Toronto International Music Summit Update!

HOMETOWN HERO, KARDINAL OFFISHALL, AND FASHION ICON, ULA ZUKOWSKA JOIN THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SUMMIT

Four-time Juno award winner, Kardinal Offishall has been confirmed as a guest speaker for the conference portion of this year's Toronto International Music Summit, taking place at the Royal York Hotel on May 26, 2012! One of the hardest working men in the business, Kardinal has ASCAP and SOCAN awards to his name, along with 4 MMVAs. His unique twist on hip-hop, high-energy stage performances and charismatic persona have seen him perform at Princeʼs Trust Fashion/Rock show, that was broadcast to over 400 million viewers in over 70 countries worldwide and in Malaga, Spain to over 250,000 people. In addition to his top notch performances he has incurred well over 46 million views for his music video "Dangerous" on YouTube which ranks as one of the most viewed hip-hop videos online! To say Kardinal has some unique insights to share on the music industry is an understatement! For more information on Kardinal Offishall, head to: https://www.facebook.com/kardinaloffishall. 

TorontoIMS is also pleased to announce that, in partnership with high-end fashion designer ULA Zukowska, the evening portion of the summit will feature fashion walk-throughs in between band performances. Reputed as Canadian fashion’s conceptualist, Ula Zukowska has drawn inspiration for her collections from such hard-hitting muses as a devastated Mother Earth and despair in life’s volumes. Against a backdrop of a world in dissonance, the designer continues her signature experiments with form and fabric, creating fashions that echo folding structure. In an industry where cross-marketing across all forms of media and art has become essential, showcasing both fashion and music at TorontoIMS is a natural progression for the event. For more information on ULA Zukowska, head to: http://www.ulazukowska.com.

In addition to being present at one of the music industry's most enlightening get-togethers, attendees will also have a chance to take a look at some of Canada's up-and-coming independent artists at the Hard Rock Cafe on Saturday, May 26th following the day time conference. A portion of the proceeds from the conference will be donated to MusicCounts, which has been devoted to providing music education in schools around the country since 1989.

Tickets to the Toronto International Music Summit and following event at the Hard Rock Cafe can be found online at: www.torontoims.com. For a full list of speakers, click here (http://torontoims.com/?p=256)

Jazz Sensation Susie McLean Performs in Toronto!

Susie Mclean will be releasing her album "Til the Morning Comes" at The Screen Lounge at 7pm on Tuesday May 22 in Toronto for an intimate industry reception hosted by Anthony Mclean, former CBC TV Personality, Film Director and Motivational Speaker. What makes Susie Mclean a Triple Threat? She is not only a pure musician, soulful-jazz singer but also a model and actor who can be seen on TV shows and National commercial campaigns throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Susie hails from Toronto, Ontario, with an extensive musical background and unique style described as jazzy- soulful with folk undertones. Many industry professionals have described her style to resemble the legendary Norah Jones and Corinne Bailey Rae. For the album, Susie worked with Juno Award winning producer, Roy Oommen, Grammy Nominee musician Pat Kilbride, and the notable drummer Mark Kelso who has shared the stage with acclaimed artists: Michael Buble, David Foster and Shania Twain. The album includes three original songs: “Sing Your Song”, “Till the Morning Comes” and “Falling Down”, along with seven cover songs. With a compelling life story that has touched the lives of many young women, her voice has the clarity that comes from the strength of someone who has felt deep pain and yet found joy. She wants listeners to know there is hope that comes through brokenness. It is rare to find a pure musician like Susie Mclean! Her music speaks for itself; the album "Til the Morning Comes" will leave listeners pleasantly surprised and wanting more.

Currently, Susie's music can be heard on Indie Castle Radio, Radio Crystal Blue, Women of Substance Radio and LA-based Indie104. She was selected as the Top emerging Jazz artist to perform live at the 2012 Toronto International Music Summit to be held at the Hard Rock Cafe on Saturday May 26 @ 5pm. In addition, she most recently was selected as the vocalist of the month by an Advisor Board of the Top A&R Executives from Sony, EMI/Capitol Records, Producer for Jessica Simpson and Vocal Coach for Barbara Streisand. She will be featured on www.singeruniverse.com for a 1 year contract. Come out to hear more about Susie Mclean at the Screen Lounge, in Toronto on May 22 at 7pm.