Jazz festival offers something for every music fan to love
If you love live music, especially if you love jazz, mark your calendar for the 29th edition of the Markham Jazz Festival. The main festival happens Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, with additional Jazz Hot Spots on patios and in restaurants around Markham before and during the event.
More than 30 one-hour performances are set to take place on multiple outdoor stages up and down Unionville’s Main Street. On both days, music starts at noon and runs throughout the day. All are free to attend.
Each stage has its own character. Loyal fans know to visit the patio of the award-winning Varley Art Gallery to hear diverse trios and quartets. They make sure to descend the stairs to the lush McKay Wine & Beer Garden, behind the heritage McKay Art Centre house at 197 Main Street, to hear lively groups entertain. And, they look forward to seeing larger bands and headline acts at the iconic Millennium Bandstand. Music there goes well into Saturday evening, and on Sunday, it wraps up by 7 p.m.
Artistic Director Ernesto Cervini, himself a Juno-winning band leader, composer and educator, knows that each fan has their own favourites. “This year’s lineup reflects the incredible depth and diversity of jazz in Canada and beyond. From internationally acclaimed performers to rising stars, from straight-ahead jazz and swing to Latin, funk, soul, and music that defies easy categorization, we’ve worked hard to create a program that offers something for every listener.”
This year’s luminaries include Juno winner Ranee Lee, featured on Saturday evening, followed by the vibrant soul band U.N. Jefferson. Sunday’s final performance is by renowned Latin star Amanda Martinez and her exceptional band.
Both days, visitors can stop mid-street to hear the jubilant swing and Dixieland sounds of The Tap Room Gang and The West End Riverboat Band.
Of course, there’s lots to see and do as you stroll between stages. Visit the shops and restaurants of Main Street, as well as selected craft and community vendors. Pose with friends at the photo booth in front of the McKay Art Centre. Take a relaxing walk around Toogood Pond.
New this year is The Hub, a meet-up and refresh centre near Crosby Arena where visitors can check the schedule, get directions, connect with friends and relax between performances.
Also new is a special Jazz Matins performance, hosted by the Central United Church, located at 131 Main Street just south of the GO tracks. It starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 23 and features pianist Mike Janzen with bassist George Koller.
To reduce traffic and parking concerns, Markham Jazz Festival offers a free, continuously running shuttle bus service into Unionville from Unionville High School (201 Town Centre Blvd.), starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For details on performers, schedules and services, visit markhamjazzfestival.com.
Photo: Kaiso Street Collective is a new ensemble comprising some of Toronto’s most exciting improvisors and composers. They perform at Markham Jazz Festival on August 23. (Photo courtesy of Mariano Rojas)