Women in Jazz Media: In Conversation with...Ashaine White talks to Céline Peterson

Women in Jazz Media: The Podcasts

In this episode Ashaine White talks to Céline Peterson

‘In terms of race and gender, it’s incredibly uneven, in every aspect of the industry. And the other thing I want through in there is age. I’m young, you’re young and we are not taken as seriously by older, white men in particular, and older white women…and I really can’t wrap my head around it! It’s infuriating. It’s definitely made been more difficult, being a young woman of colour. It’s like everything going against us in that sense’

Artist Representative and Producer Céline Peterson has presented concerts and given inspiring speeches all over the globe (Canada, The United States, Denmark, Barbados, Switzerland, and South America), and manages some of the most exciting jazz artists on the scene today, including JUNO Award winner Robi Botos, 2018 Ellis Marsalis Piano Competition winner Ben Paterson, and Member to the Order of Canada, Dr. Dave Young. She is a producer of the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, which takes place every September in the heart of downtown Toronto and over the course of 3 days and presents over 400 local artists in 24 venues to 5000+ patrons. Céline has also worked extensively with Coalition Canada and their Youth4Music initiative as an Ambassador. Céline has always been a proud ally to the up-and-coming generations of musicians, and along with her work at the Coalition, has done workshops at various schools including Durham College, and The Chicago Academy for the Arts.

​Céline’s career began over a decade ago when she started working in Social Media Management, a field in which she is still active. Her efforts and successes have put her at the top of the list for many artists who want to expand their online presence. It started when she created a Facebook page for her late Father, legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, which now serves as both a hub where his fans can gather and find endless content both personal and professional about one of the world’s most celebrated jazz artists, and as a platform where she chooses to showcase some of today’s up and coming artists in the jazz world.

"Céline Peterson is a brave and articulate champion for jazz. A valiant writer and speaker who works lovingly and tirelessly for the cause of dedicated musicians. Her brilliant mind and deep heart motivate her outspoken support for the present and future of music education. With honest humility and courage, she speaks the truth of the immeasurable importance for our evolving society to realize that jazz is a precious art form for us to invest ourselves in and to treat with care, dignity and devotion. I’m grateful for Céline’s encouragement of my efforts, because her sincerity won’t ever allow her to “pretend” where the sanctity of music is concerned. Céline is the real deal and the international jazz community is blessed by her humanity, soul and voice." - Benny Green, Pianist, Composer, and Educator

https://www.celinepeterson.com/