Who says you can’t go home? Veteran troubadours Lisa Hartt and Don Graham will return to the city where it all started. On Saturday, September 13th the two native Montrealers, are set to share the bill at Montreal’s premier listening room, Cafe Mariposa in NDG.

They both started off at the same time and played and hung out at a lot of the same coffee houses, and small clubs like Café Andre. Later, they both had careers as recording artists, Lisa with The Lisa Hartt Band, “Old Time Movie” and Don with Graham County, “Colorado”, performing with bands. They both toured extensively, soaking up experiences that would serve them well in developing songwriting craft down the line. As the years went by they both developed into singer/ songwriters and solo performers.

 In recent years they’ve done numerous shows together in Toronto, Oakville, and other spots in Ontario and most recently in Sweden over the last couple of years at the Lilla By Festivalen in Rinkaby. This will be the first time performing in Montreal together, so it’s a real homecoming and full circle moment.

The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) proudly announces an unprecedented partnership with CKUT 90.3 FM and the University of Toronto’s Afrosonic Innovation Lab to launch a powerful, week-long takeover of CKUT’s airwaves.

More than a broadcast, The Takeover: Black Music / Black Montreal is an act of cultural preservation, research, and documentation. It is a rallying call to reclaim the narratives of Black musical contributions that have been too often left out of Canada’s official stories and music archives.

From August 21–24, The Takeover will spotlight significant artists, DJs, promoters, and influencers who played leading roles in shaping Montreal’s Black and Caribbean Canadian cultural identity.

Séan McCann Extends His 'Great Big Canadian Road Trip' with New Fall 2025 Tour Dates 

There’s nothing quite like singing your heart out in your own backyard—and that’s exactly what Séan McCann is doing. The beloved Canadian troubadour and Order of Canada recipient is extending his national journey with a string of intimate, heartfelt performances from Ontario to the East Coast this fall.

In this new paradigm of the music industry today, artists find themselves trying to maximize revenue streams with new visions. With the world of live bookings, touring and merchandise sales are dwindling, the word that often gets discussed but certainly not understood is sync, distribution and the ins and outs of PROs and CMOs. Artists say ‘I want to get my songs in a movie or a series’ without any knowledge of how that actually works. Distribution is something that needs an in-depth explanation with DYI replaced the old label platforms.

This new book by Lionel Lodge is a well-priced, affordable purchase to give artists, new indie labels, managers and beyond a roadmap on all that is available to you.

Purchase link here: https://payhip.com/b/KeyB3

On September 23, 2025, London’s iconic Roundhouse will host the 15th annual Independent Music Awards, celebrating the best in the indie sector. Among the 10 albums vying for the Best Independent Album prize is Sable, Fable, the latest release from Bon Iver, a project helmed by Wisconsin native Justin Vernon. It’s a nod from the UK’s Association for Independent Music that signals Vernon’s place at the top of the indie world, alongside heavyweights like Fontaines D.C.

What makes this moment remarkable is the slow-burn nature of Vernon’s journey. Far from being an overnight success, his career has been shaped by detours, personal challenges, and unexpected creative outlets. His music, known for its textured layers and emotional honesty, didn’t immediately find mass audiences. Yet over time, Vernon’s artistic persistence, collaborations, and willingness to weave personal experiences, like his surprising connection to poker, into his worldview have propelled him into the pantheon of modern indie.

Photos and content submitted by Tracey Savein
© for Cashbox Canada

A refreshing addition to our brand is a column dedicated to the night life (and some days) in the great city of Toronto, featuring live event photos. Tracey Savein brings an incredible eye (of the lens) capturing special moments in time. Because as the saying goes – A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any kind of photography, as I see it, is all about capturing motion and emotion. Whether the subject is raucous and rockin’ or the location is silent and still, if you can transport the viewer into a moment in time with an image and relay the energy of that moment, well, there’s your photograph – Tracey Savein

Blue Rodeo - July 28th @ The Distillery District, Toronto

“Back in the Day” in the 60’s & 70’s, listeners could call radio stations and request a song, sometimes resulting (especially in the artist/band’s local area) and it brought the dj’s and the public into an awareness of the music.

Cashbox in its original heyday was instrumental in breaking records through the jukeboxes by counting the ‘spins’ by the amount of dollars deposited into the “cashbox” in the machines.

Cashbox Canada Magazine, now in its 18^th year, has been a strong supporter of the legendary artists and a champion for the indie artists.

