Toronto Jazz Festival - Free Concert Lineup
Information on the 10 day free concert lineup at Nathan Phillips square
Some of the biggests names in Jazz are coming to town June 18th to 29th for North America's premier jazz festival which is produced annually by the Toronto Downtown Jazz. The TD Toronto Jazz festival began in 1987 as an eight-day showcase of jazz which now attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days. Attractions include more than 350 performances with over 1,500 musicians performing at 40 locations around Toronto with the Nathan Phillips square being the main hub for the attraction, hosting a variety of free concerts.
Nathan Phillips Square
The ever so popular Nathan Phillips Square will be transformed into a musical oasis as jazz legends, big bands, and the next generation of icons take centre stage for nine days. The free concerts would be performed at two locations within the Nathan Phillips square; the outdoor stage and the Toronto Star stage. Here is a full rundown of the all the performing artist and when they would be performing so you can plan your jazz festival lineup.
Location One - The Outdoor Stage
There is no better way to enjoy a summer afternoon than soak up on some sweet jazz. Walk with a chair or maybe a blanket get comfortable or if you are the shaker, shake your stuff to the sweet sounds of music.
Free Concert Lineup
Fri Jun 19 5:00pm
Dumpstaphunk - soulful melodies mixed with complex funk and jazz arrangements these soldiers of funk are fresh out of New Orleans.
Fri Jun 19 6:30pm
Morris Day & The Time - this group is responsible for the generation of infectious music and riveting performances that inspire the audience to get up and move! This same group was cast in "Purple Rain," which captured the exploding Minneapolis music scene at its peak.
Sat Jun 20 6:30pm
Shuffle Demonsn - playing a mixture of funk jazz, hard bop jazz and jazz rap this crowd pleasing full musical group loves to parade through the audience wearing spectacular hand painted suits.
Sun Jun 21 2:00pm
RPSM animates the square - Dave Clark and his Woodshed Orchestra will lead you on a raucous, romping march through Nathan Phillips Square to the sounds of steel pan. After the concert the audience would be invited to try the instruments for themselves to learn the basics of steel pan.
Sun Jun 21 6:30pm
Jivebombers - their name speaks for themselves be ready to jive.
Mon Jun 22 6:30pm
Soul Understated featuring Mavis 'Swan' Poole - the down-deep soul with a hint of hip hop all infused into one harmonious body, just perfect for any musical appetite.
Tue Jun 23 6:30pm
Chelsea McBride's Socialist Night School - this 18-piece big band pushes the jazz tradition forward with their original compositions and arrangements that are heavily influenced by socialism, pop music, ECM-style jazz and the majesty and mystery of nature.
Wed Jun 24 6:30pm
Ikebe Shakedown - powerful instrumental soul takes “big unison horns, slinky bass lines, tight little guitar licks—and blends them with tasty grooves culled from '70s-style horn-driven funk (WNYC Soundcheck).”
Thu Jun 25 6:30pm
Hilario Duran & Ignacio Berroa - Afro Cuban Jazz & Beyond - a beautiful blend of African, Caribbean rhythms with jazz giving rise to Afro-Cuban Jazz melodies.
Fri Jun 26 6:30pm
Malika Tirolien - a powerful stage performer, from Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba to one of eight on the Grammy winning release Snarky Puppy’s Family Dinner. Her performances are legendary and much to talk about.
Sat Jun 27 2:00pm
York University Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Mike Cado feat. Kevin Turcotte.
KEVIN TURCOTTE universally recognized as one of Canada's major trumpet talents and a prominent player with an impressive list of recording and touring credentials.
Sat Jun 27 2:45pm
JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band - this ban consists of exceptional middle and secondary school students who receive regular workshops on improvisation, ensemble playing and jazz techniques from some of the foremost Canadian music educators and musicians.
Sat Jun 27 3:30pm
Victor Vrankulj Quintet
Sat Jun 27 6:30pm
Raoul and the Big Time - an energetic mix of Chicago, Hollywood and Toronto Blues.
Location Two - Toronto Star Stage (lunchtime concerts)
Pack a brown bag lunch, grab a friend or two and enjoy your lunch break grooving to some smooth jazz. This is a covered venue so rain or shine the concert is on!
Sat Jun 20 12:30pm
Tyler Yarema & His Rhythm - this “Must See” performer is an award winning Piano Player, Singer and Composer.
Sun Jun 21 12:30pm
Toronto Mass Choir - a mixture of traditional gospel, contemporary gospel and Caribbean music, this group is unique to Canada with cutting edge performances.
Mon Jun 22 12:30pm
Jim Galloway's Wee Big Band under the direction of Martin Loomer - this years’ performance would be paying tribute to Jim Galloway - the co-founder of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival who passed away in December.
Tue Jun 23 12:30pm
Patricia Cano - the traveling artist with le Théâtre du Soleil.
Wed Jun 24 12:30pm
Ian McDougall 12-tet - a collection of Juno and Grammy award-winning/nominated Canadian artists dubbed the “ true jazz super-group”
Thu Jun 25 12:30pm
Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra featuring Ingrid Jensen - “an original voice on the international jazz scene... [and] one of Canada’s most compelling composers,” Mark Miller of the Globe and Mail
Fri Jun 26 12:30pm
Bobby Rice Latin Jazz Big Band - one of Canada’s finest Latin jazz big bands.
Sat Jun 27 12:30pm
Youth Jazz Showcase - this is a performance of the three groups featuring emerging jazz artist from across the country and around the world.
Calling all Jazz fans and friends of Jazz fans, come out this Summer for an unforgettable musical experience, whether its under the city skies or on a lunch break the place to be is at the Nathan Phillips square. Paid concerts are also being hosted at this and other locations across the city, for more information on the paid concerts check out the Toronto Jazz website.
