TRAIN, CARLY RAE JEPSEN, MARIANAS TRENCH, VICTORIA DUFFIELD & MORE AT 2012 CHUM FM FANFEST

2012 CHUM FM FANFEST: Train, Fefe Dobson, Carly Rae Jepsen, Marianas Trench and more

One part of Canadian Music Week I look forward to most every year is the Line-up at 104.5 CHUM FM's Fanfest and once again this year they did not disappoint, bringing-in three-time GRAMMY Winners Train as the Headliner.  The Trio performed a generous Set which included Hits Hey, Soul Sister, Drops of Jupiter and their latest, Drive By and apparently a bra may have been tossed on-stage at one point!  A Tribute to Journey was even thrown-in for good measure!

Others to grace the stage at Masonic Temple this evening included super-hot Carly Rae Jepsen (recently signed to Interscope Records in the U.S.) who unfortunately couldn't stop for many Photos on her way in and out of the Venue, Marianas Trench, Fefe Dobson (filling-in for Hedley whom had issues flying to Toronto), The New Cities, Victoria Duffield (!!) and more.

After the four-hour-long Show, some patient Fans got to meet their Idols (some sober, some tipsy) outside the Venue and Train Lead Vocalist Pat Monahan was most gracious stopping to take Photos with hoards of female Fans, despite some of his Handlers trying to curtail it.  Meanwhile Duffield was low-key avoiding the radar of Fans who waited all night for her.  Rock Diva Suzie McNeil was spotted supporting her Pal Josh Ramsay, Frontman of Marianas Trench.  After exchanging hugs, she tells me "My Album will be released at some point...", commenting on when we can expect new Music from her.

Until next year...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JANELLE MONÁE PEFORMS AT 2011 CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK

Janelle Monáe at the 2011 Indies

Atlanta's Janelle Monáe after much Blog buzz is finally reaping the recognition that she deserves and Toronto clearly has fallen for her. The Future-obsessed Singer/Songwriter only recently received a much-needed profile boost with a performance on the Grammys alongside Bruno Mars and B.o.B., for many a highlight of the evening.

Monáe had the distinction of being this evening's headlining act at the eleventh annual Independent Music Awards (The Indies), capping off Canadian Music Week festivities at the historic Royal York Hotel. Slotted in at 11:00 PM, anticipation reached a feverish pitch with guests Tweeting their excitement for the Bad Boy Entertainment Artist and she did not disappoint, delivering an hour-long set which had her crowd-surfing as far as 50 ft into the audience by the end of it all.

Following her performance, Monáe peered from her Dressing Room (The Toronto Room), taking pictures with a few lucky Fans and signing Autographs. "I can only do one per person" she told us, before she shut the door quickly, wishing everyone a good night. She was scheduled to appear at The Revival for an After-party later in the evening.  Of course, I got a Photo with her!  How could I resist?

NATALIA KILLS IN TORONTO FOR CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK

Natalia Kills & Mr. Will-W.

Natalia Kills just won herself some new Fans.  And this is why I love her!  The British Singer/Songwriter just arrived in Toronto, her second visit this year already, for Canadian Music Week.  Kills made an appearance at Masonic Temple for CHUM-FM's Fanfest this evening, performing a short set for many Fans excited to see among others, Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block fame.

Kills exited the venue shortly after 11:00 PM and came out onto the street to greet Fans.  Instantly both her Manager and she had remembered me from the last time we met.  Admitting that she was "freezing her ass off", she still patiently signed Autographs and took Photos before - get this - performing an impromptu Acapella Medley of her more well-known numbers Mirrors and Wonderland from upcoming debut Disc, Perfectionist.

Her Manager dropped a hint to me that she will be back in Toronto again v. soon to tour with some of her label mates like Far East Movement, Mohombi and LMFAO possibly, confirming that her album likely will be in-stores come May as it will be getting a European release first in April.  How exciting!

Definitely continue keep a lookout for her, she is a name to look out for in 2011.  Follow Natalia Kills on Twitter here.

