Garvia Bailey

I believe in the power of stories, and my passion has always been in helping others share theirs.

I am a co-founder of the Jazzcast.ca, a scrappy, smart, community driven platform for jazz enthusiasts and those who like to dig into the stories of the colourful musicians who inhabit that world. Before founding jazzcast, I was host of Good Morning, Toronto on JazzFM.91. Prior to that, I spent 10 years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as an arts journalist/producer, and broadcaster. My career in media began when I was hired as a producer and writer for a groundbreaking startup media company called Channel Zero, making independent documentaries from around the world. While with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, I served as the host of a variety of radio programs, including Big City Small World and Canada Live, as a columnist for Metro Morning and as a contributor at cbcmusic.ca, CBC Television, as well as a producer on the documentary programs Global Village and Outfront. As a freelancer I have contributed to Out In the Open and Tapestry, Sunday Edition among others. I have been tapped as a commentator on CBC’s flagship news program, The National. Throughout my career in broadcasting I have turned the spotlight on emerging talent from across the GTA and I have also interviewed many celebrated international artists including cultural pundit Roxane Gay, author Lawrence Hill, author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, director John Singleton, actor Chris Tucker, jazz icon Tony Bennett among many others. I am a regular host/moderator for the Toronto Public Library,Hot Docs, TOLive and others. I pride myself on bringing wit, warmth and curiosity to my interviews, qualities that set me apart as an interviewer, broadcaster and onstage host.

I’m pleased to have recently joined the jury pool for the prestigious Canadian Hillman Prize, honouring the best in investigative journalism.

I’m currently working on my own major photo/storytelling exhibit with photographer Justin Morris, an upcoming book-focused podcast with the Toronto Public Library and will curate a Curious Minds Series for Hot Docs for the summer of 2020. I continue to work on various projects with the award winning multi-media production company Pop Sandbox as a writer and producer.

Did I mention that I’m a co-founder and host/producer of jazzcast.ca. It's worth mentioning twice.