– Written by Andy Assaf, actor, comedian, alum of Second City, Samantha’s boyfriend.

***

Which ‘hood are you in?

Little Italy. I love the area because there’s a park at the beginning of my street (Christine’s Pits) and another at the end of my street (TriniTea) which is imperative when I want to pace around my neighbourhood to think about my life, my choices, and? Stories. Did I mention I’m a television writer? Cause… I am.

What do you do?

I’m a Comedy Writer and Producer.

What are you currently working on?

I’ve been writing a pilot about when I went door to door selling water heaters for a summer job (but actually only lasted 9 days because of my personality). I’ve also been developing a pilot I wrote with a production company in the US. I’ve also been taking pottery lessons (wheel throwing, for you potheads) at a studio called Mima Ceramics, taught by master ceramicist Michelle Organ. And that is a brag.

Where can we find your work?

I wrote on an FX half-hour show called English Teacher starring Brian Jordan Alvarez that will premiere on FX/Hulu on September 2nd. It’s truly so funny, I can’t wait for it to come out. I also was a Writer’s Assistant and Script Coordinator on Season 3 of The Bear, which is currently on FX. You can follow me on Instagram (which I bravely make public), where I post once every 5 months about my dog (dog girl alert!). And Twitter, where I post once a year about hotdogs and how I like to eat them (ketchup, more pickles than you’d think is normal, toasted bun, hotdog MUST be scored, can’t stress that enough).

The post “A Day in the Life” with: Toronto Writer and Producer Samantha Shier appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Movies? Oh yeah, she’s got those covered too—She Never Died, Darken, The Parting Glass, Boost, The Prodigy, Chaos Walking—the list goes on. And hey, she snagged a Canadian Screen Award for “Best Lead Performance” in Revenge of the Black Best Friend. Nominations? Yeah, she’s got those too, proving she’s as versatile as they come.

What’s next? Olunike is on fire with Rachel Morrison’s Flint Strong and the buzzworthy series The Porter. Plus, catch her in Hulu’s latest hit, Mike, rubbing elbows with some top-tier talents. With an impressive track record and more in the pipeline, Olunike Adeliyi is owning the entertainment game.

***

Which ’hood are you in?

I live in Toronto but grew up in Brampton. My background is a blend of Nigerian and Jamaican heritage, emphasizing the significance of community in my life. While there’s a perception that Toronto is among the loneliest cities globally, my passion for the arts has been a source of connection and grounding for me. I find joy in the vibrant arts scene here, appreciating the city’s proximity to cultural experiences. A particular favourite of mine is Soulpepper Theatre, where their inclusive and diverse programming offers immersive forms of storytelling that I deeply cherish.

What do you do?

My roles as actress, writer, producer, mentor, and philanthropist, allow me to showcase my versatility. My passion for storytelling, and commitment to mentorship, along with my dedication to making a positive impact beyond the realms of entertainment is intricately tied to the question “What do you do?”

As an actress, I bring characters to life on screen with depth and authenticity, but beyond acting, I am also recognized as a writer, contributing to the creation of engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

In addition to my work as an actress, I have been getting more into producing where I am able to demonstrate my Capricorn tendencies of being extremely organized. Being a part of the development and execution of projects and showcasing a different side of myself allows me to show up in my commitment to shaping compelling stories.

Beyond my creative pursuits, I also serve as a mentor to up-and-coming as well as to more established artists. Sharing my knowledge and experiences with aspiring individuals in the industry, allows me to dedicate myself to fostering talent and providing guidance to the growth and development of the next generation of creatives.

As I continue to grow and expand my reach, I recognize the importance of being a philanthropist. I intentionally look for ways to leverage my platform and resources to make a positive impact on various social causes. My involvement in charitable activities reflects my desire to contribute to the betterment of society and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

What are you currently working on?

My current focus includes taking on the lead role and executive producer duties for “Morningside,” navigating the film festival circuit with “Thirsty AF,” and working on a personal TV series.

I am currently gearing up to take on the lead role and serve as an executive producer for “Morningside.” Simultaneously, I’m making my debut as an executive producer with a small cameo in “Thirsty AF: The Adventures of a Recovering Sex Addict,” a project created by the talented L.A. Wade. Our collaboration doesn’t end there; we have plans for more joint ventures in the future. In 2024, we’ll be taking “Thirsty AF” on the film festival circuit, pitching to networks, and seeking distribution for this compelling project.

Moreover, “Thirsty AF” won’t be confined to traditional screenings; we’re planning a dynamic tour of colleges, universities, and community organizations. This tour aims to not only showcase the film but also to bring attention to L.A. Wade’s book series, fostering important dialogues through uncensored Q&A sessions following the screenings.

On another creative front, I’m currently participating in the Ubuntu Decolonial Arts Centre in Costa Rica. During this residency I am actively engaged in writing and producing my own television series, drawing inspiration from my life experiences. This endeavour allows me to explore new dimensions of storytelling and bring unique narratives to life.

Where can we find your work?

