Metallica donating $40K to Daily Bread Food Bank following sold-out Toronto shows
Legendary heavy-metal band Metallica has announced a $40,000 donation to Toronto's Daily Bread Food Bank through its charity foundation, All Within My Hands.
The announcement comes months after the City of Toronto declared a food insecurity emergency, with more than 10 per cent of Torontonians relying on food banks, according to an annual report from the Daily Bread Food Bank.
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Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Emerging authors land $10K prize to kickstart career
The Writers' Trust of Canada has announced the winners in three categories of the RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers, which aims to help developing authors land a book deal and further their work. Vancouver author Jess Goldman won the short fiction award for the story Tombstone of a Tsaddik, beating out Toronto's Alexis Lachaîne and Victoria's Hana Mason. In the creative non-fiction category, the top spot went to Toronto's Phillip Dwight Morgan for White Trucks and Mergansers; Morgan beat out fellow Torontonians Graham Slaughter and Huyen Trân. And in the poetry category, Vancouver author Dora Prieto took top honours for Loose Threads, besting Vancouver's Cicely Grace and Saskatchewan's Nicole Mae. Each of the winners receives $10,000, are invited to networking events and have their work published in both print and digital formats. For more about the authors and to read their submissions, see ● ● ● The Forks Market launches a new literary series on Friday with a discussion about Winnipeg, affordability and more. The first instalment of the Lectures and Lagers series kicks off at 6 p.m. with Michel Durand-Wood, author of You'll Pay for This! How We Can Afford a Great City for Everyone, Forever, published by Great Plains Press. The event, which takes place in the second-floor event space at The Forks Market, will see Durand-Wood read from the book and then take part in a Q&A with Johanna Hurme of 5468796 Architecture. Registration is required, with a suggested donation of $20; Durand-Wood's book can also be purchased through the registration page, which is at The lagers of said event (as well as ales, wine and non-alcoholic beverages) will be available for purchase from an on-site mobile bar. Buy on ● ● ● Spring book launches at McNally Robinson Booksellers' Grant Park location are in the final stretch before the quieter summer months set in. On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Winnipeg educator and filmmaker Kevin Nikkel launches Founding Folks: An Oral History of the Winnipeg Folk Festival, published by University of Manitoba Press, which includes interviews with folk fest staff, volunteers and performers. The event will be hosted by David Knipe and will feature the musical stylings of Big Dave McLean. On Friday, Nikkel's documentary about the Winnipeg Folk Festival, When We Became Folk Fest, opens at the Dave Barber Cinematheque (100 Arthur St.); the opening-night screening will be followed by a Q&A featuring Nikkel and Winnipeg music historian John Einarson. Buy on Back at McNally Robinson, on Thursday at 7 p.m. York University English Prof. Robert Zacharias launches In Search of a Mennonite Imagination: Key Texts in Mennonite Literary Criticism, published by CMU Press. The essay and review collection, edited by Zacharias, compiles over 50 pieces of writing from 44 authors spanning more than 150 years; Zacharias also provides an introduction to the book as well as to many of the pieces of writing in the book. Buy on Then on Friday at 7 p.m., Manitoba sheep farmer and wool mill owner Anna Hunter launches her book The True Cost of Wool: A Vision for Revitalizing the Canadian Industry, published by Nine Ten Publications. Hunter examines how the Canadian wool industry has changed over the decades, and how Canada could rebuild a local wool industry to the benefit of farmers, consumers and the environment. Buy on books@ Ben SigurdsonLiterary editor, drinks writer Ben Sigurdson is the Free Press's literary editor and drinks writer. He graduated with a master of arts degree in English from the University of Manitoba in 2005, the same year he began writing Uncorked, the weekly Free Press drinks column. He joined the Free Press full time in 2013 as a copy editor before being appointed literary editor in 2014. Read more about Ben. In addition to providing opinions and analysis on wine and drinks, Ben oversees a team of freelance book reviewers and produces content for the arts and life section, all of which is reviewed by the Free Press's editing team before being posted online or published in print. It's part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
7 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Immersive tech reshapes music and film landscape with Bono, Metallica and ‘Matrix' taking the leap
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — With a mic in hand, Bono belts out 'Vertigo,' close enough to reach out and touch, as if you're sharing the stage with him at the Beacon Theatre in New York. As he performs, the front row seat experience becomes deeply personal, with the U2 frontman seemingly locking eyes with you before the camera swings to his side to reveal the crowd, pumping their fists in excitement. The song's lyrics leap from beneath Bono's feet through 3D animation, gathering around him while hovering over the crowd. This isn't your typical concert. It's an all-access pass into Bono's performance and documentary film 'Bono: Stories of Surrender,' which premiered last week on Apple TV+ and gained new life through the Apple Vision Pro. The device places viewers right onstage with Bono, delivering it all in 8K with spatial audio for a fully immersive 180-degree video. 'There's a kind of intimacy afforded to us,' said Bono, who added that immersive technologies tap into viewers senses and emotions more deeply than traditional media. 'It's not just being in the room. You can be in your head.' These days, experiences like Bono's concert film have become the next frontier of music, film and live performances. Headset devices like the Vision Pro and Meta's Quest 3, alongside next-gen venues such as the Sphere and Cosm, are making these experiences borderless, turning every seat into the best one in the house. Some of music's biggest names — including U2, Metallica, Megan Thee Stallion, Alicia Keys, T-Pain, Phish and The Weeknd — have had projects featured on these platforms. Even the iconic film 'The Matrix' has been reintroduced in this immersive space. 