Cashbox Radio, the digital music platform associated to Cashbox Canada, has been using the same mandate and now in its 6^th year, we are bringing back a Top Pick Hit monthly, kicking off with the 10 new releases by artists most played on the station in the last few weeks.

Artists nowadays have a difficult time breaking into major market radio, and we feel this is way for us to support them.

Watch the full film: 

Temple Of Love Album Streaming Links: errollstarr.hearnow.com/temple-of-love

Juno Award-winning artist Erroll Starr Francis has long been a force in Canadian music, his voice echoing across decades and genres. Now, his remarkable story is reaching new audiences through the acclaimed short documentary, Temple of Love: The Erroll Starr Story—and through the powerful new sounds of his band, TRIBZ.

Carnival: They Can’t Steal Our Joy Documentary Set To Screen In Toronto And Across Canada After Major Festival Momentum

Hot Doc Tickets Here

TVO Airings Start July 27

As the summer blossoms, the charity is hosting a Mid- Summer fundraiser party - in Toronto at The Duke Live, (1225 Queen St. East.) The event promises to be full of great music, dance and loving support hosted by Canadian TV personality Michael Williams and Birdsong Foundation founder Margaret Konopacki. All songs performed are original songs created by Birdsong Artists subsidized by the Birdsong Foundation.

The line-up includes Poet and artist Robert Priest, D.M. Lafortune, Dustin Harder (a.k.a. Prairie Soul), Arif Jinha, Jordan Gow, Ashley Bell, Jhmal King, Dianne Samuels (a.k.a Bird of Paradise) and Bryant Didier with the Birdsong Village Band.

Voices Travel the WInd - Hey Na Na Na Ney 
Song by Dustin Harder - Produced by Birdsong New Music Foundation
Music Producer: Bryant Didier

Music series showcases up-and-coming artists, award-winning performers and renowned a cappella groups

TORONTO, ON, July TBC, 2025 – 2025 Summer Live Music Festival brings together an exceptional lineup of award winning jazz bands, contemporary a cappella groups, and one of Toronto’s premier DJs for an evening of unforgettable performances by the lake. As part of SummerSeries in Trillium Park, Summer Live Music Festival is a FREE, family-friendly music festival that takes place in Trillium Park at Ontario Place. The much-anticipated festival is the result of a partnership between SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival and EAA Emerging Artists Association (formerly Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival Inc.), two vital arts organizations that have designed this showcase to give emerging talent an opportunity to learn, network and perform alongside seasoned performers.

Photo Credits: Per Jahnke

With roots deep in the swampy blues of the American South and the haunting tones of Nordic folk, Cactai Road carves out a sonic path entirely their own. Based on the southern coast of Sweden, this genre-defying trio blends rootsy country blues with atmospheric soundscapes to create a musical experience that is both grounded and otherworldly.

Described as a Delta Space Trio, Cactai Road seamlessly merges the raw authenticity of roots music with bold sonic exploration. Their sound feels both timeless and immediate – as if they’re standing firmly in the rich soil of Österlen while reaching for the sky.

Photos and content submitted by Tracey Savein
© for Cashbox Canada

This new addition to our brand is a column dedicated to the night life (and some days) in the great city of Toronto, featuring live event photos. Tracey Savein brings an incredible eye (of the lens) capturing special moments in time. Because as the saying goes – A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any kind of photography, as I see it, is all about capturing motion and emotion. Whether the subject is raucous and rockin’ or the location is silent and still, if you can transport the viewer into a moment in time with an image and relay the energy of that moment, well, there’s your photograph – Tracey Savein

Toronto, ON — The Canadian Emerging Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) proudly announces the official launch of the CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence Program, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to artist development and industry mentorship for Canada’s most promising emerging talent. The program kicks off in Toronto with its inaugural 2025 Artist in Residence: ZOCHI, the Nigeria-born, Saskatchewan-based Afropop trailblazer, known across the country as Canada’s Queen of Afropop.

As the 2025 CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence, ZOCHI will receive a fully funded, one-year residency and development scholarship that includes housing, marketing and publicity support, artistic development, and full-service artist management through Black Exposed Entertainment. ZOCHI has also been officially signed to CEAMA HOUSE, a music development company — not a traditional label — built by legendary Canadian artists for the next generation of creators.

