On Friday, June 20th the city will reverberate with the sounds of jazz as more than 50 venues play host to the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, June 20 - June 29. From downtown to uptown, the east side to the west side, over 350 concerts will take place offering something for every budget. Get the most out of this year's Festival and enjoy a little bit of jazz or a whole lot of jazz.
Insider Tip #1: Free daily concerts at Nathan Phillips Square, at 12 Noon (1pm on weekends) and again at 5pm (4pm on weekends) will satisfy any budget. Featuring music such as swing, Latin, Big Band to straight-ahead jazz, these free concerts offer something for every taste.
Insider Tip #2: For something a little more intimate, where the jazz is also free, visit The Rex Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen St. West) and Whistler's Grille & Cafe (995 Broadview Ave.). The Rex offers free afternoon concerts during the weekends. Or listen to jazz on the patio at Whistler's with no cover charge, featuring performances from Holly Clark Trio, Bob Erlendson Quartet and Havana Blues Trio.
Insider Tip #3: The club scene offers an inexpensive alternative way to experience the Jazz Festival. Clubs such as Supermarket, The Pilot and Dominion on Queen offer minimal cover charges and an excellent line-up. Everything from The National Parcs to Ryan Shaw, Julie Michels to Luis Mario Ochoa, they have it covered for an affordable night on the town.
Insider Tip #4: Some of the best music played is not found in any programme book. At late-night after-hour clubs, musicians jam and produce some of the best impromptu concerts one will ever hear. From Wynton Marsalis to Roy Hargrove to Kenny Garrett, all have graced the local club scene jamming with Toronto's finest. Dominion On Queen, The Rex, Supermarket and Lolita's Lust will all be open until 4am with extended liquor license.
Insider Tip #5: Willing to forgo the view for the sake of the music? The Peace Garden at Nathan Phillips Square is always open as a cheap and cheerful alternative to the Mainstage concerts. Jazz under the stars, in the garden with a few friends, is a must-do on the Festival experience list.
To get the most of the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival there are a few concerts that are worth the price of admission and cannot be missed. Soul legend Al Green (June 19) tops the list, while Michel Legrand (June 28) makes a rare Canadian appearance this summer. Perennial Festival favourite Dave Brubeck (July 2) returns with a Big Band while Maceo Parker (June 20) and Marcus Miller (June 26) funk things up.
Whether on a shoestring budget or in need of a jazzy indulgence, the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival has something for any budget.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
