Canada's Teen Jam Astonishes Yet Again in Toronto with 11 Superb Performances
- jaybroderick
- Sep 21
- 4 min read
By: Jay Broderick
Toronto, Ontario - Canada’s Teen Jam returned to Toronto's TD Music Hall on September 18th with its third and most captivating Toronto edition yet, proving once again that when it comes to showcasing young talent, no one does it better than CTJ! What a treat for these kids to perform on the same stage that Sarah McLauchlan performed on the previous week. The energy was evident from the moment the venue began to fill after 6:30 PM, with artists, families, and friends huddled in tight-knit groups, buzzing with anticipation. The turnout was the biggest yet as I have had the pleasure to cover all 3 Toronto showcases.
As always, it was a pleasure catching up with CTJ’s driving force, Mark Higgins, and chatting with a few proud parents. Their excitement mirrored the performers’. This event is more than a show; it’s a movement. With their undying sponsorship United Van Lines Canada, who else is giving these kids this kind of spotlight?
Here’s a look at the standout performances from the night. With each act only getting the stage for one song, their abilities were being put to the test.
Jasmin (astonishingly only 11 years old) opened the festivities with a hauntingly slow a-cappella rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”. Jasmin stunned the crowd with her vocal maturity. Her voice carried a quiet power that set the tone for the evening.
Up next was another young lady named Charlotte Clementine performing the song “One More Spoon” with backing tracks. Charlotte welcomed the crowd with grace and confidence. She even checked in mid-song with a “How are we doing, Toronto?”... just like a seasoned pro!
Lukas Oak, a 15 year old from Kingston, Ontario, is only 17 months into his musical journey. Lukas tackled Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy” with impressive guitar chops and a soulful voice. His guitar, affectionately named Yani, clearly holds a special place in his heart. With this young musician just getting started, the sky is the limit.
Of the 11 performances, there were only 2 full bands on the card this time around. Barrie, Ontario's All Seeing Eye was the first band to perform. Despite a couple technical issues to start, this band (led by female drummer/vocalist Lilah) redeemed themselves with a second song that flowed beautifully. Her melancholy vocals added depth and emotion to the band's set while lead guitarist Kiran, rhythm guitarist Ziigwaan and bassist Janu filled in the rest of the sound nicely.
The second band on the bill was Krab Salad who travelled all the way from Stratford. A punk five-piece including guitarist/vocalist Noah Feltham, guitarist Connor Framst, bassist Pasha, drummer Max Steinman, and saxophonist Quinn Rieck, these young rockers looked like seasoned performers. Wait...... a saxophonist??? Yes, please!!!! Bassist Pasha kicked the band's song off, frontman Feltham leapt into action, and the crowd surged forward. Swagger, style, and serious rips!
Having the tough task of following up the punk outfit ahead of her was Adelaide Allen. With just her acoustic guitar, Adelaide joked about being “a little different than the last act” and hoped the crowd would still like her. Her rendition of Phoebe Bridgers’ “Funeral” was breathtaking! Raw, emotional, and brave!
Bea Dimmock, another acoustic gem introduced her original song about emotional vulnerability. Her angelic voice and heartfelt delivery earned a roaring cheer from the crowd.
13 year old Fiona Short was up next, and she had a huge cheering section in tow. “Let’s go Fiona!” shouted a fan, and Fiona delivered! After a bus breakdown en route, she and her fans still made it, and performed Lady Gaga’s “Shallow” with poise and presence. Her post-performance hugs and radiant smile said it all... she was on top of the world, and so were her family and friends. What a performance!
Channeling Joni Mitchell, St. Catherine's' Carly Greavette was poised behind her keyboard. Carly played piano and sang with elegance and depth. Her choice of singing Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", with the lyrics "As every fairy tale comes real” felt especially fitting. This young lady is a singer! It's amazing to see such a young singer being drawn to music that is decades old.
With an electric guitar and a pop-perfect original track that she only wrote a couple months prior, Arshia Shah lit up the stage. She first thanked Canada's Teen Jam for the opportunity to play with such a great lineup. Once she started into her performance, she had the crowd in the front dancing and jumping, while the rest of the audience joined into the party with clapping along to the music. Her animated performance and infectious energy made her one of the clear standouts. As she concluded her one chance, a huge smile appeared on her face and she blew kisses to the crowd.
Closing the night with a theatrical vocal performance over backing tracks, was Emma Pappageorge. Emma's voice was rich and cinematic... a fitting end to a night full of superb performances
At the end of the day, this is a competition, but CTJ founder Mark Higgins makes it be known that all the artists here tonight are finalists. There was no free pass to get onto this stage. But there has to be a winner, and the winner for this round of Canada's Teen Jam is (drum roll please)... Arshia Shah! A well-deserved win for a young artist who brought professionalism, originality, and joy to the stage.
Canada’s Teen Jam was more than a live music event... it was a showcase of dreams in motion. These young artists didn’t just perform, they inspired! Toronto, take a bow for hosting such a magical night. And to the performers, keep shining. The spotlight is yours.
Event Photo Gallery
Canada's Teen Jam Online
Show Date: September 18, 2025
Awesome coverage Jay! I am sure these young stars of tomorrow are very excited to see their names in this article.