The SHINE Music Bursary

• Program: Music
• Age: 16 - 24
• Financial Need
• Province: Ontario

Originally known as the Jim Fay Music Bursary, SHINE was inaugurated in 2010 by the family and friends of Jim Fay. Native to Ireland but home in Toronto, Jim played guitar and mandolin and was an ardent fan and performer of Celtic, folk and acoustic music. Jim had always been very involved in Toronto’s music community and he consistently encouraged others to foster their musical pursuits. In 2008, Jim died of a heart attack just a few days shy of his 45th birthday. A music bursary to assist struggling young folk musicians seemed a fitting way in which to honour Jim’s memory.

In August 2013, the Toronto music community lost another great friend and talent. James Gray, a brilliant and versatile musician and long-time keyboard player for Blue Rodeo, died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 52. His family and friends held a tribute concert at the Dakota Tavern to celebrate his life. Many performers took part and people were so generous that James’ family found they had raised a significant amount of money. We are very grateful that they chose to donate that money to the SHINE Music Bursary. Since that beginning, the Gray family have become integrally involved with SHINE, and their on-going involvement and generosity have almost doubled SHINE’s ability to reach and to support struggling young musicians in the GTA.

In March 2014, the Toronto musical community suffered another great loss when Doug Queen suddenly and tragically lost his life at the age of 49, leaving behind his wife and two young sons. Doug was an accomplished song-writer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, and was a member of the Toronto rock/bluegrass band Jughead, which included his twin brother Andrew. Their hit single “Hockey Song” earned them a gold record and can be heard at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Doug was also an exceptional teacher, and is greatly missed at Brock Public School where he taught music for 18 years. Since 2016, the SHINE circle widened to welcome Doug’s family and friends into the fold, and together we are pleased to be able to help honour Doug’s memory by offering the Douglas Queen Memorial Bursary.

Funding for the SHINE Music Bursary is raised through our annual SHINE! Concert and through generous donations from individuals and groups. Donations are welcome throughout the year and can be made by clicking on the Donate Now button.

Candidates wishing to apply may do so at any time throughout the year. Applications received by 30 November will be considered for this year by our Selection Committee, made up of music industry professionals, performers and youth agency workers, among others. This year’s award(s) will be announced early in the new year and will be presented at the next SHINE! concert fundraising event. Applications received after the 30 November submission deadline will be considered among the following years’ applications.