Canadian musician, broadcaster, and all round good guy, Jaymz Bee turns 60 at midnight on April 12, 2023. Once again he has turned his birthday party into a charity event for Unison Fund, which involves a gala dinner followed by his “Caravan of Music” – a four hour party that features 120 musicians performing in 24 bands spread throughout 12 rooms at Old Mill Toronto (21 Old Mill Rd).

In 2019 Bee turned his birthday party into a charity event and raised over $30,000 for the Unison Fund at Old Mill Toronto. He describes the event as, “Old Mill Harry Potter chic, like partying in a castle. They set up bars in the hallway so you can get a drink and then walk from room to room enjoying all different kinds of music. You don’t need to know the performers, you can walk in and out of shows – enjoy a song or two, or stay for a set. This is definitely a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ type of evening.”

Bee goes on to talk about the inexpensive $40 ticket price: “I couldn’t possibly include all my musician friends, but even with 120 musicians involved, made up of 24 bands in 12 rooms. Most musicians I know who aren’t working are coming to see their friends. I imagine half the building will be filled with artists, and that just makes sense for a charity as music-minded as Unison Fund.” 

This years’ Caravan includes performances by Sammy Jackson, Genevieve Marentette, Irene Torres, Jay Douglas, George Koller, Errol Fisher, Friendly Rich, Danae Olano (feat. Jane Bunnett), Queen Pepper, Michael Occhipinti, Jordana Talsky, Ernesto Cervini, Robert Priest, Heather Luckhart Duo, Denielle Bassels, Alexander Brown, Julie Michels & Kevin Barrett, Whitney & Sam, Fred Spek’s Camp Combo, Lou Pomanti & Friends, Mark Lalama Presents, John Amato, Jocelyn Barth, and more!

The night also features a Gala Dinner co-hosted by JUNO nominated musician & producer Royal Wood, and award-winning jazz vocalist & singer-songwriter Molly Johnson. The evening also features very special performances from singer-songwriter Jessica Mitchell, singer Theo Tams, dancer Lia Grainger of Flamencolia Dance Company with Shirlita “La Pili” and Nicolas Hernandez, and more. 

Bee was on the board of Unison in its early years and continues to raise funds for this worthy cause.  He is also busy directing his third short film, taking tourists on International adventures (Beeline Music Adventure Tours) and continues to produce records for Vesuvius Music Inc. He also celebrates his 21st year hosting radio shows on JAZZ.FM91. 

The dinner gala – 6PM – 8PM (doors 5:30PM) includes 3-course dinner and live entertainment ($250 + fees & taxes) The Caravan begins at 8PM (doors 7:30PM) and continues until midnight. ($40 + fees & taxes) . Gala ticket holders also have full run of the Caravan  Purchase tickets here.

Unison Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. The Unison Fund is an assistance program – created and administered for the music community, by the music community – designed to provide discreet relief to music industry professionals in times of crisis. There are two distinct types of support available through the fund, Financial Assistance, and Counselling and Health Solutions.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.