Music
Press
audioGalaxy.com (June/00): "A self-taught musician and dancer out of Canada who plays in a style you've never heard before. This native of the Ashanti,Tribe in Ghana, West Africa has entertained audiences with some of the biggest names to come out of Canada, like the Bare Naked Ladies and Celine Dion - audioGalaxy.com
**www.mp3.com.au (17/Jun/2002): "HOLY FuNk!!!! WOW!! What a refreshing change from 'pidgeon-holed' music! Jon-E-Shakka's, "U-REAP-WHAT-U-SOW", is a funky blend of a variety of musical influences & styles. My favourite track was: "LOVE.1.WAY", an inspirational reminder of what is truly important in life, wise words of peace & love (you can never have too much of that), without preaching (!!), set to a background of jungle beats!! My second fave is "Goodman/Goodwoman".... I checked out his site, also & this guy's been around for 25 years, performing with top entertainers, including Céline Dion, Bare-Naked Ladies & Jermain Jackson! Impressive! Not only does he compose, he is a Dancer/Choreographer, as well!! Thanx for including him on your site!" kat mandu
- www.mp3.com.au
www.live.365.com/stations/funk7 (Jun/10/2002): "My publicist forwarded me your info. & I am very impressed. I was listening to your music on the net & I really like what you are doing. Continue your great work, your music is very good!" Gi Dussault (Co-Producer of: "The Upper Room, with Joe Kelley", featuring funk, r & b, jazz, blues & hip-hop)
- www.live.365.com/stations/funk7
**www.peacework.com (Sept/12/2000): "Your song, 'LOVE.1.WAY', was accepted into the Top 20 and posted in late July or early August. It went to #7 for the month of August. You are also listed in the HALL OF FAME as the Number 7 song for August. Congrats and keep makin' music!" Jef Peace - www.peacework.com
www.MP3.com.au (June/2000): "Just dropping a line to let you know that you have been featured in Artist Spotlight on the MP3.com.au homepage this day (Friday 23rd June, 2000). Well done!" Alison Barr, Music Services Support - Alison Barr, Music Services Support
www.listen.com (April/1/2000): "Canadian Band produces bizarre, futuristic Funk/Dance/Rap. Bootsie-ish bass attacks, heavy beats and rocking guitars, set the pace for breathy female vocals and foreign sounding raps about LOVE!"
- www.listen.com
*(Kanata, May 8, 2002) ".....The students were mesmerized as Jon-E donned a white mask, then mimed and danced robotically for them. Even students who deemed themselves "too cool" to participate in dance classes were soon enthusiastically following his dance instructions. Teachers, visitors and even office staff were keen to join in and give his dance steps a try. We would highly recommend Soulcandy Productions as an exciting participatory workshop for students of all ages. Not only is Jon-E an outstanding performer, he is an excellent teacher... His dance style is truly unique and engaging. It was a privilege to have Jon-E in our school during Education Week."
- J. Toews, Principal and L. Herrndorf, Teacher; John Young Elementary School
*(March 18, 1999): "It is without hesitation that I write this letter of recommendation for Jon-E-Shakka. For the past nine years, the Bayshore Public School-School Council has had the pleasure of working with Jon-E to expose our children to the art of dance. Children are drawn to Jon-E's warm, high-energy personality. Parents feel at ease with Jon-E because he is so patient and good with children. If you are looking for a conscientious professional, who everyone enjoys being around, Jon-E is your man."
-Kelly Granum, Chairperson-Bayshore Public School-School Council (Ottawa, Ont.)
- Kelly Granum, Chairperson-Bayshore Public School-School Council (Ottawa, Ont
*(Montreal, June 1985): ".....Jon-e introduced Break/Street Dance at L'Ecole Les Ballets de Montreal & has developed quite a following here in Montreal. Through his performing & teaching experience, he has certainly become a serious participant in the growth of this continuously developing dance form and would be an asset to any teaching staff, particularly at an institution interested in expanding its' horizons..."
- L'Ecole Les Ballets de Montreal
Barbara Wright, Principal-Cambridge Street Community School (Ottawa, Ont.)
*(June 28,1989): "Jon-E-Shakka conducted dance instruction with 35 boys during the months of April, May & June. He showed himself to be a sensitive instructor, able to encourage boys effectively in an area where they have been traditionally self-conscious & not likely to participate. Their work culminated in a joint Dance Review with Nancy Levesque which was a definite hit with the boys' parents. John also involved his family, another indication of the fine person that he is. We have greatly appreciated what he has done for our boys' coordination, cooperation & self-confidence. We would commend him to any School looking to encourage these aspects of boys' development."
