Axé WorldFest
Empowering Women in the Music Industry Conference
Artist showcase
- In-person event
- ≈ 4 hours · No intermission
DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM - SHOWCASE STARTS AT 7 PM
MC TREASA LEVASSEUR
This edition we have the following showcases:
Kellylee Evans
2018 JUNO nominee Kellylee Evans is a high-octane, chameleon-like performer whose natural charm and improvisational vocal style embody jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop. The singer-songwriter won a 2011 JUNO Award and has been captivating audiences along the way, opening for stars such as John Legend, George Benson and Willie Nelson.
Janice Jo Lee
Janice Jo Lee (born in Tkaronto, Canada) aka Sing Hey, is a contemporary folk artist of Korean settler ancestry. Lee is a folk-soul singer-songwriter, spoken word poet, actor, bouffon, playwright, and educator. They are an award-winning performer who creates looping landscapes with their voice, guitar, trumpet and Korean jangu drum. Lee is a hard femme queer radical. They speak their truth and get in trouble for it often, on stage and off. Lee is interested in using art to build flourishing communities based in justice and joy. Their work explores gender justice, antiracism, friendship, burnout, community, ancestry and the Earth.
Lorraine Klaasen
Lorraine Klaasen, the daughter of the late legendary South African Jazz singer Thandie Klaasen, is one of the few South African artists who have preserved the classic sound of Township Music, one of the most distinctive sounds to come out of South Africa. Born and raised in Soweto and now based in London, Lorraine has electrified audiences worldwide with her dynamic stage presence and showmanship. In 2008, Lorraine released the highly charged album Africa Calling – it was produced by South African record producer Mongezi Chris Ntaka, and features bassist Bakhiti Khumalo (Paul Simon’s "Graceland"). Her album A Tribute To Miriam Makeba won Lorraine the 2013 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year and is a tribute to the legendary songstress.
The Joy Lapps Project
Multi-modal artist and composer Joy Lapps issues Girl in the Yard, her fifth leader release and first full-length album exclusively featuring original music and arrangements. Informed by a vibrant palette of styles, Girl in the Yard, released July 8, 2022 pays tribute to the community, especially the many women who have helped facilitate her mastery of the steelpan and supported her success in the steelband movement.
About the Conference:
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
APRIL 25-27, 2024 - a community partnership with the NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE
With programming at CLUB SAW, Arts Court and the 27 CLUB
Axé WorldFest proudly announces the 4th annual Empowering Women in the Music Industry conference. It is an essential gathering to continue much-needed conversations about gender roles in the industry, to network, spark new ideas, and connections through eclectic musical showcases, panels, and networking events over three days.
This groundbreaking event continues its mission to connect, network, and amplify marginalized voices within the music industry.
Axé WorldFest is a leading organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry. With a focus on celebrating cultural heritage and empowering underrepresented voices, Axé WorldFest hosts concerts, festivals, and educational events throughout the year.
The Empowering Women in the Music Industry conference is open to all genders and serves as a platform for people to share insights, build connections, and foster growth in their careers.
For the complete program of the conference please access: www.axeworldfest.com
