By Gazette Staff

April 27th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Free-to-enter program open to performers aged 13 to 19 offers studio time, professional mentorship, and a path to the Burlington Music and Arts Festival stage.

The Burlington Centre Lions Club is inviting young musicians to apply for Ignite, a new youth music competition and artist development program for performers aged 13 to 19 who live or study in Burlington.

The application deadline has been extended to May 1, 2026. There is no fee to enter.

Selected finalists will perform at Music Hall: IGNITE on May 22 at Burlington Centre Lions Hall, 461 Pearl St., in a concert-style showcase featuring professional lighting and sound production. A panel of judges, including representatives from the Humber College Music Program, will evaluate each performance.

John Fanjoy, President of the Burlington Centre Lions Club, is addressing a meeting during which $100,000 was donated to community organizations.

“Ignite was created because we believe Burlington has incredible young musical talent that deserves a real stage and real support,” said John Fanjoy, President of the Burlington Centre Lions Club. “This program is about more than a competition. It is about connecting young artists with mentorship, professional experience, and a genuine pathway forward.”

Prizes and opportunities

 All selected finalists will receive two hours of studio practice time at B-Town Sound ahead of the May 22 showcase.

The winning act will receive:

• 

  Lakeshore Music and Arts Festival replaced what the City knew as the Sound of Music.

  A featured performance slot on the community stage at the Burlington Music and Arts Festival, presented by MRG, held Father’s Day weekend

• Eight hours of professional recording time at B-Town Sound
• Access to an annual scholarship opportunity at the Humber College Music Program, supported by the Burlington Lions Club

Scholarship and 50/50 draw

 Through Ignite, young artists are introduced to the Humber College Music Program and can access an annual scholarship funded by the Burlington Lions Club. The scholarship is designed to support Burlington youth who want to pursue music at the post-secondary level.

To support the scholarship fund, the Lions Club will host an online 50/50 draw. Tickets will be available at burlingtonlionsclub.ca. All proceeds will go directly to the Humber College scholarship program.

How to apply

 Ignite is open to solo artists, duos, and bands of all genres. Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 19 and live or study in Burlington. Applications are free and open at burlingtonlionsclub.ca/ignite until May 1, 2026.

Tickets for Music Hall: IGNITE on May 22 are on sale now and available at burlingtonlionsclub.ca.

About the Burlington Centre Lions Club

 The Burlington Centre Lions Club is a volunteer-driven community service organization serving Burlington, Ontario.

Through events, programs, and partnerships, the club supports local families, youth, and community initiatives year-round.