The TD Toronto Jazz Festival: 101

*By Erin Nicole Davis*

The annual TD Toronto Jazz Festival has kicked off on a high note, returning to the city to offer no shortage of both free and ticketed world-class entertainment. The 10-day affair (June 22-July 1) fills both iconic Toronto concert halls and breezy outdoor venues with the sweet sounds of the world’s greatest jazz, soul, and R&B musicians – 1500 of them.

With so many artists, shows, and venues, the festival is a massive, city-spanning initiative – and one that can feel a tad overwhelming for the eager festival newbie. So, we thought we’d help your cause with a 101 on the TD Toronto Jazz Festival…

It’s A Big Deal

In its 30-plus year history as a Toronto summer staple, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival has become known as North America’s premier jazz festival. As always, the highly respected event subsequently attracts some of the biggest performers in the world. This year, these include chart-topper Macy Gray, Canadian jazz sensation Holly Cole, British soul singer Seal, blues and soul legend Bettye LaVette, jazz master Herbie Hancock, 27-time GRAMMY Award-winner Alison Krauss, and vocalist Gregory Porter (just to name a few).

It’s Produced By A Canadian Registered Charity

The TD Jazz Festival is presented by Toronto Downtown Jazz, a Canadian registered charity, and relies on hundreds of volunteers to continue to thrive year after year. Throughout its existence, the festival has contributed over $570 million to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) economy and exposed countless festival-goers to the talents of both seasoned and up-and-coming Canadian musicians and other respected artists from around the globe.

There Are Free Shows

Taking in some quality live music doesn’t have to dent the wallet; in fact, it doesn’t have to cost a cent. The TD Toronto Jazz Festival will feature some 150 free shows over its 10-day span, making for a cheap date night or budget-friendly family outing. Opening Weekend kicks off with free performances by Macy Gray, CeCe Winans, NO BS! Brass Band, and Jake Clemons, among others.

Bloor-Yorkville Is The Hub

For the second year, Bloor-Yorkville will become an expanded festival area, offering free programming to guests. You can expect performances on the OLG Stages in the Village of Yorkville Park on Cumberland Street (where guests can bring their own portable chairs), on Hazelton Avenue, and on Yorkville Avenue. Other Bloor-Yorkville venues range from swanky restaurants like One in the Hazelton Hotel and Sassafraz, to the Church of the Redeemer and Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. With its proximity to TTC stations, bars, cafes, and shopping, the choice of Bloor-Yorkville as a hub is a definitely a convenient one.

Experience Toronto’s Most Iconic Music Venues

In addition to the hub in Bloor-Yorkville, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival will also hit ticketed venues, including some of Toronto’s most iconic and storied spots. This means venues like the Danforth Music Hall, The Rex Jazz & Blues Bar, Horseshoe Tavern, Phoenix Concert Theatre, and the Sony Centre.  

It Spotlights Canadian Talent

Over the past 30 years, Toronto Downtown Jazz has presented over 33,000 artists, 85 per cent of whom were Canadian – and this year marks no exception when it comes to Canadian content. In partnership with CBC Music and the JUNOS, on Saturday, June 30, eight acts – each having received a JUNO nomination or won a JUNO Award – will rotate between the stages in Yorkville.

It Fosters Emerging Talent

This year, the festival will feature its first-ever Industry Showcase to highlight the talents of up-and-coming artists. On Monday, June 25, 6:30 p.m. at the Pilot Tavern, four Toronto acts from diverse musical backgrounds will perform for both invited guests and members of the general public. Acts include indie-soul singer AHI with his quartet; soulful songwriter Nefe with her trio; O’Pears co-creator Lydia Persaud with her trio; and jazz group Collective Order.

It Is Social

The TD Toronto Jazz Festival isn’t just about consuming music, but also converging with like-minded fellow arts-lovers. The organization has partnered with the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) to host a special edition of their Friday Night Live event series on June 22, turning the museum into a jazz hub filled with well-heeled, cocktail clinking guests. Jazz and swing from throughout the decades will fill the walls of the historic museum as it is transformed into a giant jazz club.

It Requires Some Advance Planning

With so many shows at such a variety of venues across the city, making sure you see the performances you really want to requires some strategy. The TD Toronto Jazz Festival website is neatly divided into categories to let users browse by date, artist, and venue. Word of advice: don’t wait until the last-minute to book the ticketed shows – they will sell out.

For more info about the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and to snag tickets, head here.