big passion to him.
Ryan recalls fond memories of himself standing strong and confident on his parents coffee table with his audience of family, as he gave his performances of made-up songs and mimicked his favourite artists.
Ryan grew up listening to Classic Country Music and Allan Jackson was his most favourite artist and idol.
Carlos Budd Ford
A voice like no other, the authentic and uniquely sensually soulful vocals of Carlos Budd Ford have a distinction all their own. Looking to feel a void left by melodically entrancing R&B legends of yesteryear, Carlos is ready to embark on what seems at times (at least according to what's played regularly on today's radio) a perilous journey. Hailing from Los Angeles, California by way of Kansas City, Missouri, this country boy is prepared to seduce minds and bodies with a lethal mix of Soulful R&B, splashed with a twist of smooth jazz and hip hop flavouring. Once signed to legendary major urban labels; Uptown/MCA and Ruffhouse/Columbia respectively as one of the lead vocalist in the group Four Sure, Carlos seized upon the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons in both work ethic and perseverance from a virtual who's who of seasoned vets and up and coming label mates. carlosbuddford.com
Lawless Sons
2018 Mississauga Music Fan Choice Winners
2018 977 Rocksearch Finalists
2019 Mississauga Music Video of the year
Played with artists such as Sebastien Bach, Cancer Bats, Black Lungs, Moneen, The Lazys, Sumo Cyco.
Released the album ‘PTSD’ on March 2019.
Can be found on facebook, instagram, spotify and apple music!
Paul Malysa is both soulful and personal. As a songwriter he is known to compose emotionally charged music and his honest and genuine performance style has overwhelmed and charmed audiences everywhere.
He has performed across Canada, the U.S.A. and South America.
He is a member of NSAI, SAC, CMAO, and on the committee for Tin Pan North. He was also a finalist in the Eco Arts Awards and 3 of his songs were featured in a film for Best International Award of Excellence in Los Angeles. This past year he just received The Akademia Music Award in L.A. for his song “Knelt Down and Prayed”. Best Christian Ballad.
Oli Graham
Born and raised in England, Oli Graham made the move across the Atlantic Ocean and brought his acoustic guitar and microphone with him! Having entertained audiences across the GTA since moving to Newmarket in 2017, his unique blend of pop and folk will be sure to have you singing along to every word.
Instagram: @oligrahammusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQojWjXT7DmATvJ94qhP0zQ/featured?view_as=public
Vivekʼs fascination with hip hop culture started at an early age. In kindergarten, he emulated the dance moves seen in Breakinʼ 2: Electric Boogaloo, finding inspiration from the likes of legendary breakers Turbo and Ozone. He studied the then VHS tape like a scholar, renting copies of the movie from the local Jumbo Video on a weekly basis until every tape became worn and unplayable. More so, having an older brother who exposed him to foundational artists like A Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J, Cypress Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, kept his fascination growing.
Abhithi
Abhithi is a multifaceted artist - singer, actor, dancer, model, writer, emcee, radio host and TV presenter.
She is training in both Western and Hindustani music because the fusion genre is her niche. Follow her artistic work at www.abhithi.ca
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4e3jKsSyuYsmW5uUbtkw3Y?si=Lw-yenJoRgmKw5Jy7nq-pQ
https://www.instagram.com/therealabhithi/
The Justin Kelly Experiment
Canadian artist, The Justin Kelly Experiment is an independent singer-songwriter soul-filled, indie folk & acoustic blues performer with a unique raspy voice, and lyrics that can touch everyone on a deep emotional degree. Justin decided to leave his corporate life behind in search of meaning & purpose. He boarded a plane with a backpack & guitar excited to share his unique sound & positive energy with the world.The inspiration from travelling brought a new energy and understanding of delivering a real message with his music on his 2nd studio album released September, 2019.
Below are links to The Justin Kelly Experiment's music, videos & more
Website: https://justinkellyexperiment.com
Alessia Cohle
After the successful release of her single Tell You, which was co-written with Jason Blaine, Alessia Cohle has been putting her own stamp on country music. She recently released Wild Eyed Wanderer, the follow-up EP to her FACTOR funded, full-length album, Talk To Me. She has shared the stage with Brett Kissel, Tim Hicks, Jason Blaine, and more; as well as performed on festival stages such as Lucknow’s Music In The Fields, Havelock Country Jamboree, Manitoulin Country Fest, and Toronto Cider Fest.
Eric Alper
Eric started his own PR firm after being the Director of Media Relations and Label Relations for eOne Music Canada for the past 18 years. He’s also the go-to person and regular contributor to the Canadian media for news stories. He’s been named to Billboard Magazine, Paste Magazine and The National Post's best on social media and has over a million followers on social media while ThatEricAlper.com receives over 125,000 hits a week. He's the host of @ThatEricAlper show heard several times a week on SiriusXM.
Past and current clients on the PR include Bob Geldof, Judy Collins, Randy Bachman, The Cult, Merle Haggard, John Prine, Ringo Starr, Slash, The Wiggles, Bush, Steve Earle, Snoop Dogg, The Smashing Pumpkins, Ray Charles, Little Steven, Sinead O'Connor, Sesame Street among hundreds of others over his 25 years in the music industry.
Mauve is a 23 year young singer from Mississauga, Ontario who creates her own music lyrically and sonically. She transcends genres to bring you moving Tropical House tracks through RnB and EDM production. Her songs have gained over 550,000 streams and counting on Spotify, and over 450,000 plays on her YouTube channel.
Each year she wows audiences as she performs at over 30 shows across Ontario. Some of these shows have included a performance at YOUTH DAY Global at Yonge-Dundas Square, and headlined a performance at Toronto Pearson Airport for YYZ Live.
Mauve also won the 2019 Intercontinental Music Award for "Best of North America-Pop" for her song, “Come Around”. In addition, Mauve was nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 2018 Niagara Music Awards. Mauve is Toronto’s up and coming pop songstress who has an eclectic and playful sound that touches your soul.
Mauve
More to be Announced Soon - Keep Checking Back!
Are you a musician and want to participate? Email info@generalmayhem.ca for more information.
Note: Musicians will be there at various times through the day - they are not guaranteed to be there the entire show. Schedule will not be released. Come early, stay the entire day.