Newzapalooza burst out of the newsrooms of Toronto in 2004 like a bat out of hell on a very tight deadline. Founded by the late, great newsman Jonathan Jenkins (above, left, with Jaymz Bee), the idea was simple — harness the innate competitiveness of local reporters and editors and marry it to their undying belief that they can, in fact, do it better themselves. The result — instant rock bands, itching to square off against their bitter rivals, all for the benefit of a worthy cause, the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada.

Newzapalooza has since featured bands from the Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, National Post, CTV, Canadian Press, MTV Canada, Jazz 91.1 FM, Huffington Post, Hamilton Spectator, Thomson Reuters, CityTV, a merry band of freelancers, Vice Canada and the CBC. These fearless acts, some talented, some merely bold, have raised more than $180,000 for the foundation — and had a damn good time doing it. Post COVID, we returned with a live band karaoke format for the event.

Jonathan, who loved getting up on the stage to perform at Newzapalooza with his Toronto Sun bands over the years, passed in April 2014 after a brief fight with cancer. In 2015, the CAFC honoured the Newzaopalooza organizers with a community award. We know Jonathan would have loved it. Jonathan’s family accepted the award.

Our organizing committee is comprised of Natasha and Rob Granatstein, Jim Rankin, Michelle Shephard, Rosa Saba and Nathan Whitlock, and over years involved Moe Doiron, Robyn Doolittle, Tanya Talaga, Graeme Roy, Sarah Boesveld and Lauren Pelley.

Our Honourary Chairs are Dexter and Maizey.

Special thanks to Toronto Star interns, who have volunteered to work the event for many years. Big bow to Athena Towers and staff at The Opera House, our home venue until COVID. We thank the fine staff at The Duke for hosting us in 2025 and again in 2026.

And, thanks to The Approximators!