Jaymz Bee is no stranger to the music scene and a good party. The producer, presenter, actor, musician, broadcaster, and filmmaker is the annual host of what’s become known as one of the biggest and most musical birthday parties in the city. His annual CARAVAN OF MUSIC brings together musicians each year at the Old Mill to share music, celebrate his birthday, and raise money for the Unison Fund – a wonderful organization that supports musicians with financial help during challenging times. This year’s party is happening Monday night, April 13, once again at the Old Mill. The man, himself, joins me in studio to tell us a little more about it.
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Jaymz Bee brings Caravan of Music back for its eighth year
Jaymz Bee
How many years have you been doing this?
This will be our eighth official Caravan of Music, we took some time off during COVID. I did one on YouTube where we just showed videos and we still made $20,000 for Caravan, even though we didn’t have an event.
What first made you decide to celebrate your birthday in this way? How did the partnership with Unison Fund come about?
I was on a Jazz Safari one night and as I was walking through the Old Mill, so I thought ‘what if you’re walking down the hall and every room had different music, wouldn’t that be amazing? If I’m going to do all this work, I want to make sure it’s helping a charity, and what could be a better charity than a charity helping musicians? Last year, we had 800 people, the year before 600. This year, I’m expecting 1000 people in attendance.
What can people expect on Monday night? Walk us through the evening and tell us about some of the musicians who’ll be there?
Eliana Cuevas is in one room with Jeremy Ledbetter. Jane Bunnett with Danae Olano are in the same room. One room is a tribute to Lula Lounge, another room is a tribute to Jazz Bistro. We also have a 16-piece big band in the Gilded Hall so that people get dressed up and swing dance all night. Last year, we raised $30,000 and this year we want to double it. Every cent goes straight to Unison.
What else is going on in your world?
I finished my first feature film. It took me two years, I had no idea what I was getting into. The short films were easy and fun, the feature film was huge. I didn’t have to ask anyone to work for free, there were 29 songs in the film and musicians got paid to go into the studio and make music.
JAYMZ BEE’s CARAVAN OF MUSIC, his annual musical birthday celebration, takes place this Monday night, April 13, at the Old Mill in Toronto. Tickets and information can be found at oldmilltoronto.com.
This interview was edited for clarity and length.