Annual CanJam fundraiser grows into a Paris tradition
- Casandra Turnbull
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
When Paris musician John Ladds strums the first chord at this year’s CanJam, it will mark not just another concert but 11 years of turning good music into good deeds.
Set for October 25 at the #ForParisCentre, CanJam #11 continues a now-beloved community tradition that blends live music with local generosity. What began in 2015 as a small jam session at the Arlington Hotel’s Library Bar has evolved into a 400-seat benefit concert and food drive supporting the Brantford Food Bank.
“Music has a way of bringing people together for something bigger than ourselves,” said Ladds. “That’s really what CanJam is about.”
In its first year, CanJam drew about 50 people. Last year, nearly 200 attendees helped raise a record $6,000 and more than 2,000 pounds of food. To date, the event has contributed over $21,000 to the food bank, with this year’s goal set ambitiously at $30,000.
The growth, says Ladds, has been “completely organic.” Year after year, word spread and so did the goodwill. “In a world that can feel cynical, it’s heartwarming to see hundreds of people come together simply out of generosity,” he said.
This year marks the first time CanJam will be hosted at the #ForParisCentre, a venue known for its professional sound and lighting setup. It’s the same space that houses the Paris Concert Series by Noisemaker.
“We’ve outgrown every venue we’ve ever played,” Ladds laughed. “The #ForParisCentre gives us room to grow and a real concert hall experience.”
Despite being a church by day, the venue transforms into a lively music hall for the event. Guests can expect a night of energy, dancing, and plenty of sing-alongs.
Beyond the music, the event’s impact runs deep. The Brantford Food Bank recognized CanJam’s contributions last year with a Certificate of Appreciation, noting its “profound difference” in the lives of local families.
For Ladds, the highlight each year isn’t just performing, it’s delivering the cheque. “That’s the defining moment,” he said. “Seeing what we’ve accomplished together as a community never gets old.”
The John Ladds Band (JLB), a six-piece ensemble of longtime friends and local musicians, will headline the show once again. “Nobody gets paid,” Ladds said. “We do it for the love of music and the joy of giving back.”
Members of JLB include Ladds, guitar/vocals, Suze Bermester, guitar/vocals, Yvonne Way, vocals, Rob Gies, guitar/bass, Mark Irschick, bass/flute and Ralph Ullman, drums/percussion.
And true to CanJam tradition, fans can expect a few surprises. “Last year, we even worked the in-house pipe organ into the finale,” Ladds shared. “You never know what might happen next.”
Ladds encourages everyone to attend, bring friends, donate, or sponsor. Local businesses are invited to get on board as event sponsors, with opportunities for logo placement on posters, stage signage, and social media promotions.
And behind every successful musician, there’s a support system and in this case, his wife Dawn, who handles everything from spreading the word to managing the pre-show chaos. “She’s as much a part of CanJam as anyone on stage,” Ladds said.
After 25 years performing in Paris, Ladds says there’s no better place to call home. “This town just has a magic about it; the people, the stories, the connections,” he said. “CanJam is just one small way we can give something back.”
CanJam #11 takes place Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the #ForParisCentre. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation, with proceeds and food contributions supporting the Brantford Food Bank. Tickets are $30 each and are available in advance by emailing pariscanjam@gmail.com or will be available at the door, cash only.
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