'This is the future. These experiences enhance the connection,' said Robert Trujillo, guitarist for Metallica, whose powerhouse Mexico City performance was delivered in an immersive concert experience through the Vision Pro in March. After watching their show on the device, he was in awe. 'It almost felt like you could touch the crowd and us,' he said. 'It was really incredible. The sound is amazing. The dynamic ranges from the ambient noises and the crowd. It's a special experience.' How music greats view future of immersion tech for industry Bono has long embraced innovation and technology to forge a connection with U2's audience. The band's 2014 album 'Songs of Innocence' was added to every Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod. In 2023, the foursome became the first band to perform at the Sphere, launching a successful residency at the $2.3 billion, 366-foot-tall Las Vegas venue that illuminates the city's skyline. U2 guitarist The Edge felt the Sphere was a 'quantum leap forward' in terms of the sensory impacts of a live concert. Now, with 'Stories of Surrender,' Bono goes solo, reflecting on his life from childhood and family to his career as a rock star and activist. It's the first feature film shot in Apple Immersive Video, bringing the artwork from his book 'Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story' to life with 3D animation. Bono even used the Apple Pencil Pro to create images featured in the film. He believes the immersive technology can connect with audiences on a profound level and hopes the $3,500 Vision Pro will eventually become more affordable. 'All of this is impressive,' he said. 'I think about the film, when I'm singing about my mother, and (my mother's name) Iris start to appear. I was completely taken aback, even though I'd drawn the Iris. There are other moments when I see my father in the chair beside me as a drawing partially by me.' Bono added: 'Then I thought, 'We might be getting beyond technology here into some kind of magic. Not just a magic trick like 'Hey, presto.' But more alchemy, more of 'What did I just feel?'' Trujillo, who typically avoids watching replays of his performances, found himself drawn in by the immersive experience of their show, which included interviews and close-ups of fans. He said the technology amplifies the energy of a live performance at a time when that excitement can feel diminished. 'For a lot of bands, especially in the hard rock genre, it felt like it was disappearing,' he said. 'To me, this really brings it back and relevant again. It shows you the strength in the performance and the emotional attachment to the fans.' How immersive venues are making their mark While virtual reality headsets offer a personal window into performances, venues like the Sphere and Cosm are expanding these experiences to entire crowds. In their own way, both are redefining the possibilities of live performances and shared experiences. 'It's virtual reality without the glasses,' said Baz Halpin, the CEO and founder of Silent House Group, who produced and designed the Eagles' residency at the 17,500-seat Sphere. Halpin said Silent House will also be involved in the Backstreet Boys upcoming Sphere residency, kicking off in July. 'You can create optical illusions that I didn't think were frankly possible,' Halpin said. 'It's such a big swing. It's such a bold idea. It's still that concert experience, but somehow the visuals have turned into a rollercoaster and movie, and you're apart of it.' Shared reality through 'The Matrix' While the Sphere looms large over Las Vegas, Cosm offers a more intimate experience, featuring a new venture into Keanu Reeves' iconic world as Neo. Cosm is stepping into 'The Matrix' with a shared reality cinematic experience, celebrating the film's 25th anniversary with screenings at their locations in Dallas and Inglewood, California, starting June 6. Inside Cosm's 87-foot LED dome, the original film plays while the environment dynamically mirrors the on-screen action, pulling audiences deeper into the world. 'We are continuing to push the immersive tech industry forward,' said Jeb Terry, the CEO and president at Cosm, which also hosts live sports, 'O' by Cirque du Soleil, 'Orbital' and 'Big Wave: No Room for Error.' The company plans to open its third location in Atlanta in 2026. With 'The Matrix,' Cosm believes the shared reality experience will pave the way for showcasing more classic films, complementing the traditional movie theater experience. 'We're really commemorating some of these legendary amazing films,' said Alexis Scalice, Cosm's vice president of business development and entertainment. 'We're keeping that interactive and exciting approach to it.' What's next for Sphere? The vision for a second Sphere location will come to fruition in the United Arab Emirates. In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the new venue will replicate the cutting-edge technology and scale of the Las Vegas version. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. The Abu Dhabi Sphere is part of a broader plan to establish additional Spheres globally and domestically, alongside smaller U.S. venues with seating capacities of 3,000 to 6,000. 'We are advancing our vision of this global network,' said Jennifer Koester, the president and COO at Sphere. She said the smaller Spheres will make the concept more deployable across different markets. As construction of the Abu Dhabi location progresses, the Las Vegas Sphere is preparing to bring a timeless classic to life. In late August, the original 'The Wizard of Oz' is set to premiere at the venue. Koester said AI models were trained on original scene drawings, set designs and materials sourced from the Academy Museum to fully fill the Sphere's massive screen. She said that evolving the technology is key to staying ahead. 'In the industry, we're seeing a lot of people talk about bringing forward experiences that are more immersive,' she said. 'People are looking for it, and people are expecting it. The bar is going to continue to get higher and higher.'