To explore my body of work, the most comprehensive source is my IMDb page. Notable performances of mine can be witnessed in “Mike,” part of The Mike Tyson series available on Hulu. Additionally, you can catch me in “The Porter” and “Revenge of the Black Best Friend” on CBC and CBC Gem, as well as BET Plus. For a glimpse into some of my earlier projects, you’ll find me in “Working Moms” on CBC and Netflix.

The post “A Day in the Life” with Toronto Actress, Writer and Producer Olunike Adeliyi appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

This year brings a new 7-track project from Jordan Astra that is both interpersonal and inviting, filled with songs of his journey from Australia back to Toronto, Canada after 8 years abroad. ‘Man From East’ is Jordan’s story told as an outsider to the music industry. With so much to prove, Jordan Astra feels the call of greatness in his life and ‘Man From East’ is the project that showcases his passions and talent to the world.

Name:

Jordan Astra

Genre:

R&B / Funk

Founded:

2018

# of Albums:

3

Latest Album:

MAN FROM EAST

Latest Single:

Stay A While feat. Cocabona

Latest Video:

Favourite musician growing up:

Pharrell Williams, Jamiroquai, Zero 7, Alicia Keys

Favourite musician now:

Don Toliver, Lucky Daye, Jamiroquai, Pharrell Williams, Anderson Paak.

Guilty pleasure song:

Versace On the Floor – Bruno Mars

Live show ritual:

Taking my shirt off

Favourite local musician:

Loony or Louval

EP or LP?

Depends who’s EP or LP. A great artist & project never feels like a waste of time.

Early bird or night owl?

Hooo hooo

Road or studio?

Both

Any shows or albums coming up?

‘MAN FROM EAST’ is officially out now! 7 Track EP sounds like Pharrell meets Anderson Paak – ALT R&B meets Funk/Soul

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Giulia Osteria if I’m feeling bougie or OddSeoul if I wanna stay lowkey

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

Queen Street West. It’s where I got to really meet the people of the city. From APT.200 on Monday Nights, Chilling in the park at Trinity Bellwoods to Brunch on Sundays on Ossington, it’s got it all.

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Trinity Bellwoods, High Park or Christie Pitts. Just good memories at all 3.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Well Scotiabank Arena is a dream of mine. Velvet Underground was a pleasant surprise, but I think my favourite right now is Danforth Music Hall.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

I’m not one to pop into many music stores (I’m not cool like that), but I’d say dope shopping spots like Lost & Found or Beatrice Society always have wicked playlists going, haha.

The post Five Minutes With: Toronto-based R&B Artist Jordan Astra appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Sheldon has already had an extensive career as a notable musician for hire with many touring acts including most recently: Punjabi artist AP Dhillon (16.9 million monthly listeners) and Juno Award-winning Christian Rock Band Manic Drive.

He was featured on TEDx Talk with Rhythm Works partner Troy Sexton discussing their work as guest speakers teaching workshops in schools eventually becoming Official Drummers for Toronto Raptors renamed 6ixStix. With Blueprint Pathways they visited Indigenous communities and incarcerated youth in correctional facilities across Canada.

The maestro grew up dancing to Michael Jackson and drumming in the family band. From a generation of entertainers going back to his grandfather in India, a big band leader, crooner and jazz trombonist, Maurice Concessio.

Music has been the peaceful connection that has taken Sheldon across borders and overseas and around the world. From aboard Carnival Cruise lines, orchestras in Russia, shows in Tanzania Africa, arena tour in Europe with Latin Artist Alex Bello, World events with Bulgarian Grammy-winning musician Theodosii Spassov, Ethiopian singer Nati Haile, commercials for Wal-Mart and McDonald’s, countless wedding and corporate events, musical theatre and dance shows, even a solo piano performance for Billionaire Warren Buffett at The Royal Ontario Museum.

Sheldon Universe is always expanding!

Name:

Sheldon De Souza aka Sheldon Universe

Genre:

R&B Pop Rock

Founded:

2010

# of Albums:

0.5 – this is embarrassing 😳 but an album is in progress

Latest Single:

13 Rules

Latest Video: 

Favourite musician growing up:

Michael Jackson consistently but I grew up as a drummer so Buddy Rich, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl

Favourite musician now:

Justin Bieber has a great voice and it’s not necessarily the most advanced in comparison to a Brian McKnight or Stevie Wonder or even Jonah Nilsson (of the band Dirty Loops)

Guilty pleasure song:

I don’t like to brand it as guilty because that promotes hiding your true self and I am very passionate about people being their authentic self. Especially gangstas/thugs. Reminding people to laugh and be their childlike self can often open up solid relationship-building moments. But to answer your question I’m going to go with My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion 😂- no disrespect to Celine 🇨🇦

Live show ritual:

As a drummer it’s warmups and stretching and usually talking the show in my head before I get on, as a singer it’s also warmups and then go! But truthfully, I’m always so deep into organizing and producing role for shows that I barely get time to worry about myself and have a live show ritual. I’m usually making sure all loose ends are dealt with leading up to seconds before I’m on stage!

