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THE BEACHES JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival is one of the most famous and well attended festivals in Toronto. It has made a major
contribution in promoting jazz excellence in Toronto. Sponsored by corporations, the government, jazz lovers, professional
artists, charities, local businesses and the general public, this festival has grown to an attendance of 900,000. The festival
began in 1989. The festival has brought musicians the caliber of Brian Hughes, David Blamires, Jane Bunnett, Warren Hill,
Jesse Cook, Ingrid Jensan, Carole Weilsman, Molly Johnson, Francois Bourassa, Lorraine Desmarais, and Mark Jordan, the list
goes on.
In 2004...mark July 16-25, on your calendar then head down to Queen Street East for the sweet sounds of jazz, blues and
Latin rhythms. Now in its 16th year, the Beaches International Jazz Festival remains one of the few free jazz festivals. What
began as a community event, has blossomed into one of Toronto's premiere musical celebrations.
The festival kicks off with three days of Parti Gras! (July 16-18) at Toronto's Distillery Historic District. The excitement
of New Orleans' Mardi Gras is duplicated with an eclectic line up of musicians, dancers, street performers, film and art
installations, children's activities and light presentations. Parti Gras will also feature a number of workshops. Also new
this year is Cinema of Jazz (July 20, 22-24), a celebration of jazz via film and documentaries taking place at the Fox Theatre
on Queen Street East. Individual screenings cost $8, the opening night screening and reception at Beacher Cafe is $25, or a
festival pass can be purchased for $35 by calling (416) 699-9333.
The Balmy Beach Club opens its doors for An Ovation of Jazz (July 21). The single night gala presents a chef's showcase of
delicacies from the finest restaurants in the Beaches and neighbouring communities in support of the Toronto East General
Hospital Foundation.
The festivities then move to Queen Street East and Kew Gardens (July 22-24) with more than 40 different bands performing on
street corners, balconies and rooftops not to mention live on stage at Kew Gardens Park, alongside arts and crafts exhibitions.
This year, the main stage events in Kew Gardens feature a variety of music from great blues, jazz, Latin and world beat sounds.
There will also be an exclusive location for vocal performances. Performers include:
- Son Ache from Cuba
- Nicholas Brancker from Barbados
- Ottawa's young blues sensation Roxanne Potvin
- big time blues with the sensational Kid Ramos Band
- down home blues with the roots sound of Blyther Smith
- Saturday Nite Fish Fry's Rhythm & Soul Revue
- fusion jazz of the Heillig Manoeuvre
- Great Uncles of the Revolution
- the rich soul of Jack Soul
- the mainstream jazz of the William Carn Quintet
Proceeds from this year's festival support children's services at Toronto East General Hospital: The Special Care Nursery,
The Family Birthing Centre, Child Development Clinic and General & Emergency Pediatric Services.
Note: Street closure on Queen Street East between Woodbine and Beech Avenue will be in effect for the duration of
festivities.
Map of 'The Beaches' area: click here
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