The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University to house the JAZZ.FM91 Canadian Jazz Time Capsule
August 15, 2023 (Toronto, ON) - The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has been selected by JAZZ.FM91 (external link) , the premier jazz radio station in Canada, as the partner and location to house the highly anticipated Canadian Jazz Time Capsule. This collaboration between The Creative School and JAZZ.FM91 aims to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of jazz in Canada.
The Creative School, renowned for its commitment to fostering creative talent and promoting diverse artistic practices, offers an ideal environment for the preservation and celebration of the culture of jazz. It is home to the RTA School of Media, which boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have made significant contributions to the Canadian music and jazz industry for 75 years. The faculty launched a one-of-kind Professional Music program two years ago and offers a Black Creative Practices course, exposing students to case studies of Black creatives across multiple creative genres including jazz pianist Oscar Peterson.
The connection between JAZZ.FM91, formerly CJRT-FM, and Toronto Metropolitan University, dates back to its origins in 1949. Initially, the station operated as an educational FM station under the ownership of Ryerson Institute of Technology (now Toronto Metropolitan University), broadcasting classical, jazz, folk music, and educational programming. Since then, the radio station has maintained close ties with TMU, providing various youth programs, workshops, internships and scholarships and hiring many of their graduates. For over 60 years, RTA School of Media has provided students with extensive knowledge and practice in media education. Upon graduation, students have become industry professionals who have shaped and made notable impact in the constantly evolving Canadian broadcasting industry, such as reporters for CBC Radio, Rogers Radio and TSN. Alumni have also gone on to establish their own renowned companies in the media space, such as Entertainment One, Sinking Ship Entertainment and marblemedia.
The capsule will be installed in The Creative School’s Allan Slaight Radio Institute at the Rogers Communications Centre in the fall. The Creative School and JAZZ.FM91 plan to organize a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate this significant milestone, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders including students, alumni, industry professionals, and jazz enthusiasts.
Two prints donated to the capsule by Joni Mitchell, an influential singer-songwriter and artist
“We are honoured to be chosen as the custodian of the Canadian Jazz Time Capsule,” says Charles Falzon, Dean of The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University. “We have a long-standing partnership with JAZZ.FM91 and our faculty and alumni have made significant contributions to Canadian Jazz and Canadian music overall for over seven decades. Now we get to celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of jazz in Canada, preserving its legacy for generations to come.”
“These archived stories and mementos symbolically represent the artistry, cultural significance and impact that Canadian jazz has had on our community,” says Dana Wigle, General Manager JAZZ.FM91. “Jazz is all about collaboration and we’re grateful to The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University for partnering with us in this endeavor to preserve and share these gifts.”
The Canadian Jazz Time Capsule will encapsulate the essence of Canadian jazz, capturing its vibrant history, cultural impact, and evolution through the years. Through a curated selection of artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and audio recordings, this time capsule will provide a unique glimpse into the legacy of Canadian jazz for generations to come. Among the highlighted items will be the last Canadian passport, business card, commemorative stamps, and vinyl recordings belonging to legendary jazz pianist and composer, Oscar Peterson. Known as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Peterson's influence on the genre is immeasurable. With eight Grammy Awards and a multitude of accolades to his name, his artifacts hold immense historical and cultural value.
Order of Canada recipient and Juno Award-winning musician, composer, and legend Guido Basso's handwritten setlist, notation from one of his favorite tunes to play, and one of his personal mouthpieces provided to JAZZ.FM91 by his widow Kristin Basso.
In addition to the esteemed Oscar Peterson artifacts, the time capsule will feature other notable treasures such as two prints donated by Joni Mitchell, autographed drumsticks from Grammy Award-winning drummer Larnell Lewis, a five-hour Canadian Jazz Mixtape, and various pamphlets, posters, and memorabilia from jazz venues, events and festivals across Canada.
By selecting The Creative School as the location for the Canadian Jazz Time Capsule, JAZZ.FM91 aims to inspire future generations of jazz musicians and enthusiasts. Through this partnership, The Creative School and JAZZ.FM91 will work together to engage students and the wider community in preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich legacy of Canadian jazz.
For a full list of items that will be included in the capsule, visit jazz.fm (external link, opens in new window) .
About The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School (opens in new window) is a dynamic faculty making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.