-Edythe Falconer, Principal-R.Byrns Curry Elementary School (Ottawa, Ont.) - Edythe Falconer, Principal-R.Byrns Curry Elementary School (Ottawa, Ont.)
Discography
shake your pants 1984 ep
U reap wha t u sow 2000 cd
show tunes2002 cd
The hour of judgement has arived 2007 (next release) cd
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
http://www.soundclick.com/thejoneshakkaproject
(hear more songs , and video's )
JON-E-SHAKKA, a natural-born Artist of many disciplines, began his entertainment career debut in 1974, when he joined "THE ELECTRIFYING SHAKKA DANCERS" (A Family Act), winning many Dance Awards & appearing regularly on a variety of TV Shows, including the role as "Lead Dancer" on "FEEL LIKE DANCIN'" (CFCF-12, Montreal). Jon-E continued dancing with his brother, Eugene & formed the well-known act: "THE SHAKKA BROTHERS", who performed at a multitude of venues in Montreal.
Jon-E has performed DANCE SOLOS alongside many famous Artists, including: Réné Simard (Montreal, 1978), The Village People (Montreal, 1980), Céline Dion (Québec City, 1984), Gowan & Ian Thomas (Québec City, 1984), Alanis Morisette (Ottawa, 1985), ICE-T (Ottawa, 1989) and The Bare-Naked Ladies (Thunder Bay, Ontario; 1997), to name just a few!
Audiences attending various FESTIVALS & EVENTS have all enjoyed Jon-E's "electrifying" Performances, such as: CKCU Busker Festival (Ottawa, 1995), Canada Day Celebrations (NCC, Ottawa; 1996-1999), Carnival of Cultures (Ottawa, 1999-2001), CHEO'S Teddy Bear Picnic (Ottawa, 1994-present), Central Canada Exhibition (Ottawa, 1999, 2002), The Ottawa Fringe Festival (Ottawa, 2002), etc.
Not only does Jon-E-Shakka CHOREOGRAPH all his Dance Classes & Performances, he has also been involved in choreographing the following: "Times of our Life" Soap Opera (CFCF-12, Montreal; 1984), the main Dance Routine of 150 International Boy Scouts at the Scouts Canada Jamboree (Thunder Bay, 1997) and assisting with the GOLD MEDAL winning Choreography of past Junior Men's Figure Skating Champion, Fedor Andreev (1998-1999)!!
SPORTS EVENTS are also one of Jon-E's Performance Venues. Many people recognize him as one of the most Entertaining Highlights at Ottawa Senators' Hockey Games (1996-2002), Ottawa 67's Hockey Games (2002) & Ottawa Lynx Baseball Games (2000)!
Jon-E has won SECOND RIZE, at the Internationally Televised, "Dance Fever" Competition (California, U.S.A.; 1981) & a GOLD MEDAL at the "Footloose Dance Competition" (Ottawa, 1996)! He was chosen to represent TEAM CANADA at the "2000 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS" (Los Angeles, California; U.S.A.).
As DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Jon-E has taught thousands of Children & Adults (in Montreal & Ottawa), his own unique Dance Style: "DAZZ", which is an eclectic blend of: Afro-Rhythm, 'Savage Jazz', Street-Dancing, Break-Dancing, Mime & Robotics. Jon-E teaches for Schools in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, Ottawa-Carleton Catholic Schoolm Board, Nepean Skating Club & Community Centres. He has also taught at the following: R.A. Centre Summer Camps (2001-2002), Minto Skating Club (1998-1999), Cyrville Community Centre & the Ottawa Athletic Club!
21 years experience as a Dazz Dance Instructor
30 years experience as a professional Performer
20 years experience as a professional Choreographer
25 years experience as a music Composer
16 years experience as a Children's Dazz Dance Teacher & Choreographer
25 years experience as a amateur hockey/coach/student / player in Montreal/Ottawa/Boston /Hamiltion
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
developing my own unique style of dance: "DAZZ" (taught in Montréal and Ottawa)
two independent CD releases (Ottawa, 2000 and 2003)
assisting in choreographing the gold-medal winning, figure skating routine of Fedor Andreev (Ottawa, 1999)
choreographing the dance routine of all scouts, attending the International "Scouts Canada Jamboree" (Thunder Bay, 1997)
winning medals in the following Dance Competitions: "Footloose Dance Competition" (Ottawa, 1996); Dance Fever Competition" (Los Angeles, California; 1981); "Dansen Montréal" (Jazz Dance, Montréal; 1987); "Afro-Rhythm and Street Dance Competition" (Montréal; 1974)
performing for 18,000 fans during the 3rd period at Ottawa Senators' Hockey Games (1994-2002)
releasing an independent record: "Shake Your Pants" (Sizzle Records, Montréal; 1984)
Links
