For the past 12 years, Jaymz Bee has been hosting a unique jazz party called Caravan. This year it is being held at the beautiful Old Mill. I bumped into Irene Torres, a Latin jazz singer who will be one of over 100 musicians participating in this crazy Caravan. This is what she had to say about the event and Jaymz Bee.

Irene: Jaymz Bee has been supporting Unison for as long as I have known him. He has always championed the importance of Unison. Especially during Covid, we got help and support. Jaymz doesn’t just think about his projects and art, he is out to strengthen that community. He really wants to empower us all.

What is Unison? This is a paragraph taken from their website.

The Unison Fund is a registered, non-profit music industry charity that provides counseling, emergency financial support, and other resources to the Canadian music community. Created and administered for the music industry, by the music industry, Unison is here to help professional music workers in times of hardship.

Irene: I have been playing Caravan for 4 years now. It has been around for 8 years now. What makes Caravan unique is that you cannot go anywhere else and get that kind of experience. You can see 24 jazz bands in one night.

Blast: It is a night of beautiful insanity. What does Caravan mean to you personally?

Irene: Besides that, great song, being in the Old Mill and surrounding yourself with all those other bands that you look up to and to check out in the same space together. It is a time to get together and see what everyone else is doing.

I also get to hear a lot of new music with new artists that I haven’t discovered before. Last year I came across Ana Nunes. She is a killer vocalist, and her tone is like butter. She can have the world eating out of the palm of her hand. I got to see her with a guitarist and the moody lighting in a great room hearing those great chords was just magic.

Blast: Let’s jump back into your world for a while. You are from Lima, Peru and now you are in Canada.

Irene: Yes, I am happy they still accept me as a Peruvian because I have been in Canada for 27 years now. I haven’t had the chance to go back home,Yet! I know the next chapter in my story will be a return home. I have my Dad there and my cousins and my Aunt. I have lots of family there.

Blast: After you perform at Caravan what plans do you have?

Irene: Over the next few months I have about 12 shows lined up. I have a residency at Drom Taberna with Afro Cuban Rock band Battle of Santiago. I joined them about 7 years ago. They became my first touring gig just after I became a mom.

The cool thing was, I fell in love with their music even before I knew they were looking for a singer. They have this song called, “Protest”, and the chorus of the song made me feel, as if I could fly. Then I got a call to see if I was interested in singing with them and we just clicked. The guys in the band are just like my brothers. They are the best travel mates a girl could ask for.

Here is the link to “Protest”. Battle of Santiago – Protest

They have taken me to Columbia; they have taken me to Spain. I look forward to travelling around the world with them.

Blast: Have you recorded with them yet?

Irene: We just put out a new record a couple of months ago called, “Los Santos y Pecadores” which means saints and sinners.

It was wonderful spending a few minutes with Irene Torres and getting to know her a little better. Don’t forget, you can see her along with over 100 artists performing at Caravan on Wednesday April 9^th at the Old Mill located on Old Mill Rd just west of Jane and Bloor.

The start time is at 7:30 and goes until midnight. So, skipping work the next day is worth it!

There are 24 bands playing in 13 rooms. So, bring your running shoes!

The proceeds go to the Unison Fund, as you know helps artists and industry people in need. This is a charity event, so buy tickets and enjoy the evening knowing you are supporting these people.

When you arrive, you will be given a map and a passport ticket to help find the various rooms. This place is one of the coolest labyrinths in Toronto.

Here is the link to buy your tickets today. And I mean today, this is one of the most popular events in Toronto! Be a part of it!

Sell Tickets, Create Events and Discover Experiences – Universe