Jazz has evolved plenty since originated in the early 20th century. Today, there are 55 genres within the Jazz tradition, bebop to Cubop, cool jazz to smooth jazz, Latin jazz, Gypsy jazz, and the list goes on. The blows on brass pluck on a string, and thumps on percussion instruments make melodic mood music. Adding in sultry singing spices up the instrumentals and allows you to sink into the songs.
In its honour, Toronto hosts one of North America’s leading annual jazz festivals. It began in 1987 as an eight-day tribute to jazz and has turned into a 10-day celebration bringing in more than 500,000 devoted patrons. Over 350 performances and 1,500 musicians play at 40 locations across the region of Toronto. Commemorating its 26th year, the event will take place from June 22nd through July 1st.
The center of the festival is located at Metro Square (221 King Street West South side of King Street West, between Simcoe & John Streets, near Toronto furnished suites) in the middle of the Entertainment District. An extraordinary 1,200 seats fully-licensed Mainstage Marquee and the outdoor stage are where many marvelous events are offered for FREE.
Music lovers and some of the greatest jazz celebrities from around the world make it their objective to attend this festival. This accentuates its status as a leader in artistic brilliance and exceptional creative standards. Its continued success and growth enhance Canada’s international reputation. People flock to furnished condo rentals to relax before and after the fest.
According to www.torontojazz.com,
Over the past 26 years, Toronto Downtown Jazz has:
Presented over 25,000 artists, 85% of whom were Canadian
Presented over 1,900 free public events
Contributed over $420 million to the GTA economy
Been blessed with over 58,500 hours contributed by volunteers
Welcomed over 8.5 million people to the Festival
*Toronto short term apartments can provide somewhere to stay for those visiting Canada.
Tickets for special guest performances by Natalie Cole, Roy Hargrove, and Ziggy Marley, and many more artists start at $45.
Other features of the festival include:
Jewellery@jazz: a 10-day open-air market featuring more than a dozen jewelers, artists, and craftspeople, at Nathan Phillips Square.
Groove and Graffiti: workshops lead by Mediah and Elicser, two of Toronto’s top aerosol artists, talents are showcased on July 1st at Metro Square.
So, whether you’re into ragtime, acid blues, modal jazz, or jazz-funk, all you cool Kats sure to have fun at this festival!