Watch a full Video of Kills performing a Medley of Mirrors and Wonderland on the cold streets of Toronto:

JORDAN KNIGHT IN TORONTO FOR CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK

Jordan Knight leaving Masonic Temple - March 2011

New Kids on the Block member Jordan Knight is currently in Toronto on a Canadian Music Week media blitz promoting new single Let's Go Higher and his forthcoming Album due later this year. Knight has done interviews by the many during his stay in the City for outlets like PROUD-FM, KISS 92.5, CHUM-FM, CTV's eTalk and The Marilyn Denis Show, among many others. One right after the other.

Knight did a showcase tonight at CHUM FM's Fanfest, held at the Masonic Temple where about 20 or so female Fans awaited his exit from the venue just before midnight in the cold. Teasing them slightly, he poked his head out the door by Fans calling out his name. Finally when he left the venue, he made it clear to Fans: "I can't stop Guys", gesturing with his hands "no" multiple times.

Of course, Fans were disappointed they couldn't get a Photo together with their Idol and one of his Handlers was nice enough even to collect Photos for him to sign in his vehicle,  which Knight refused, handing them back unsigned.  

Knight is scheduled to leave Toronto tomorrow and really should be a little more Fan-friendly, don't you think?  It was a Fanfest after all, no?

 You can follow Knight on Twitter here.

See more Photos of him below:

AN INTRODUCTION TO ANDREW ALLEN

Andrew Allen

With Canadian Music Week in high gear now, I thought I'd introduce you to one of our country's most exciting new talents. Currently in town to partake in the musical festivities, Vancouver native Andrew Allen had a few gigs lined-up in the City even though mysteriously he is excluded from this year's list of  performers with a showcase at Canadian Music Fest. If it's any indication what others think, our Friends south of the border are showcasing him next week at Austin's much-heralded SXSW Festival.  This however, didn't stop Allen from making some new Fans during this Toronto visit.

Having been sent a couple tracks to preview by Sony Music a few weeks ago, I admit I didn't take to his Music right away.  Last week I decided to give it another go and ultimately even I succumbed to his honeyed vocals and acoustic soul-pop.  Fans of Sara Bareilles, Jason Mraz and Adam Levine will have no trouble taking to Allen's brand of sunshine.

Allen who oddly resembles Ryan Seacrest in-person admits to me, "My album's not due til around June and I still haven't decided on a title". He then jokingly asks me, "You got any ideas?". I recommended that Allen throw over a few more tracks my way for me to give him some feedback.  And why don't you do the same?  You can enjoy out some more of his tracks on his YouTube Channel here or follow him Twitter here.

Check out the Video for Love You Tonight in full below:

BACHMAN & TURNER INDUCTED INTO CANADIAN MUSIC BROADCAST INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME

Fred Turner & Mr. Will-W.

Rock 'n' Roll Legends Randy Bachman & Fred Turner were inducted this evening into the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame as part of Canadian Music Week festivities.  The outfit, known formerly as the Bachman-Turner Overdrive are most recognized for their string of wildly successful Singles in the '70s and only recently reunited as Bachman & Turner.

The Ceremony this evening saw the likes of Sarah McLachlan receiving a Humanitarian Award and New Kids on the Block member Jordan Knight admiring her live performance, at the Royal York Hotel.

I had the privilege of being photographed with Turner just before he went in to accept his Award. Along with Bachman, he performed a show-stopping rendition of Taking Care of Business before the ultra-exclusive crowd of Radio and Record Label insiders.

NATALIA KILLS ON MARCH ISSUE OF "FLARE"

A while ago I got to chat with sweetheart Natalia Kills while she was in-town opening for Robyn at their Sound Academy Show. Right before I met her, she taped this interview with Canada's Fashion Bible FLARE and today they posted a clip of her talking Shoes, Self-Expression and Style.

Watch Natalia Kills' interview below:

Natalia Kills also appears in the March issue of FLARE, now on Newsstands. And in case you missed her last time, she'll be back for Canadian Music Week, performing at CHUM FM's FanFest on March 11, 2011 at Masonic Temple.

To read about my meeting her, click here.  It's still not too late to win that signed 8x10 of hers!