Nu Jazz Society salutes Salome Bey

On Wednesday the Nu Jazz Society held its official "pre-launch" for its Jazz By Genre initiative by holding a tribute concert for the legendary jazz singer Salome Bey at the Revival (783 College St W.). Bey, known as the "Queen of Canadian Jazz," was feted with performances by Molly Johnson, Liberty Silver and jazz band Kollage.

According to Nu Jazz Society executive director Graham Reid, the group was created to "expand the range and reach of jazz music" in Toronto. Jazz isn't as popular and doesn't have the same commercial success as other "urban" genres, Reid says. The group hopes to change this by offering youth mentorships and holding jazz events (skewed towards a younger demographic) that showcase the many different forms of Jazz including "Break Jazz," which melds the genre with DJs and turntablists.

Reid said the association (membership is currently free) plans to have the official launch in November.