The TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival revealed its lineup and locations Monday, April 21 and although the bulk of it takes place in the downtown area, east Toronto residents will have some local venues close to home.
Organizers expect more than 500,000 people to attend the 22nd annual festival, which runs June 20 to 29 at nearly 50 locations across the city, most in the downtown area.
More than 1,500 musicians will perform at more than 350 concerts.
The illustrious world-class lineup ranges from 14-year-old dynamo Nikki Yanofsky who returns on Sunday, June 22 (at Diesel Playhouse) after two soldout concerts in February, to American jazz giant and festival favourite Dave Brubeck July 2 at the Four Seasons Centre.
A definitive singer of soul music, Al Green, will kick off the festival on Thursday, June 19 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front St. E.
Voted Canada’s Best Jazz Festival by the National Jazz Awards in 2006 and 2007, the festival features an array of talent and themes, including a Grandmaster series (Brubeck, Michael Legrand, Oliver Jones and Ahmad Jamal), a 10-night guitar hero lineup, cabaret series and even a special speaking series with selected jazz artists discussing their upcoming performances.
East Toronto locations include Black Swan Tavern (154 Danforth Ave.), Lolita’s Lust (513 Danforth Ave.), Ten Feet Tall (1381 Danforth Ave.), Whistler’s Grille and Cafe Bar (995 Broadview Ave.) and the Opera House (735 Queen Street E.).
Lolita’s Lust is designated as one of three after-hours locations featuring late-night jams with extended liquor licences until 4 a.m.
East Toronto is home to its own huge jazz festival with the huge 20th annual Beaches International Jazz Festival slated for July 24 to 27 with a special preview weekend at Woodbine Park July 18 to 20.
Visit www.tojazz.com for a complete list of locations and performers for the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival.

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