Admission is FREE

Emceed by Elle de Lyon with music by DJ Love Jones

The Book Fair spotlights authors, bookstores, and publishers, creating a vibrant marketplace where readers can discover new titles, meet creators, and support Black voices in writing and publishing.

WELLAND AFRO-CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL MUSIC. DANCE. FOOD. FASHION August 8th - 9th 2026

Merrit Park, 151 King Street, Welland, Ontario L3B 5N5

On May 30, girls, women, and female-identifying artists from across the country will step into the Live Nation Lounge for Honey Jam’s Toronto live auditions.

Voices will be tested. Stories will be shared. Presence will be felt.

I’ll be joining this year’s judging panel alongside industry professionals to witness the next generation of artists shaping music, culture, and creative expression across Canada.

Honey Jam continues to create space for emerging artists ages 14–25 across genres including pop, hip hop, R&B, jazz, soca, gospel, rock, dancehall, country, opera, blues, and alternative.

I’m eager to witness new talent, bold storytelling, strong stage presence, and artists who understand the power of owning their voice before the world tells them who to be.

Toronto Live Audition Saturday, May 30, 2026 Registration: 10:45 AM Live Nation Lounge 2 Snooker Street, Liberty Village, Toronto

Drums Over Gunz Youth Leadership Series Presented in partnership with STEAMWORKS Academic Mentorship Program

Join Elle de Lyon and STEAMWORKS for the Drums Over Gunz Youth Leadership Series, combining monthly in-person leadership workshops and free virtual academic mentorship, running from April 5 to June 14.

Leadership Workshops (In-Person) When: Once per month, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Where: Afiwi Groove Studio

Focus: Leadership, goal-setting, resilience, and Afrocentric drumming

Dates: Monthly until June 14

Free Academic Mentorship (Virtual) When: Fridays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Online

Dates: April 5 – June 14

Focus: Academic support, mentorship, and professional guidance