French speaking performers are a tour de force not to be missed at this year's 20th anniversary Festival. Breaking out of Europe and French Canada, the musicians hail from the Mediterranean and back and offer interpretations of Jazz through diverse French culture backdrops.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, The TD Canada Trust Jazz Festival features The French Connection Series. This impressive line-up includes an international profile of musicians performing at a variety of venues from the outdoor stage at Nathan Phillips Square to the intimate Pilot Tavern. The eclectic collection of Francophone and French artists of The French Connection Series is presented by Mouton Cadet Wines from Bordeaux in association with media partner, Radio-Canada, Radio and Television.
Bienvenue France! The Richard Galliano Trio, features the accordion genius leading an all-star trio that includes George Mraz on bass and Al Foster on drums, June 27 at Harbourfront Centre Theatre. The Belmondo Brothers, with Stephane on trumpet and Lionel on saxophone, lead a dazzling quintet of French musicians and are recognized as international players in the Jazz world. Belmondo are currently on tour with Yusef Lateef when they appear June 30 at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre. Complementing the French Connection series is the Canadian debut of sultry singer, Jehro. Direct from the independent music scene of Paris, his 'Caribbean Soul' style promises to evoke memories of the Mediterranean when he opens for Seu Jorge on June 30th at Harbourfront's Concert Stage.
In honour of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day Francophones and Anglophones alike are invited to celebrate with a touch of jazz when the Festival plays host to a free afternoon performance at Nathan Phillips Square by Bernard Primeau and his Jazz Ensemble. A gifted drummer, Primeau is a pillar of jazz in Quebec, and his band plays an energetic and refreshingly modern acoustic jazz, which will give a Gallic flavour to Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day June 24.
Alongside favourite Quebecois performers like international jazz pianist Lorraine Desmarais, appearing July 1 and 2 at The Pilot with Tiger Okoshi, and rising singer/guitarist/songwriter, Roxanne Potvin, opening for the Neville Brothers, June 28 at Harbourfront is a Quebec specialty of another kind. Poutine is available a la carte for Festival goers on-site craving a snack
Alain Caron is the featured bass player in the Mike Stern band. He also writes and produces his own music for Le Band, touring to appreciative audiences around the world. Hear him at The Pilot at 9:00 and 11:00 on July 24. Award winning singer Michel Berube performs June 28 as part of the Cabaret Series at Young Centre for the Performing Arts, and on June 25 at Harbourfront, The Maple Blues Review play first rate Canadian blues, featuring Montreal singer, Dawn Tyler Watson.
The French Connection Series
June 24 1:00pm
Bernard Primeau Jazz Ensemble Nathan Phillips Square - Free
June 24 9 & 11pm
Mike Stern Band feat. Alain Caron The Pilot Tavern - $20
June 25 8:00pm
Maple Blues Review Harbourfront Concert Stage - $15
June 27 8:00pm
Richard Galliano Trio Harbourfront Centre Theatre - $20
June 28 9:00pm
Michel Brub Tank House Theatre - $15
June 28 8:00pm
Roxanne Potvin/Neville Brothers Harbourfront Concert Stage - $30
June 30 8:00pm
Yusef Lateef & Belmondo Harbourfront Centre Theatre - $20
July 1 & 2, 9pm
Tiger Okoshi & Lorraine Desmarais The Pilot Tavern - $15
June 30 8:00pm
Jehro / Seu Jorge Harbourfront Concert Stage - $21.50
Tickets are now available for all shows through Ticketmaster at (416) 870-8000 or www.ticketmaster.ca
The TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival will be cookin' for 10 days this summer when it takes over the city from June 23 - July 2, 2006. Bringing all that jazz for the past two decades, the festival is celebrating its twentieth anniversary with more than 1500 musicians performing over 350 concerts at more than 40 locations across the city.
For more information visit www.torontojazz.com
Media Contact: (416) 928-2033 x 30
Debbie Rix, [email protected]
Lisa Logan, [email protected]
For more information contact All About Jazz.