"Picture This!" With Tracey Savein
Photos and content submitted by Tracey Savein
© for Cashbox Canada

This new addition to our brand is a column dedicated to the night life (and some days) in the great city of Toronto, featuring live event photos. Tracey Savein brings an incredible eye (of the lens) capturing special moments in time. Because as the saying goes – A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any kind of photography, as I see it, is all about capturing motion and emotion. Whether the subject is raucous and rockin’ or the location is silent and still, if you can transport the viewer into a moment in time with an image and relay the energy of that moment, well, there’s your photograph – Tracey Savein

After an incredibly successful second year, Four Winds Music Fest is returning July 11–13, 2025, at Riverstone Retreat, Durham, ON and the stage is set for its biggest celebration yet. With a stunning setting, a community-focused spirit, and an all-star lineup of Canadian talent, the third edition of Four Winds promises a weekend of music, joy, and connection.

This year’s lineup features:
The Strumbellas, The Weather Station, Jeremie Albino, The Sadies, Cat Clyde, Ramon Chicharron, Wyatt C. Louis, My Son The Hurricane, Skye Wallace, Matt Weidinger, Conor Gains, Stephen Stanley Band, ONTARIANS, Melissa Payne & B. Knox, Cabin Fever, The Fraser Melvin Band, Jolie Anastasia Band, Choir Revolution, and Bambalamb!

Hosted on 136 acres of forest, farmland, and riverfront at Riverstone Retreat just outside Durham, Ontario, the festival combines outstanding music with sunrise yoga, saunas, swimming, camping, drumming, dancing, and more — a weekend getaway for music lovers of all kinds.

Detroit’s iconic rap crew D12 is heading north for a two-city takeover this August with the D12 & Friends: It Ain’t Nothing But Music Festival — a two-day celebration of legacy, loyalty, and lyrical firepower. Presented by Robbie G Presents and the International Touring Agency, this is more than a festival — it’s a full-on cultural moment for hip-hop fans from Alberta to Ontario.

Catch the shows:

• August 22, 2025 – River Cree Casino & Resort, Enoch, AB (18+ indoor festival)
• August 23, 2025 – Bush’s Watersports Park, Bala, ON (All ages, outdoor festival with camping)

Headlining both nights are D12, with their live band, delivering high-energy performances and a deep connection to their fans.

They're joined by a curated lineup that spans generations of hip-hop: Souls of Mischief, Onyx, Classified, Peter Jackson, Robbie G, and Eli Ble$$ed — son of late D12 founding member Big Proof — will all hit the stage to deliver a one-two punch of nostalgia and new school energy.

Photos and content submitted by Tracey Savein
© for Cashbox Canada

This new addition to our brand is a column dedicated to the night life (and some days) in the great city of Toronto, featuring live event photos. Tracey Savein brings an incredible eye (of the lens) capturing special moments in time. Because as the saying goes – A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any kind of photography, as I see it, is all about capturing motion and emotion. Whether the subject is raucous and rockin’ or the location is silent and still, if you can transport the viewer into a moment in time with an image and relay the energy of that moment, well, there’s your photograph – Tracey Savein

TORONTO, ON – August 1–2, 2025 – This summer, RUSHfest Canada lands in Toronto for a once-in-a-generation celebration of one of Canada’s most iconic rock bands: Rush. Taking place Friday, August 1 at Massey Hall and Saturday, August 2 at TD Music Hall, this two-day event marks 10 years to the day since Rush played their final concert in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015—and brings together fans, friends, collaborators, and tribute artists in honour of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

Curated by RUSHfest Scotland founder Steve Brown and Canadian superfan and music journalist Paul Beaulieu, RUSHfest Canada is more than a fan convention—it’s a legacy event with heart, history, and an extraordinary mission: all profits will be donated to Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto in honour of Neil Peart.

“We asked ourselves what the most excellent thing we could do would be,” says Brown. “And it was simple: bring Rush fans together, celebrate their music in the venue where it all started for them, and raise money in Neil’s memory.”

Photos and content submitted by Tracey Savein
© for Cashbox Canada

This new addition to our brand is a column dedicated to the night life (and some days) in the great city of Toronto, featuring live event photos. Tracey Savein brings an incredible eye (of the lens) capturing special moments in time. Because as the saying goes – A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any kind of photography, as I see it, is all about capturing motion and emotion. Whether the subject is raucous and rockin’ or the location is silent and still, if you can transport the viewer into a moment in time with an image and relay the energy of that moment, well, there’s your photograph – Tracey Savein