In 1986 five white guys from T.O. got together to create bizarre mix of jazz, hip-hop, and comedy that sang the praises of riding the rocket and discussed landlord/tenant issues with the local bug population. Being a gawky teenager prone to inappropriate laughing fits, I soon found myself ROTFLMAO as their videos went into heavy rotation on MuchMusic. Little did I know that the Shuffle Demons were a gateway into another dimension, the first step in a long journey that eventually lead me to Miles, Mingus, and Coltrane, in much the same way that Björk lead me to Autechre and Never Mind the Bollocks lead me to Rock for Light.

On Saturday night, the snow storm didn't stop party goers from seeing one of the most-loved techno producers out there.

The man in question was Alex Smoke, a Scottish DJ/Producer based in Glasgow. He has been one of my favorites for a while now. He creates warm, textured, minimal sounds that reach into your soul and makes dance floors move all around the globe. So when I found out that he was going to be making his Canadian debut, I wasn't going to let a snow storm get in my way.

Christine Bougie knows a little bit about leading a double life. While studying jazz at Toronto's Humber College, she fell in love with playing country. She was supposed to be studying guitar in the manner of Herb Ellis and Wes Montgomery, but she was secretly woodshedding on lap steel, teaching herself the skills that have made her one of the most in-demand side players in town.

Most jazz-snobs will tell you that it's almost impossible to find common ground between two such disparate musical influences, but to Bougie, it seems to come effortlessly. On her debut album, Hammy's Secret Life, the multi-instrumentalist lays down eight self-penned tunes that simultaneously make reference to several musical traditions with a confidence that belies her 26 years.

Larra Skye took a big risk when she left Ryerson's Journalism program to pursue a career in music. Fortunately, the Toronto jazz singer has had a run of good luck since releasing her successful debut album The World Disappears in 2005. With no intentions of turning back now, she's started work on the follow-up the disc, and hopes to release it next year.

Skye took some time to speak to me at a Bloor street cafe recently.

Q: Tell blogTO's readers a bit about yourself.

LS: I was born in Toronto and I don't know why or when I started loving music.

Sometimes I think why did I get into music and I don't really know why. I just know that I've always loved it. It was something I've felt compelled that I have to do!

In the holiday spirit yet? There's loads of holiday cheer going on right now in all the rock clubs.

Toronto singer/songwriter Jason Collett has been doing his part with a three-week residency at the Dakota Tavern. He's called it the "Basement Revue" and it's been the talk of the town for the past two weeks.

The final installment takes place next Tuesday. The shows have been over-capacity and if you were lucky enough to score tickets, you are definitely in for a treat.

Expect to hear all of Jason's hits - performed wonderfully with his amazing backing band Paso Mino, as well as new material from his forthcoming record Here's To Being Here (out February 5, 2008 on Arts &Crafts).

I chatted with Jason about his recent shows, whispering ghosts and pimping.

Keep reading for the complete interview.

REMG and CKLN are hosting one heck of a party on Thursday night at Mod Club. Jamaica to Toronto lights us up once again by bringing us some hot, classic (i.e. truly historic) soul, funk and reggae to our now chilly, wintry city. Some excellent live jazz will be also be featured.

1960's and 70's Toronto legends Jay Douglas, The Mighty Pope, and Everton "Pablo" Paul will be joined by much hyped special guests the Juno 2007 nominated, contemporary jazz outfit Elizabeth Shepherd Trio at an event that celebrates the new Summer Records Anthology (1974-1988) compilation.

Here's your chance to score yourself a pair of tickets to the show AND win a copy the new CD compilation...

Contributed by Louis Papa

At the announcement of an added 4th show recently for all the Bon Jovi lovers in Toronto, the ones apparently buying tickets faster than food stamps in some war torn eastern European countries - something in me died.

I asked myself, is this a joke? If it was/is, and people are doing this because it's like randomly going to play Bingo on a Saturday night for giggles because ha! wouldn't that be fun and funny, then my bad.

This Sunday, Toronto's Legendary Horseshoe Tavern turns 60. Since it first opened its doors on December 9, 1946 it has been one of the key live music venues (and watering holes) in our city.

A quick history lesson: The building started off as a blacksmith shop in 1861. When it opened as the Horseshoe Tavern it was an 87-seat saloon that featured country, roots and rockabilly music. Superstar acts like The Police, The Rolling Stones and The Ramones performed there and The Stones even filmed a 75-minute MTV concert at the 'Shoe in 1997.

To commemorate this impressive milestone, owners Jeff Cohen and Craig Laskey have put together a series of rock 'n roll shows that highlight the spirit of what the Horseshoe is today: a great place to drink and see live music.

This series kicked off earlier this week with local indie heroes The Lowest of the Low, and it continues until Christmas. Highlights will almost certainly include Joel Plaskett's six-night run, The Skydiggers' Christmas shows, and the two nights that will feature secret line-ups.

Head on over to the Horseshoe's "Who's Playing" page for all the details.

(Photo: The Horseshoe in 1971. Credit: Stevedore Steve)

MSTRKRFT have done something most Toronto electronic music artists can't - they've broken out into the global scene and have become hipster household names. Earlier this year the superstar duo played to a wild crowd at Coachella and more recently they dropped in on the annual "I Love Techno" festival in Belgium, along with some of the world's most influential acts (Justice, Adam Beyer, Felix Da Housecat, Ben Sims, Klaxons, Simian Mobile Disco, Ellen Allien, and Underworld, to name a few). The festival was completely sold out at a whopping (and bopping) 35,000 people.

They gave an interesting (and fidgety) interview before the gig, and had a few things to say about Toronto. When asked about our city, they we're quick to suggest that it's not where they'll stay.

"We'll move to the Bahamas, we'll move to Los Angeles, we'll move to Hawaii, or we'll move to Tokyo. We'll move to Miami. But like, everyone leaves, so it's kind of a tough spot. We have great parties, but, you know, if you're making electronic music or you're making dance music there's much better places for us to be."

I Love Techno TV video interview after the jump...