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Cision Canada
Beaches Jazz Festival Unveils Lineup for T.O.'s Biggest Free Summer Festival: Live Jazz, Salsa, Indie, House & More July 4-27
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The 37th annual Beaches International Jazz Festival returns with hundreds of live performances by top local talent and international artists to light up Woodbine Park, Jimmie Simpson Park, and Queen Street East from July 4–27, 2025. The Festival has become a cherished summer tradition for hundreds of thousands of Torontonians. It's completely free offering jazz, funk, salsa, blues, disco, indie, hip hop, house, ska, rock, and more welcoming all ages to gather, dance, and connect through the power of live music and community. Click here for the preliminary program. "The Beaches Jazz Festival is a world-class event and one of North America's top summer music festivals. It celebrates Toronto's vibrant diversity and community spirit with something for every music lover," said Jay Cleary, Artistic Director. 2025 Highlights Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside July 4–6 | Jimmie Simpson Park, 870 Queen St. E. Family-friendly, food-filled fun featuring swing, jazz, and indie talent. July 4: The Jazz Mechanics, The Philcos, The Bomb (Tribute to the 80s) July 5: Free Swing Dance Lesson, Martin Loomer, Swing Shift Big Band, Jackson Steinwall, CMAGIC5, U.N. Jefferson, Tell it to Sweeney July 6: Angela Pincente Big Band, Ross Wooldridge Orchestra, MOKA, Zuffalo, Jerry Leger TD Salsa on the Beach July 11–13 | Woodbine Park Canada's biggest outdoor celebration of Latin music and culture. July 11: DJ EL ALEX, Yani Borrell & Orquesta (2 sets) July 12: Santiago Moa, Banda Dura, SWA Divas, Ricky Franco July 13: Santana Forever, Araguacu Dance Class, 6 del Barrio (2 sets) TD Weekend at Woodbine Park July 18–20 | Woodbine Park Reggae, funk, and T.O.'s biggest free 90s hip hop night hosted by Master T. July 18: " Get On Up meets Renaissance" July 19: Quincy Bullen, The Honeyrunners, The Bomb, Beatlemania July 20: Countermeasure, Shuffle Demons, Golden Feather, The Human Rights StreetFest July 24–26 | 7–11 PM | Queen St. E. from Woodbine to Beech T.O.'s ultimate street party with 30+ bands. OLG Weekend Series / Groovin' in the Park July 25–27 | Woodbine Park July 25: Celebrating 10 years of dance, community, and culture; 2-days of soul, funk, and house. July 26: Saturday Fever with legendary international DJs. T.O.'s biggest electronic & dance party under the stars. Johannes Linstead: From Spain to Cuba July 22 | Beach United Church Spanish guitar concert benefitting the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. Click here for tickets. TD Workshop Series: BigFamJam July 8, 15 & 22 | Drom Taberna, 458 Queen St. W. Open jams hosted by Jackson Steinwall. All musicians welcome. 9:30 PM. MEDIA ASSETS here & here. The Beaches Jazz Festival started in 1989 to unite the community through music. This month-long celebration draws hundreds of thousands of attendees yearly to support Canadian music talent, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy. Follow @beachesjazz for updates. SOURCE Beaches Jazz Festival
