Until the next time; Until the next Slow Jam! Union Station hosts That Slow Jam Party

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

You know, there’s something magical about a slow jam party. The vibe is just `warm hug. It’s more than just the music, though. It’s the people.

Picture a beautiful, sunny afternoon in downtown Toronto, where the cool breeze mingles with the soulful melodies of classic R&B. The venue, an open-air setting adorned with twinkling lights and elegant decor, sets the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. The crowd, beautifully dressed in their finest attire, exudes a sense of sophistication and style that reflects the grown and sexy vibe of Toronto.

As the afternoon progresses, the delicious aroma of gourmet food wafts through the air, tantalizing the senses and adding to the atmosphere of indulgence and celebration. Guests enjoy an array of delectable dishes, from savoury bites to sweet treats, each meticulously prepared to please even the most discerning palates.

The music, a carefully curated selection of slow jam, and R&B hits from yesteryear, transports everyone back to cherished moments in their lives. The DJ seamlessly blends tracks that evoke memories of: love, joy, and nostalgia, creating a soundtrack that resonates deeply with the attendees. Couples sway together on the dance floor, lost in the rhythm and reminiscing about the good old days, while friends laugh and sing along, reveling in the shared experience.

This outdoor R&B party is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of life’s beautiful moments, a gathering of kindred spirits who appreciate the finer things in life and the timeless power of music to bring people together.

The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is out in full effect this summer, and we started our journey at Union Station. Yes! I said it. Union Station. Union is committed to reflecting the diversity of Canadians through their multidisciplinary programming vision. This vision celebrates: creativity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility through their free year-round events that showcase Toronto’s cultural scene. Their goal is to strengthen the connection between public art and civic engagement, ultimately striving to create connectedness amongst Toronto’s communities.

All of Union’s events and activations are uniquely curated by the programming and events team. They have strategically collaborated with: local, national and international cultural organizations and brands, and their team is constantly seeking to program a wide roster of activities that are: accessible, fun, and foster meaningful thought and emotional dialogue about our experiences.

At Union everything – food, shopping and events – is considered programming, and on July 13^th, 2024, at the TD Stage, they hosted “That Slow Jam Party,” which connects R&B lovers to the slow jams that they have grown to love. Giving you a little bit of the old mixed with the new, the smooth, sexy R&B selections: DJ’s Lissa Monet & Jester curated were nothing short of nostalgic. Marlon Palmer did his thing as the host for the day, and had people on stage singing away to some of their favourite slow jams from the 90’s and 2000’s.

It was an honour getting an opportunity to speak with the one and only  Timbrrr (Starting from Scratch’s Manager) and DJ Jester, and they both shared with me how proud they are of how far That Slow Jam Party has come. I have fond memories of Dj Jester from my University of Windsor days, and to see him still going strong is a testament to the fact that Jester somehow manages to maintain his position as one of North America’s most sought after club DJs and a highly respected producer/remixer.

“That Slow Jam Party began in 2016 with a modest gathering of 75 people, but its unique vibe quickly caught on,” shared Jester. “Over time, the event grew steadily, drawing in more attendees each year as word spread. We realized we had created something truly special. This success allowed us to expand our horizons and bring That Slow Jam Party to an international stage, with unforgettable events in England and various parts of the Caribbean.”

Like all good things, the night had to end. As the clock ticked closer to 10:00 pm, I savoured those final moments. I jumped back on the GO Train, a little tired but filled with a sense of joy and contentment. I left with more than I came with—new friends, wonderful memories, and a reminder of just how beautiful these moments of connection can be.

Toronto is home to some of the most extraordinary talent and curates some of the most incredible experiences! As summer kicks off, a big shout out to Union Station and the amazing team at That Slow Jam Party for getting us off to a fantastic start.  Let’s make this summer unforgettable! Until the next time. Until the next slow jam.