The Definition of Music

Toronto’s Lambadina Resto Lounge was the home of real R&B on Saturday night as The Definition of Music, a live showcase featuring local artists, celebrated its one-year anniversary. Serious soul, passion and energy took over the intimate candlelit lounge, as some of Toronto’s finest rising R&B artists — Tamara Madison, Grier Munro, Joel Anderson, Jnine, Linda Luztono, Mark McKay and Cuban — graced the stage to perform covers, as well as their own original work, and were accompanied by The New Era Band.

Founded by Jay Jones, Omar Neita and Mark McKay of marketing, promoting and music production company HB Productions, The Definition of Music’s purpose is to showcase Toronto talent and support local artists who are looking for an outlet. The three pay for the events out of their own pockets, because they believe in the power of music, and receive their profit from the feedback they receive.

“It’s the love of just hearing raw talent, hearing the vocals, hearing the singers that we have here and since it’s not such a big stage, they are more comfortable doing it and really showing what they got,” says Neita. “We have all different types of singers. Everyone holds their own in their own bracket, so we’re blending that to make one big show. Love is here, it’s the one-year anniversary, so we’re here to party as well.”

DJ Keo spun R&B tracks as the crowd mingled and networked before the show began. Troy Patterson, who plays keyboard and guitar for The New Era Band, says that The Definition of Music event series is an opportunity to open doors, gain exposure and network with other artists. “[The Definition of Music] is an opportunity for us to showcase what we can do and the talents that we have to a larger audience. It gives us the opportunity to fully express the talents that we’ve been given,” says Patterson. “We’ve met a lot of great artists that we never would have met otherwise. A lot of people are participating in the show that are so talented and now we have the opportunity to work with them.”

Gemini Award-winning actor Gary “Papa Grand” James and co-host Nicole G introduced the artists and gave away prizes to the audience. “The networking that takes place is amazing and it ends up being productive for everyone who comes — to watch, or be a part of it,” says Papa Grand.

HB Productions’ founder McKay kicked off the show with a powerful performance, singing a freestyle verse to his co-partners, with his original song “History”. The powerhouse vocalist Tamara Madison began her set with a cover of Jazmine Sullivan’s “Love You Long Time”, and blew the audience away with her original track, “Point of View”. Linda Luztono, who performed and won the Wild Out Wednesday competition on BET’s “106 & Park” this summer, returned to The Definition of Music for the second time, stealing the show with her dynamic performance.

All of the artists belted their tunes with energy and stage presence, proving that they each have star potential and that Toronto has serious R&B talent.

Photos by: Nicolas Denny