Sean Jones Celebrates 50 Years of R&B and Soul with Star-Studded Concert in Toronto
Written by on August 25, 2024
Toronto, ON – On Thursday, August 29, Toronto will come alive with the nostalgic sounds of R&B and soul as Juno Award-winning artist Sean Jones takes the stage at the Harbourfront Center Concert Stage. The event, titled “50 Years of R&B and Soul,” promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating half a century of music that has shaped the genre.
Accompanied by his talented band, The Righteous Echo, Sean Jones will deliver a performance that blends original compositions with beloved classics from the ’60s to the ’00s. Audiences can expect a mix of hits that defined the eras, alongside Jones’ own soulful creations, showcasing his versatility and deep-rooted passion for music.
The event will feature a lineup of illustrious guest performers, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. Grammy-nominated and Juno Award-winning R&B/soul singer-songwriter Glenn Lewis will join Jones, along with the legendary Jackie Richardson, whose powerful voice has captivated audiences for decades. Also gracing the stage is Divine Brown, another Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter and acclaimed theatre actor known for her dynamic vocal range and magnetic stage presence. Adding an international flavor to the night is UK sensation Vincent Darby, a rising star in the R&B scene, along with other surprise performers who are expected to delight the crowd.
Sean Jones’ journey to this milestone event is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft. He first gained prominence as a member of the successful boy band In Essence, which rose to fame in the early ’90s with hits like “Friend Of Mine,” “IE IE,” and “You Will Never Find.” The group was known for its innovative blend of Rap, Pop, and R&B, and their dynamic performances earned them worldwide recognition. In 2004, In Essence won a Juno Award for their debut album before disbanding in 2006.
Post-breakup, Jones focused on songwriting and producing, building a diverse catalog that spans genres from soft rock to Motown Revival. However, it was his unique take on soulful classics that eventually led to a groundbreaking opportunity. In 2015, Jones became the first artist to secure a solo summer residency at the historic Casa Loma in downtown Toronto. His Monday night revue, “Soul In The City,” has since become a staple of the Toronto music scene, drawing crowds of over 1,000 people each week. The show not only showcases Jones’ original music and renditions of popular old-school hits but also provides a platform for emerging artists to share their talents.
Reflecting on the success of “Soul In The City,” Jones expressed his commitment to supporting live music and emerging talent in an era where such opportunities are increasingly rare. “The sad reality is that there are fewer and fewer live music venues. This means that there are fewer opportunities for artists to get in front of a crowd this size. The fact that I can share my stage, my band, and my audience with these artists is something that I am happy to do and extremely proud of,” he said.
The overwhelming success of “Soul In The City” has also led to a unique collaboration with WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline. As part of “The WestJet Boarding Sessions,” Jones recorded new versions of classic Canadian hits, including “These Eyes” by The Guess Who, “The Weight” by The Band, and “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan. He also traveled across Canada to interview some of these iconic musicians, further cementing his place in the Canadian music landscape.
The concert on August 29th will not only be a celebration of R&B and soul but also a tribute to Sean Jones’ illustrious career and his contributions to the music industry. Following the concert, fans can continue the celebration at an exclusive afterparty in the Brigantine Room, where DJ crew BELLOSOUND will keep the vibes going until 2 AM. However, with limited capacity, the afterparty is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
As Toronto prepares for this night of musical magic, it’s clear that Sean Jones is more than just a performer; he’s a torchbearer for the R&B and soul genres, dedicated to keeping the music alive and thriving for generations to come.
Event Details:
What: Sean Jones’ “50 Years Of R&B And Soul” concert featuring special guests
When: Thursday, August 29th, 8 PM – 11 PM (Afterparty until 2 AM)
Where: Harbourfront Center Concert Stage, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
Tickets: Available at the Harbourfront Center website [link to tickets]
This event promises to be a highlight of Toronto’s summer music scene, offering a rare opportunity to experience the rich history and vibrant future of R&B and soul. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special night.
The post Sean Jones Celebrates 50 Years of R&B and Soul with Star-Studded Concert in Toronto appeared first on Vision Newspaper.