NewzapaloozalogoYellowNewzapalooza, 14 years of never a buck a beer

Hacks about to rock for a good cause at The Media Event of the Year ™

TORONTO — 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, the idea was simple — harness the innate competitiveness of local reporters, editors and other media workers 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 rivals.

On Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, at The Opera House, 735 Queen St. E., five bands made up of hacks from the various media outlets will take to the stage to raise money for theChildren’s Aid Foundation of Canada.

The event has raised more than $180,000 for the foundation, which provides scholarships and supports for vulnerable young people who have been taken into the care of children’s aid societies.

We’re delighted to say Lana Gay of Indie 88 is this year’s host.  This year’s panel of celebrity judges includes CBC’s Amanda Parris, freshly re-elected Toronto city councillor Paula Fletcher, singer/songwriter Donovan Woods and q host Tom Power. As well, Andrew Cash — former MP for Toronto’s Davenport riding, co-founder of the Urban Worker Project and singer/songwriter extraordinaire — is this year’s special musical guest.

Special thanks to this year’s growing list of sponsors, which includes The Opera House, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments, Nikon CanadaToronto Star, CBC’s The Current and the Toronto Raptors. There will be promotional draws for cool stuff the night of.

Doors and the bar open at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door or from members of the media bands taking part. The Opera House is a kid-friendly venue, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit www.newzapalooza.ca, like us on Facebookand follow @Newzapaloozaon Twitter.

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