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Join Jaymz Bee & Friends for Thank You JAZZ.FM91 Benefit Concert

By JAZZ.FM91 2024/10/02

Left to right: Serafin LaRiviere, Irene Torres, Jaymz Bee, Gavin Hope & Queen Mary

We’re less than a week away from Jaymz Bee says Thank You JAZZ.FM91, a benefit concert taking place on October 16 at Koerner Hall. Doors open at 7pm and the concert starts at 8pm with an opening set from Music for Secret Agents, a special group featuring some of Toronto’s best jazz vocalists curated by the Ambassador of Toronto Jazz himself! Music for Secret Agents includes Queen Mary (formerly Queen Pepper), Gavin Hope, Serafin LaRiviere, Irene Torres and more! The audience will get a chance to listen to their favourite James Bond themes such as “GoldenEye,” “Thunderball,” and “Skyfall.”

“I’ve always loved the soundtrack to spy movies,” says Jaymz Bee. “And I thought having a variety of singers will be reminiscent of our One Stop Vocal Jazz Showcases. All the singers are grateful to JAZZ.FM91 for playing their music and talking up their live shows!” Music for Secret Agents will be followed by vocalist Genevieve Marentette’s Songs of ’69 album launch and celebration.

Come out to Koerner Hall on October 16 and celebrate all things Toronto Jazz! Tickets for Jaymz Bee says Thank You JAZZ.FM91 are available here.

Left to right: Irene Torres, Simone Denny and Gavin Hope

Irene Torres

Irene moved to Toronto from Peru at the age of six. She sang for years with the Sugar Devils and recently released her first Peruvian jazz album “Travelisa/Voyage” with a sold out show at Lula Lounge. On top of being a singer-songwriter she is a graphic artist and just wrapped up her fourth acting job, this time starring as Athena in Jaymz Bee’s first feature film “MagicLand”, coming in 2025. Irene has assisted JAZZ.FM91 on many international safaris acting as translator and tour guide.

Simone Denny

Simone got famous right out of the gate with groups such as BKS, Love Inc. and Widelife. Her hit songs such as “You’re a Superstar” and “Broken bones’ for Love Inc. topped the Canadian charts in the 90’s and while she still sings dance music, she’s moved into country, jazz and other forms of music. Her version of “Who Can You Trust” (produced by Jono Grant) was released earlier this month. It will appear on the album “More Music For Secret Agents” out in 2025.

Gavin Hope

Gavin was a member of The Nylons and has been singing with jazz ensembles and full orchestras around the world for decades. He released a solo album (with Bill King at the piano) called “For All We Know” and continues to sing and act all across North America.

Left to right: Adam James, Serafin LaRiviere, John Finley and Queen Mary (formerly Queen Pepper)

Adam James

Adam is from Georgetown but has been based in NY and L.A. for years. Frank Sinatra’s family asked Adam to play Frank for the off-Broadway musical “Our Frank” to which Quincy Jones said: “I’ve seen a lot of guys play Sinatra. Adan is the best”. He’s flying up for this concert on his own dime! Adam is featured on Music For Secret Agents and sang with the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band for two sold out shows at Lula Lounge in 2018 and 2019.

Serafin LaRiviere

With a five octave range that runs the gamut from tender to tempest, Serafin has cultivated a dedicated fan base, and has released a number of solo albums. His version of Aha’s “Take On Me” has had over sixty thousand views on YouTube. He’s working on a new album called “That’s What She Said” – a collection of torch songs from famous Divas. Serafin always raises the roof at the JAZZ.FM91 vocal showcases at Lula. He’s coming from Montreal for the show.

John Finley

John began with The Checkmates and then Rhinoceros before his career as a soloist. He wrote hit songs including “Let Me Serenade You”, which was a number one hit by Three Dog Night. Famous fans include the late Robbie Robertson, The Neville Brothers, David Clayton-Thomas and Jackie Richardson. His album Soul Singer was produced by Lou Pomanti. John has performed at JAZZ.FM91’s JAZZ LIVES concerts. He’ll be 80 next May and there is no sign of him slowing down.

Queen Mary

The artists formerly known as Queen Pepper – Mary is a vocal powerhouse, consummate performer and gifted composer. Her original song “One Step Closer To Home” has been played on JAZZ.FM91 for years and she continues to play around Toronto with wild joyous abandon. She is currently writing songs for a new album.