Honey Jam Celebrates 30 years
For three decades, the annual Honey Jam concert has been a summer music staple, spotlighting extraordinary, diverse talent from across Canada. On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Honey Jam – Canada’s first and longest running female artist development program – will celebrate this milestone with its 30th anniversary concert taking place for the first time at the legendary Massey Hall in downtown Toronto with returning host CBC The Block’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe. Tickets are now on sale through Massey Hall.
Titled “INSPIRATIONS,” the concert promises to be a dynamic evening of music that spans several genres including Hip Hop, Jazz, Pop, Gospel, Opera, RnB, Rock, Country, Dancehall and more. Role modeling and mentoring are central to Honey Jam’s mission of inspiring new generations of artists, and in tandem with the concert theme, featured vocalists will perform songs by the icons who have inspired them. Stay tuned for the forthcoming announcement of the artist line-up.
“Our last big milestone, the 25th anniversary in 2020, was during COVID, where all of our big plans had to be cancelled so we’re excited to make up for that and do it big for our 30th!” says Honey Jam founder and Executive Director Ebonnie Rowe.
“One of the wonderful things that did happen back in 2020 was that we were selected to receive the Roy Thomson Award of Merit by the Toronto Arts Foundation. That recognition brought us into the ‘Hall’ family. We did 2 shows at TD Music Hall, and it became a dream to one day perform at the majestic Massey Hall. So it’s a full circle moment and we're so excited to welcome thousands of music fans to celebrate with us in such a beautiful and historic venue."
While she is excited to celebrate their 30th year, Rowe indicated that they, along with many other community organizations working with diverse youth, are facing funding challenges and is making an appeal for support. "The political and economic climate is shifting but you don't survive against all odds for three decades if you buckle under a challenge so we're going to do everything we can to make sure that we can continue this impactful work fostering emerging artists."
Honey Jam is aiming to make the concert accessible to youth from community groups, performing arts schools and music programs by having 1,000 tickets sponsored. Businesses or individuals interested in contributing can email honeyjamtickets@gmail.com for more information. In the spirit of the 30th anniversary the ticket price will be $30 each plus applicable fees.
The month before the concert, there will be a Launch & Anniversary party, “The Sweet Escape,” on Monday, June 30 at Axis Club, hosted by alum BLUE WILL and featuring DJs MelBoogie and Killa Kels.
In addition to the anniversary party and concert, the celebration will be year-long with more exciting plans in the works. Honey Jam will also be producing developmental workshops for emerging artists. More details will be revealed on Honey Jam’s Official Site and Instagram in the coming months.
About Honey Jam
Honey Jam is Canada’s first and premier non-profit multicultural artist development youth program dedicated to providing opportunities for emerging female artists. Since its inception in 1995, Honey Jam has offered a platform for artists to gain exposure, develop their talents and connect with industry professionals who can assist them in their careers as well as other young creatives. Alumni that have been part of Honey Jam include Nelly Furtado, Melanie Fiona, Jully Black, Haviah Mighty, LU KALA and many more. Honey Jam organizes impactful experiences for the artists such as songwriting camps, industry knowledge workshops, mentor cafes, opportunities to attend music industry conferences, artist talks and more. It is a welcoming, supportive sisterhood and a safe space for young women to not only learn about the industry but also to be vulnerable, to build self esteem and long-lasting relationships.
Website: honeyjam.com