Favourite local musician:

drums – Larnell Lewis – go watch Snarky Puppy “What about me” or his Zildjian Live video
electric wind instrument/sax/flute – Rob Christian (used to be a lil high school kid when I met him while I was working as a guest artist in Unionville Arts school, and he asked to jam with me while I was practicing piano in a practice module- I was amazed back then and even more now)

Mike Ferfolia – singer- he’s been around!

Jesse Gold – fellow R&B artist/guitarist crazy talented

Jordan John – again multi-instrumentalist super talented

Scott Jackson – world class beatboxer

Dr Draw – world class violinist

Troy Sexton – world class former Stomp cast member

…so much talent in Toronto alone

EP or LP?

Not sure the question but I aspire to have more than 5 full albums out in the universe that I can be super proud of

Early bird or night owl?

Both. I’m up early for work but I’m up late for play!

Road or studio?

Road 1000000000% I love the studio but it’s only a means to the stage

Where can we follow you? 

Website | Instagram | Youtube

***

Rapid Fire Local Questions:

What is your favourite local restaurant?

Thai House on Queen (Beaches), Masrawy Egyptian Food (Mississauga)

What is your favourite street in your city and why?

I grew up in Mississauga and if you go South on Mavis near Dundas there is a nice view of the lake that shimmers on a summery day that you see as you head downhill. It reminds me of California which I have a great relationship with and not much traffic like everywhere else…and i hate traffic! If people were more friendly we could just roll down our windows during a traffic jam and have fun conversations but yeah traffic sucks!

What is your favourite park in your city and why?

Canada’s Wonderland count? It’s an amusement park and I love entertainment. I met Justin Bieber backstage there during his first single “One Time”, Akon and a few others. Lots of good times, I used to work as a tech at the Kingswood Theatre.

What is your favourite music venue in your city?

Maybe Massey Hall because of my childhood memories with St. Michael’s Choir School singing there every year for Christmas. But I really liked Joe Mama’s a bar on King St. (closed down a while back). I love any venue with good acoustics where the audio sounds pristine but also where I can see the audience. El Mocambo did some great renovations, I haven’t got to perform in the new setting. Soft-seat theatres are usually my favourite for that reason, however, a nice small-sized bar with GREAT talent is always a favourite. My friends at the Redwood Theatre are starting to share a lot more live music.

What is your favourite music store in your city?

There are none that I can really name after the closing of HMV and the birth of streaming and Spotify etc. but I can shout out a previous employer Long and McQuade (Music store). One time I got locked INSIDE because I was playing electronic drums in the drum room and they closed up shop and didn’t realize I was in there. So alarms went off and I had to call my manager to come back and open up the store doors which were all caged in.

The post Five Minutes With: Toronto-based Singer and Producer Sheldon Universe appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

1. He’s a master procrastinator.

Jamie started his career in print journalism, as an editor at the UofT daily Paper, and then, at 19, as the music critic for the Toronto Sun. Not only does a tight deadline not faze him, but he can never quite get down to serious work before that deadline is looming. Case in point – his favourite place to write interview questions? In the car on the way to the shoot.

2. He is a brilliant strategist.

In another life, Jamie could have been a world-class litigator. As a documentary director, access to subjects is key, and I never cease to be impressed by Jamie’s ability to think 5 steps ahead when thinking about how to approach a story.

3. He has the biggest heart.

It takes heaps of skill and creativity to make films like Jamie does, but in equal measure, it requires clear ideals. Jamie has remarkable conviction about the political and social justice issues he believes in, which not only inform every aspect of how he approaches filmmaking but truly his day-to-day life.

***

Which ‘hood are you in?

We live about 5 minutes from Danforth and Main, sandwiched between Crescent Town and Woodbine Heights, in an old convenience store building that we converted into our home/ production office. Luckily, we moved in just before the pandemic hit. We love our neighborhood because of our friendly neighbours, and proximity to downtown while still being just around the corner from the amazing Taylor Creek Ravine park system.

What do you do?

I’m a director, writer and producer. For the last 20 years, I’ve worked primarily on documentaries, but now I’m turning to narrative work with a feature film in pre-production.

What are you currently working on?

Aside from working on the release of CHARLOTTE’S CASTLE, we have another feature documentary called NOBODY WANTS TO TALK ABOUT JACOB APPELBAUM, about a controversial story in the internet and intelligence communities, that we are planning to release in the coming months, and a third documentary in post-production, about the restitution of Nazi-looted art, that will be released next year.

The nature of independent filmmaking, though, is that we always need to keep multiple balls in the air. So, we have a slate of projects we are developing, including some documentaries, some series, and a few feature narrative film projects as well.

Where can we find your work?

My new feature documentary CHARLOTTE’S CASTLE, as well as my 2019 documentary THERE ARE NO FAKES (which is credited by police as prompting a recent investigation into the production of fake Norval Morrisseau paintings) are both streaming in Canada on tvo.org. My 2016 film THE SKYJACKER’S TALE is available on CBC Gem.

The post “A Day in the Life” with Toronto Director, Writer and Producer Jamie Kastner appeared first on Toronto Guardian.