News

Posted: April 13, 2019

The JazzCan Collective handed over the proceeds from its recent fundraiser to MusiCounts at their Toronto office this past Friday, April 12, 2019. 

The fundraiser was held in the Aurora neighborhood of the Hills of St. Andrews and was attended by over thirty people who came out to enjoy the boys’ show and support a great cause. After tallying the donations made during the event and online by other supporters, a total of $3600 was collected - enough money to fund instruments for a small wind ensemble at a Canadian school.  

Asked by the MusiCounts team about his motivation for starting JazzCan, Matthew shared how important it was to him for others to have the gift of music. “My friends and I have been very fortunate to have been taught music from a young age. We all attend St. Andrew’s College where music is valued and is a central part of our school culture. Music has allowed us to be creative, to have fun and to spread joy. I know that other kids are not so fortunate, and I wanted them to have the same opportunity”. 

This was literally music to the ears of Kristy Fletcher, Executive Director of MusiCounts, who expressed her admiration for Matthew and his friends taking the initiative to help other young people. Kristy spoke about how the work of MusiCounts touches the lives of so many across the country. As Canada’s music education charity, they provide musical instruments to schools, community centers and after-school programs across Canada, so that all children and youth can have access to music education.

The JazzCan Collective was founded in 2018 by Matthew Deo as an initiative to bring live musical entertainment to the local community, particularly those who would not usually get the opportunity to go out and see a live show. Other current members of the band are Will Le Bouef, Daniel Park, Christopher Seguin-Bianchi, Tony Yang and Hiroki Yasui. 

JazzCan would like to thank all of the supporters of the Collective and promises to return in the fall with a new set of shows.