Pass the Torch – Passing the Culture to the Next Generation

On Sunday, June 9, 2019 and June 16, 2019 Pass The Torch will give honour to Mr. Dick Lochan affectionately known as “De Juice Man”.

Pass The Torch (PTT) is a non profit program, is the brain child of John Jayson Perez, known in the calypso world. Jayson received a Juno award in 1991 and he has won numerous titles and awards since he started singing calypso in 1983. Jayson single handedly started the program in 2004 and subsequently encouraged Dick Lochan to assist him as a tutor with PTT. Dick remained involved with the program up to when he died.

Jayson started instructing the students from his home and then moved to a city of Toronto Community Centre in Malvern. The program teaches children and youth various aspects of Caribbean culture, with an emphasis on calypso composing and performing. The goal is to enhance the self esteem of the learners and to help them build confidence through performing publicly. Over 11 CDs of the students’ work have been produced, under the musical supervision of renowned band leader Ossie Gurley.

Pass the Torch has been involved with numerous children in the GTA, as Jayson and Dick took a village approach to caring and building with the parents of the program. Some of the children have gone on to become recording artists, fall in love with the arts or just remain connected with the Pass the Torch family.

“In the spirit of Caribana and the Carnival it is time for us all to come together and celebrate in unity” says Jayson Perez – organizer of Pass the Torch.

Pass the Torch will celebrate 15 years of making sweet, sweet music in the east end of Toronto, by sharing the skills to write, compose and arrange music at 55 Nugget Avenue – Twilight Banquet Hall from 5:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. Two junior calypso tents will be held on June 9 and 16 and the 1st Junior Calypso Monarch Competition will be held on July 21, 2019. The winner will walk away with prizes, recordings of their work and major accolades across the Greater Toronto Area.

“I take great pride in helping the younger generation to write and compose calypso and soca. It brings me great joy to reminisce and celebrate the legacy Dick Lochan has provided us to enjoy today! He has helped to take our culture across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, while keeping Trinidad and Tobago culture, calypso and kaiso music relevant in 2019. As the leader of Pass the Torch, I look forward to passing the torch for another fifteen years and more, as we play mas, enjoy pan, jump up in unity and wave our rag” says Jayson Perez – De Master.

Pass the Torch is proud to present on July 21, 2019 at its 15th Anniversary the First Junior Calypso Competition in North America.

Live Performances from Pannist, Roots and Branches, Humming Bird Drummers alongside the Junior Calypsonians. The event is Hosted by: Masahda aka SAHDA and DJ Red X

Come out and experience Pass the Torch, Sunday, June 9, 2019 and Sunday, June 16, 2019 at

Twilight Banquet Hall – 55 Nugget Avenue, M1S 4A4

For more information contact:

(647) 857 – 1566