Nathan Philips Square will be packed again starting this weekend with the return of the Toronto Jazz Festival! Some shows to watch for at NPS include Dianna Reeves, David Clayton-Thomas, Stanley Clarke, Galactic, Kenny Wayne Shepard, the amazing Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Lettuce, John Scofield Uberjam.
Plus they have some free admission shows , Lighthouse & Melissa Etheridge are there this weekend. Free shows continue daily for the duration of the festival on a few stages around the city.
Chaka Khan opens the festival this Thursday at The Sony Centre with Shemekia Copeland opening. That’s not all that Thursday has to offer though, several bars start up with Jazz Fest shows. The Jazz Bistro on Victoria starts with Mark Mclean feat. Kellylee Evans, The Dominion on Queen has Sean Dobbins Detroit Organ Quartet, Blackburn play Jo Mama’s, the list is extensive. The Dominion and a few other restaurant/bars have extended 4am closing times for the late owls.
I’ll be attending as many shows as I can fit in, documenting with the camera and catching the performers and happenings through out the festival, hope to see you down there. Stay tuned via RSS or come back soon for photos and reviews, enjoy the festival!
Here is the link to the Toronto Jazz Festival Web Site for dates, times, artist bio’s and all the info.
