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TD Toronto Jazz Festival
June 2020 (dates to be announced) | Various venues | Official website
Delivering the sounds of the world’s greatest jazz musicians from the most intimate of venues to large concert halls, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival should be part of your summer calendar.
Enjoy live jazz performances at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival
Over 175 Free Performances Across Bloor-Yorkville
In its 30+ year history, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival has become known as one of North America’s premier jazz festivals. Ten days of performances, featuring a mix of free and ticketed shows around Toronto, offering a range of styles of music and venues from funky bars to elegant halls.
In 2019, the festival is centred in the Yorkville area for the third year. With walkable streets, several open air stages and plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, it’s an ideal spot to take in an afternoon or evening of music during the summer.
Major headline acts include Diana Ross on June 24 at the Meridian Hall (formerly Sony Centre), Makaya McCraven on June 22 at the Adelaide Hall and local favourite, Emilie-Clair Barlow on June 25 at The TELUS Centre for Performance & Learning. The Canadian acts represent a range of cultures and musical styles, in true Toronto fashion. On June 29 (the weekend before Canada Day!) see the Samba Drumming & Dance, Polskatonic, David Helbock’s Random/Control, Payadora Tango Ensemble and more.
Bloor Street will be closed on opening weekend (Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23) from Avenue Road to St. Thomas to make way for music and family activities. The legendary Downchild Blues Band will perform Saturday night as the headliner, with special guests Dan Aykroyd, Paul Shaffer, David Wilcox and more! On Sunday, the festival launches its first ever Gospel Sunday with the Toronto Mass Choir kicking things off at noon and then the Queen of Gospel Shirley Caesar at 2:30pm. Sunday evening, gears switch to jazz and hip-hop with a special performance by Shad who will present a curated evening featuring some risings stars: Oddisee & Good Compny, Elaquent and Melanie Charles.
