TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival Line-up

The TD Canada Trust Toronto Downtown Festival is, as usual, a mix of the old and new. Tried and tested performers come back to make Torontonians happy all over again. New blood adds essence and lends balance and among those making their appearances for the first time are singers Matt Dusk, Madeline Peyroux, Roberta Gambarini who is from Italy, and Keren Ann. Ed Thigpen, Arturo Sandoval, Octurn, a tentet from Brussels, flautist Anne Drummond are also in the mix.

Among those making a welcome return are Kenny Barron and the Italian Instabile Orchestra. Also on hand to add to the thrill are Bela Fleck, Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc Ponty, Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman, Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor and Dr. John.

To be sure Canadian artists will be given their due with the night of July 1 given over to Real Divas, nine singers giving vent to emotion in song. Among the other Canadian performers are guitarist Tim Postgate, singers Melissa Stylianou, Julie Mahendran, and Sophie Milman, and multi-instrumentalist, composer Glen Hall. More details are on the web site.

New for this year is the BenQ World Stage which will feature performers from India, Pakistan, Japan, Cuba, East & West Africa, the Caribbean,

The Festival offers the Movado Festival Pass with access to all Mainstage concerts at Nathan Phillips Square for C$280.50 and to any Mainstage shows for C$115. There is the Organ Series pass as well for admission to performances by the Tony Monaco Trio and Dr. Lonnie Liston Smith for C$40. Call Ticketmaster at 416-870-8000 for tickets.