Jazz.FM91 general manager Dana Wigle has just announced that after 22 years as one of the city’s most colourful radio personalities, Toronto’s legendary music aficionado, Jaymz Bee is moving on from Jazz.FM91 to focus more on his other passion, filmmaking.
“For over twenty years, Jaymz Bee has been an integral member of our JAZZ.FM91 community. Jaymz’s commitment to supporting artists combined with his energy and passion for entertaining fostered the growth of many of JAZZ.FM91’s programs over the years from the curation of some of our first Jazz Lives concerts, local and international Jazz Safaris and the development and nurturing of the beloved program, Jazz In The City,” said Wigle.
“Ever innovative and up for new challenges, Jaymz recently focused his creative talents on a new venture, filmmaking, and in true Bee style he’s received recognition at festivals from around the world such as Cannes, London, Hollywood and Tokyo, just to name a few.
“Jaymz has decided to focus full time on his burgeoning filmmaking career and is bidding farewell to JAZZ.FM91. Though his departure signifies the winding down of Jazz in the City, this is certainly not goodbye. Jaymz is family and we can’t wait to see what he does next,” continues Wigle.
M91 to focus on his filmmaking. Jaymz has been with the station for 20 years and is renowned for hosting the Jazz In The City show as well as Jazz.Fm91’s Jazz Safaris.
“I’ve had a great 22 years at jazz.fm,” said Jaymz Bee.
And he isn’t completely leaving the Jazz.FM family as he says, “I will still produce some fundraising events for them.”
Special Jazz In The City finale on July 25th at 9pm
Jazz.FM91 will celebrate Jaymz with a very special Jazz In The City finale on July 25th at 9pm. Jaymz Bee also will be on with Ralph Benmergui on Saturday July 27th 1pm-4pm and will host Session Notes on Sunday July 28th at 9am.
Bee will continue working with local artists
Visit www.jazz.fm or 91.1 fm to listen live! Bee will continue his work with local artists and we’ll see him at festivals throughout the GTA.
Bee is working on a TV pilot and feature film
“He is currently working on a TV pilot and his new feature film, Magicland is currently in production. Jaymz Bee will host and produce a concert at Koerner Hall on October 16th to help raise money for the station. Details to follow in a week,” concludes Wigle.
BeeLine Music Adventure Tours
Bee also provides music themed tours with BeeLine Music Adventure Tours. They are similar to the international jazz safaris that Jazz.FM listeners are already familiar with. His next tour will be to Havana in January. Bee calls the tours “Group Tours for people who aren’t sure about Group Tours.” The international tours are for groups of 12-24 people. Sign up for his free newsletter at jaymzbee.ca to learn more about the tours and his filmmaking exploits!
Learn More about Jaymz Bee
Jaymz Bee is a Canadian broadcaster, entertainer, musician, writer, publisher, promoter and producer. He is best known at JAZZ.FM91 as an on-air host and is entertainment director of The Jazz Bistro. Over the past few decades Bee has worn many hats including: night club owner, art gallery curator, commercial and music director, special events coordinator and best-selling author.
Bee even fronted, Look People, a quirky Toronto alt rock band popular on the Queen West circuit from the mid-80s to early 90s! They also played across Europe and at a couple Lollapalooza festivals. In 1993 the band became the house band for the CBC Television variety show Friday Night with Ralph Benmergui.
Did you know, Bee also has a record label? It’s called Vesuvius Music Incorporated, and it is a partnership with Lorenzo DiGianfelice. “Our debut release, “Muse” by The Tiki Collective, was the # 1 recommended download at All About Jazz for a full month. Next up is John Finley’s r&b record, produced and arranged by Lou Pomanti. Then a solo CD by Jocelyn Barth, and we are working on two more albums by TTC (The Tiki Collective) to be released next year,” said Bee.
Jaymz has worked for most Canadian TV networks and many radio stations including CBC, Global, City TV, and Bravo (to name just a few). While specializing in jazz, Bee remains involved in all styles of music and other forms of entertainment. He has been producer, emcee and/or entertainment director for private events for companies such as The Canadian National Ballet, The Canadian Opera Company, Smirnoff, Gillette and Famous Players.
Bee has been Music Director for CBC’s “Friday Night with Ralph Benmergui” as well as dozens of award shows and television programs including The Gemini Awards, The CMW Awards and The NHL Awards. Jaymz was also MD for Mark Breslin’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Extravaganza at Massey Hall for over a decade. Bee decided at the age of 42 that he would spend half of his time promoting others and half making his own art and music. Thanks to Vesuvius, he’s upped that to 70% of his time putting out music and producing shows for other people.
Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca
You must be logged in to post a comment.