Catch the Next Wave in Toronto

The TD Canada Trust Downtown Toronto Jazz Festival presents The Next Wave Series, a fusion of live music and visual arts that will make your senses dance. Digital media artists accompany music as it is created to enhance your audio and visual experience.

All Next Wave Series performances will be at the National Film Board Cinema, 150 John St. @ 8 pm. This avant-garde series runs from Friday, June 24 to Wednesday, June 29 and includes a wide range of innovative and talented performers.

Ken Aldcroft’s Convergence Ensemble, Friday June 24 —The ensemble members keep the audience and each other on their toes by acting and reacting to spontaneous musical improv. The group blurs the line between compositions and improvisations drawing the audience into the performance.

Glen Hall Trio, Saturday June 25 —This dynamic trio combines emotion, intelligence and sensuality to create magical music. Many pieces performed will be from their newly released CD, Angels.

Geordie Haley’s Everytime Band, Sunday June 26—These Toronto based creative performers use improv to produce themes and visuals. This year’s theme will be the environment. Songs played will from The Green Suite and Other Stories.

Directions, Monday June 27 — This trio combines jazz, funk, house, Latin and popular music to create a unique and engaging sound. Their energetic music captivates audiences and is a favourite amongst DJ’s in Toronto’s club scene.

The Junk Orchestra, Tuesday June 28 — This five-some uses typical instruments to play a-typical music.

Askew and Avis, Wednesday June 29— A new art form is created when Askew and Avis perform using only their voices and looping technology. Working with UK sound extrordinaire, DJ Robin Mutnell, the group creates groove-based songs and soundscapes.

There will be more great jazz at the Alexander the Great Parkette where you can enjoy music from all around the world. The bands playing at the Greektown Sounds of Jazz are:

Hot Club Trio, Friday June 24, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Nick Ali Trio, Saturday June 25, 12 Noon – 3pm

Adam Solomon & Tikisa, Saturday June 25, 4pm – 7pm

Escola de Samba, Sunday June 26, 12 Noon – 3pm

Ken Fornetran Trio, Sunday June 26, 4pm – 7pm

Victor Bateman Trio, Monday June 27, 5:30 – 7:30pm

Archie Alleyne Trio, Tuesday June 28, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Doug Watson Trio, Wednesday June 29, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Tony Quarrington Trio, Thursday June 30, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Levon Ichkhanian Quartet, Friday July 1, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Luluk Purwanto & Helsdingen Trio, Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3, 12 Noon – 3pm

Syncona, Saturday July 2, 4pm – 7pm

Samba Squad, Sunday July 3, 4pm – 7pm