Jef Kearns: The Soul Flutist Redefining Live Entertainment in Toronto
Welcome to our new monthly series celebrating the extraordinary musicians who make events unforgettable. Every First Friday, we spotlight an artist who brings something unexpected to the stage.
Introducing: First Friday Features
At The DNA Project, we work with Canada's most talented and unique musicians. This monthly series shines a spotlight on the artists who transform ordinary events into extraordinary experiences. From virtuoso instrumentalists to genre-bending performers, these are the musicians who make our clients' celebrations truly memorable.
When Flute Meets Hip-Hop: A Musical Revolution
If you think the flute belongs exclusively in orchestras, classical ensembles, or elementary school music class, Jef Kearns is about to completely change your mind.
The Toronto-based soul flutist has spent over 30 years on a singular mission that started when he was just 10 years old. While other kids dreamed of drums or electric guitars, young Jef inexplicably chose the flute. But as he jammed to R&B and stared at a Lionel Richie cassette on his bedroom floor, he made himself a promise: "It's my mission to make the flute the star."
Three decades later, that mission has been accomplished in spectacular fashion. Jef's viral cover of Warren G's "Regulate" has amassed nearly 250,000 views on YouTube and earned recognition from XXL Magazine in their feature "20 Covers of Hip-Hop Songs Using Instruments." His cover of Kanye West's "Slow Jamz" was spotlighted by Mashable. These aren't just novelty performances—they're masterclasses in musical reimagination.
Jef Kearns' viral cover of Warren G's "Regulate" - nearly 250K views
Why Event Planners and Clients Love Jef Kearns
As curators of premium live entertainment for over 1,000 events across Toronto and beyond, we've worked with countless musicians. What makes Jef stand out isn't just his technical mastery—it's his ability to command a room the way a lead vocalist or saxophone soloist would, but with an instrument most people have never heard used this way.
The Versatility Factor
One of the biggest challenges in event entertainment is finding artists who can genuinely adapt to different audiences and moments within the same event. Jef's repertoire demolishes this challenge entirely:
- Hip-hop and R&B covers that get millennial and Gen Z guests excited and dancing during cocktail hours
- Bollywood classics perfect for multicultural weddings and South Asian celebrations
- Original compositions from his chart-topping albums that provide sophisticated background ambiance
- Collaborative performances with vocalists that add another dimension to entertainment packages
Jef's Bollywood cover of "Pee Loon" showcases his cultural versatility
Recognition from Industry Leaders
Jef's talent hasn't gone unnoticed by music industry professionals. WCLK Atlanta's Jamal Ahmed, host of the syndicated program "The S.O.U.L. of Jazz," dubbed him one of "the dopest flautists in the game right now." His 2020 EP Jazzy AF hit the #1 position on Jazziz Magazine's listener-voted new release chart "Inside Track," and his 2024 album Deep Cover 1970s achieved the same chart-topping success.
250,000+
YouTube views on viral hip-hop flute covers
Perfect Event Applications for a Soul Flutist
When we recommend Jef Kearns to clients, we're typically solving very specific entertainment challenges. Here are the scenarios where he absolutely shines:
Cocktail Hours
Sophisticated energy that keeps conversations flowing while creating memorable moments
Corporate Events
Unexpected entertainment that becomes a conversation starter and brand differentiator
Multicultural Weddings
Seamlessly bridges cultural traditions with contemporary interpretations
Private Celebrations
Bespoke performances that reflect personal style and musical preferences
The Corporate Event Advantage
For corporate clients at venues like the Omni King Edward Hotel or Westin Harbour Castle, Jef provides something invaluable: memorability without being disruptive. He can perform during networking sessions, product launches, or gala dinners, creating an upscale atmosphere that attendees will talk about long after the event. The novelty of a soul flutist performing hip-hop classics becomes part of your event's brand story.
The Wedding Wild Card
Modern couples want their weddings to feel personal and unexpected. Jef's ability to perform everything from classical ceremony music to Bollywood reception entertainment to hip-hop after-party vibes means he can literally score an entire wedding day. We've seen guests go from tears during a beautiful original composition to absolute joy when they recognize "Regulate" being played on a flute during cocktails.
"Jai Ho" - another example of Jef's mastery of Bollywood repertoire
What Sets Jef Apart from Traditional Flutists
Traditional flute performances often feature long, flowing melodic lines and classical interpretations. Jef's approach is fundamentally different: he plays with punchy, powerful statements that mirror the energy of a saxophone or lead vocalist. As he puts it, "No endless noodling—just powerful, punchy statements." This makes his music accessible to audiences who might normally tune out instrumental performances.
The DNA Project Difference: Curated Entertainment Expertise
Since 2014, The DNA Project has been curating exceptional entertainment for Toronto's most discerning clients. We don't just book musicians—we architect musical experiences that align perfectly with your event's goals, audience, and atmosphere.
Working with artists like Jef Kearns is what we do best. We understand which moments in your event need sophisticated background music versus when you want something that commands attention. We know how to blend traditional expectations with surprising elements that make your event stand out.
Our Consultation Process
When you're considering unique talent like a soul flutist for your Toronto event, our consultation helps you:
- Determine the ideal performance duration and timing within your event flow
- Customize the setlist to match your audience demographics and preferences
- Coordinate with other entertainment elements for a cohesive experience
- Manage technical requirements and venue coordination
- Create the right balance between surprise and sophistication
Book Jef Kearns for Your Toronto Event
Whether you're planning a corporate gala at a downtown Toronto venue, a luxury wedding at a boutique estate, or an intimate private celebration, Jef Kearns represents the kind of entertainment that transforms good events into unforgettable experiences.
His 2024 album Deep Cover 1970s showcases his ability to modernize and revitalize classics in a "creative yet highly respectful way"—exactly the balance you want when entertaining diverse audiences who span generations and musical preferences. Find Jef on instagram at @JefKearns
Ready to Feature Jef Kearns at Your Event?
Let's discuss how we can bring Toronto's soul flutist to your next celebration. Our team will help you create the perfect entertainment experience tailored to your vision.
Book a ConsultationComing Next Month: First Friday Feature
Stay tuned for our next First Friday Feature, where we'll spotlight another exceptional musician from our curated network. From classical virtuosos to contemporary genre-benders, we're committed to showcasing the artists who make Toronto's entertainment scene extraordinary.
Have a favorite musician you'd like us to feature? Let us know when you book your consultation.
About The DNA Project Inc.
Established in 2014, The DNA Project is Toronto's premier entertainment consulting company, having curated live music and complete entertainment packages for over 1,000 events. We specialize in matching exceptional talent with discerning clients for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations at Toronto's finest venues.
