We’re back with another edition of Big Band Open Mic featuring 8 fabulous singers performing with The Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble. One night only at Cooksville United Church (2500 Mimosa Row, Mississauga). Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children and the show starts at 7:00 PM.
Come out and enjoy of all the jazz classics with fresh vocal stylings. Tickets at the door. For more info, please call Rob at (905) 270-4757. Here is your Open Mic 2026 line-up:
Denise Leslie
The successful release of the album ONE FINE MORNING was a major step in Denise’s musical career - almost 3 years in the making. Denise enjoyed playing piano and singing in several choirs throughout her youth while her father - a devoted jazz fan, fostered a love of jazz music. She put her music aside for a number of years, but while enjoying success later in life as a sought-after Interior Designer, the mother of three felt a deep inner calling to rekindle her passion for singing - primarily, singing jazz music. This led to lessons, vocal workshops and more and more live performance opportunities. Citing Jazz legends including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Al Jarreau, Billie Holiday and George Benson as her greatest influences, Denise has a playful approach to Jazz believing the genre can sometimes take itself a little too seriously. “My focus is on melody, strong hooks and the fun that can be had with swinging and improvising the tune.” Denise is now an in-demand featured vocalist in the Greater Toronto Area. She has graced stages across Ontario for the past 16 years while enjoying a residency as the lead vocalist with the Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble.
Anne Jayamanne
Anne Jayamanne is a Sri Lankan jazz and pop vocalist with nearly two decades of performing experience. She began singing professionally at the age of 21 after being discovered at a fundraiser, and has since built a reputation for her warm tone and versatility. Over the years, Anne has performed with numerous bands and musicians across Sri Lanka and toured internationally for Sri Lankan community events. Her musical journey eventually led her to jazz, culminating in the opportunity to perform as a headliner at the Colombo Jazz Festival. Anne moved to Toronto in 2023 and has since been performing occasionally with the Mississauga-based ‘Jazz Rangers’ and other Sri Lankan bands at private events. She’s excited to be part of the 2026 Open Mic and to be singing for the first time with the Mississauga Big Band Jazz Ensemble, and we're excited to feature her!
David Moses
David Moses is a singer new to jazz. As a vocalist David began singing with local cover and original rock bands in Hamilton. At one point, he was vocalist for the Toronto progressive rock band “Eyes” that was almost signed by Jet Records in California. Returning to school David received a BFA from York University in theatre, which opened a door to radio broadcasting and new career positions with CBC, CTV-CKCO TV and APTN in Ottawa. Although David was using his vocal skills as a radio host and TV news person, his singing opportunities were few and far between, especially while raising a family in Oakville. Eventually, David released a five song EP in 2022 and a single in 2024. He started going to Jazz Jams and looking for new opportunities. When local bassist Urmas Soomet told David that the Milton Show Band was looking for a male vocalist, David auditioned and got the gig! Still honing his jazz style, David is thrilled to participate in this year's Mississauga Big Band Open Mic event.
Annie DeMilo
Annie sings mostly rock, blues and pop with her band, once Soda Blue, now renamed, Track 99. The band plays various gigs and events in West Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville. She’s also a recent member of the Ambiance Singers, an energetic, all female Mississauga choir, singing songs from almost every musical genre, including jazz. Annie and the Ambiance Singers have an upcoming performance celebrating Canadian musical artists on Saturday, May 9, 7:00 pm (Mother’s Day weekend) at the Maja Prentice Theatre in Mississauga. Although Annie doesn’t get opportunities to sing as much jazz as she’d like, it has remained a favourite musical style for her and she’s excited to be part of the Mississauga Big Band’s Open Mic!
Ray Chantler
Ray Chantler began playing the trumpet in high school during the 1960s. Since then he has performed in ensembles ranging from symphony orchestras to polka bands including concert bands, dance bands, brass bands, R&B bands and brass quintets. You get the idea. His current playing is mainly in big bands, pit bands and a jazz quintet. Many trumpet players harbour a secret desire to be singers. This predilection goes back to Louis Armstrong and includes the likes of Herb Albert, Chet Baker and Shania Twain. After decades playing trumpet Ray has joined this group and come out as a wannabe vocalist. Two years ago, as a retirement project, Ray joined his first vocal group - senior citizens' choir. One thing led to another and now Ray is about to make his debut as a big band singer with the MBBJE.
Pia Canada
Pia Canada grew up singing in a church choir and later contributed as the choir pianist and organist as well. In the past few years, she was a choir member in St Patrick’s Church in Toronto and St Martin of Tours Church in Mississauga. Currently a full-time back-office administrator in a financial institution by day, her love of music fills her evenings and weekends with choral music, karaoke and even some dancing. She is a choir member in St. Christopher’s Church in Mississauga where she sings most Sundays; and as a member of the Pax Christi Chorale in Toronto, she participates in 4 major concerts a year. She also teaches piano and organ to young beginner music students. This is her first MBBJE Open Mic appearance.
Melanie Luckon
Melanie is a graduate of Western University with her Honors Bachelor of Music (Education)(Voice) as well as her Bachelor of Education (music/voice). She is currently working for the Halton District School Board as a Designated Music Teacher. She is the vocalist for the George Arnone Big Band in Hamilton and participates in local events within the community, including performances with S.O.L.O as a chorus member.
Jose Lara
A Senior Consultant in real estate appraisal, Jose Lara specializes in valuing condo buildings for insurance purposes. Originally from the Philippines, he moved to Canada in 2005 with his wife, Eleonor and son, JT. A lifelong music lover, Jose was inspired by his late father’s passion for Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Dean Martin, which sparked his own love for jazz and pop rock. He plays guitar and serves as a choir member and bass guitarist in his church. After a difficult year marked by the loss of his mother, Jose now dedicates this chance to sing with a Big Band to honor both of his parents — a dream that fulfills a lifelong connection to the music he loves.
