Last Friday, over 400 urban music lovers descended on Orchid Nightclub in downtown Toronto for the launch of the city’s newest artist showcase “Taste of the 6ix”.
According to co-organizer Charles Lewis, the monthly event, produced by XOXO and Night Night Entertainment, fills a vital need for emerging artist.
“Our mission is to give local artists a platform to showcase their talents, network with other artists, industry professionals, blogs, social media representatives, producers and labels,” Lewis noted. “We recognize that up-and-coming artists have many obstacles to getting their music heard.”
True to its name and the city’s popular moniker, every edition of Taste of the 6ix will feature six emerging artists. The artists with the tough task of setting off the showcase series were Gaby Harvey, NINETX, Casino Barnes, Billi D’Kid aka Black Sage, Colin Petierre, and NDAI. Meanwhile, Eileen Melissa Mae (aka Liluzileen) held down emceeing duties.
Aside from the lineup of up and coming artists, the night featured Toronto tastemakers in music, fashion and media, as well as the Taste of the 6ix team including Jahvar Bennett (aka Javarstar), Jahkeem Bennett, Taylor Duffus, Ashley Ngo, Ximena Vega, Devonta Bennett and Charles Lewis.
According to Lewis, the buzz is already palpable.
“The event was very well-attended. There’s a lot of buzz on social media. We’ve received requests from artists as far as Edmonton who want to perform”, Lewis said when asked about the event’s impact.
The next edition of Taste of the 6ix Friday is set for April 19, 2019. Artists can apply at tasteofthe6ixaus@gmail.com.
Check out Taste of the 6ix on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest from Toronto’s newest artist showcase.
