The RIFF - Toronto

my-toronto.ca
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  • MUSIC COMMENTARY

Welcome to The Riff, brought to you by my-toronto.ca, where two internationally acclaimed artists (painter and animator Gary O'brien and jazz fusion guitarist Jeremy Green) dig into Toronto’s entertainment scene. They’ll be hanging out with all sorts of creative minds...from music, comedy, sports, theatre and everything that lurks in between.

Episodes

  1. Theatre Production, the Actor/Muso phenom & a Kensington fave - The RIFF - ep 6 - Donna Garner

    2025-12-18

    Theatre Production, the Actor/Muso phenom & a Kensington fave - The RIFF - ep 6 - Donna Garner

    Here with us is a true Canadian triple threat, actually, quadruple threat! An actor, singer, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist, she has performed across Canada, the U.S., Austria, and Japan. She’s known for standout turns in major productions like “Once”, The Sound of Music, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands and the Tony-nominated Broadway musical by  Steven Martin and Edie Brickell: Bright Star. Offstage, she’s just as accomplished: a sought-after voice specialist, masterclass clinician, private coach, and Music Director. She’s on the voice faculty at Sheridan College, serves as President of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators Association, and is part of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners. In her downtime, she shares life with her equally talented actor-musician husband, Rick Hughes, and their mini-schnauzer, Gustav Mahler. Because every dog is named after a famous composer. https://www.garnertheatreproductions.com/ Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel @my-toronto

    50 min
  2. Film Animation, The Art of the Ask & Sammy Hagar's Tequila - The RIFF ep.5 DARIN BRISTOW

    2025-11-23

    Film Animation, The Art of the Ask & Sammy Hagar's Tequila - The RIFF ep.5 DARIN BRISTOW

    Including SpongeBob's Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, Darin Bristow has 30 years of experience in animation and media and has spearheaded major projects for Nelvana, Pipeline Studios, PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, and Netflix. Darin has produced music videos for Kim Mitchell, Big Sugar and Sammy Hagar of Van Halen, blending his talents across the entertainment industry.  A triple graduate of Sheridan College, Darin holds a First-Class Honours master’s degree with a focus on design psychology. He now supports studios in creating content that resonate deeply with audiences. Darin also teaches at 5 Canadian leading animation programs.  Darin is also the creator of Sammy Hagar’s unofficial podcast, which reaches listeners in over 50 countries, celebrating the Red Rocker lifestyle and the spirit of creative passion. Foodie Highlight: Porchetta and Co, 2022 New Zealand Pinot Noir is Staete Landt of Marlborough (State of Grace) found at the LCBO Vintage section.  Daris Bristow can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darin-bristow-ma-b733411/ AND https://www.instagram.com/thebogusotisshow AND https://www.youtube.com/@SoulshakerRocksU Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel @my-toronto

    49 min
  3. Life in the Theatre Pit, Ace Frehley & Gordon Ramsay's F#*@ing Peas. The RIFF -ep.4 GINO DEL SOLE.

    2025-10-23

    Life in the Theatre Pit, Ace Frehley & Gordon Ramsay's F#*@ing Peas. The RIFF -ep.4 GINO DEL SOLE.

    Gino Del Sole is a seasoned guitarist with over 20 years of experience performing in the theatre pit for the shows Beetlejuice, Moulin Rouge, and In Dreams (Mirvish Productions), as well as Come From Away, Kinky Boots, and Legally Blonde. His genres span across Rock, Pop, R&B, Jazz, and Country. He’s played thousands of live shows, including 800+ aboard the Norwegian Breakaway in productions like Rock of Ages and Burn the Floor. Gino is the co-founder and lead guitarist of AC/DC Show Canada and Epic Elton, performing 100+ shows each year, and has collaborated with The Official Blues Brothers Revue, Alfie Zappacosta, Aaron Walpole, and Terry Hatty from The Guess Who. He’s now working on new music for an upcoming solo project. 🎸 Watch more musician stories on The RIFF → YouTube Playlist 📺 Subscribe to @my-toronto 🔗 Follow Gino Del Sole: Instagram → @ginodelsole YouTube → Gino Del Sole Guitarist Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel @my-toronto

    1h 8m
  4. Creating Albums, Junos & Brussel Sprouts - The RIFF-ep3 RICH BROWN

    2025-10-08

    Creating Albums, Junos & Brussel Sprouts - The RIFF-ep3 RICH BROWN

    On this episode of The Riff Toronto, we sit down with one of Canada’s most celebrated bassists, Rich Brown — fresh off his Juno Award win and the release of his stunning new album, Nyaeba. Rich opens up about his creative process, his approach to composition, and what continues to fuel his lifelong love of music. We also dive into his long-time friendship and musical chemistry with co-host Jeremy Green, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the shared language of two master musicians. Plus, we highlight one of Toronto’s standout foodie gems — Mary Be Kitchen, a downtown spot known for wholesome comfort food made right. Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel @my-toronto

    1h 3m
  5. RICK MENARY, Cover Bands & Getting Gigs - The RIFF - ep2

    2025-09-12

    RICK MENARY, Cover Bands & Getting Gigs - The RIFF - ep2

    Rick Menary is a singer and guitarist, currently the creator and member of the blues-rock band, "The Spitfire Kings": A band with a faithful Toronto following. Menaryhas been highly active on the Toronto music scene since the early 80s. Menary's entrepreneurial skills within the competitive world of the music biz spans every genre and generation. His street-borne education earns him the respect of many; from promoters to every musician who has lived a life on the road, on stage and beyond. For the video version of this podcast go to https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5RdWksuiK4DQx0WPI9uDCHLqJx42tOtZ&si=zqu2lSPX2hhdkU8A Brought to you by my-toronto.camy-toronto.ca: Explore Toronto Like a Local.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel @my-toronto

    53 min
  6. SamIAm. A journey from Rock to EDM - THE RIFF ep.1

    2025-08-21

    SamIAm. A journey from Rock to EDM - THE RIFF ep.1

    Classically trained, yet fuelled by Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Children of Bodom, and Forteresse, she’s spent nearly 20 years tearing up stages across classical, blues, rock, and extreme metal. In 2024, Sam brought that same hunger for heavy, high-impact sound to the decks of Toronto as a DJ. Her sets swing from the warm, rolling pulse of terrace-ready tech house to the shadowy, hard-hitting techno and hard dance that ignite warehouse floors after dark. Her mission is clear: to cut through the weight and absurdity of modern life with transformative, body-shaking music—to give people permission to let go. For the video version of this podcast go to https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5RdWksuiK4DQx0WPI9uDCHLqJx42tOtZ&si=zqu2lSPX2hhdkU8A Brought to you by my-toronto.camy-toronto.ca: Explore Toronto Like a Local.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Want to watch this episode on YouTube? Subscribe to our YouTube channel @my-toronto

    54 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Riff, brought to you by my-toronto.ca, where two internationally acclaimed artists (painter and animator Gary O'brien and jazz fusion guitarist Jeremy Green) dig into Toronto’s entertainment scene. They’ll be hanging out with all sorts of creative minds...from music, comedy, sports, theatre and everything that lurks in between.

Information

  • Creator
    my-toronto.ca
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The RIFF - Toronto
  • Show Website
    The RIFF - Toronto