It's the Vancouver International Jazz Festival this week and we are thrilled to be hosting artist workshops at Tom Lee Music, featuring some of the festival and city's most diverse talents. DJ O Show is a proudly Afro-Indigenous member of the Squamish Nation and winner of the 2022 International Indigenous Hip Hop Award for DJ of the Year. We had a chance to speak with her about her journey into jazz music, her inspirations and her dream collaborations.

Tell us about your experience/history with the Vancouver Jazz Festival.
I was born and raised in North Vancouver and have heard and attended the Vancouver Jazz Festival for years. I’m so grateful to be a part of it now and seeing all of the incredible artists performing this year is amazing! Some of them are friends of mine and I've worked with them too! It’s awesome to see it all come to full circle.

Tell us about the workshop are hosting.
I am hosting a 1 hr workshop on June 27th. In this workshop, people will learn about my 12-year journey with Music and DJing in my home city of Vancouver and a basic DJ lesson to inspire more folks to DJ. There will never be enough DJs.

What has been your journey into jazz music and what inspired you to pursue this genre?
I think Jazz is a huge part of many genres, including Hip-Hop and R&B. I think it is important to know about the history of Jazz because it is a huge component of where music is at today.

How would you describe the Vancouver Jazz Scene?
I think it's great, especially in the summertime. People love live Jazz Shows and I have already seen some of the Jazz Festivals Shows packed because of it.
 

Which artists have inspired you most over your career?
I remember when I was 10 years old, my cousin took me to a SWV concert at The Plaza of Nations. This was the first concert I had seen live and they were incredible I think they started my infatuation about being a performer. SWV is still touring the world and I hope to see them (and work with them) one day soon. I've also been inspired by local DJs in Vancouver who have been doing it for over 20 years now, they've never lost a beat in their step.  Shout out to DJ Flip Out, DJ Marvel, DJ Kenya, and DJ Leanne.

Tell us about your Squamish nation and Afro-indigenous cultural influence in your work.
My Mother is from the Squamish Nation and my Father is African-American from Gary, IN. In my upbringing, I've been exposed to two different cultures at the same time. I don't think many folks get to do that in their lives and I think it had/has an influence on me to this day. From traditional Squamish songs to my grandmother playing the piano at church in Gary, IN. Two different cultures, with many similarities that I feel lucky to embrace every day.

Are there any rituals/routines that help you prepare for a performance?
One of my aunts from the Squamish Nation calls me before a big performance to ask me where my head is at. It's become a ritual that I look forward to. I also still get a little nervous and I think that's okay. I always say, that if it wasn't important to me, I don't think that would happen. Embrace the nerves and go on with The O Show.

Who would be your dream collaborator?
Janet Jackson!! Her performances are unique and she is still touring today in 2024. Not only am I one of her hugest fans, but my dad and her grew up in Gary, IN, so when that dream collaboration happens, I will have so much to talk to her about.

Have you had any experience with the Tom Lee Music stores over the years as a customer and what was it like for you?
I think every musician can relate when you forget that one chord in your gig bag when you're on your way to a gig. Tom Lee Music has been a saviour when the rare time that happens. My experiences at the stores have been nothing but Great customer service, especially when they have that cord I need.

Since we are a music instrument store, we must ask – do you have your eye on an instrument that is currently on your wish list?
I have my eye on the Pioneer DJ CDJ 3000's. They're beautiful and would look even better in my home studio and are on my wish list.

What is next for you?
I'm currently working on an EP that will be out by the end of this year and I'm DJing the Pre-Game show at the BC Lions Game on June 27th. Check out www.djoshow.com for upcoming shows you don't want to miss.

Join us for DJ O Show's workshop on Thursday, June 27th at 1 pm at Tom Lee Music.  Don't miss her FREE Vancouver International Jazz Festival show on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 10:30 pm, taking place at Ocean Artworks in Granville Island!