Cathy Merritt10 Days of Jazzy Fun and Entertainment in the Beachs!
The Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival is one of the largest outdoor jazz festivals in North America.
If you like the sounds and tunes of jazz, the Beach is the place to be and enjoy the sounds of jazz at the annual Beaches International Jazz Festival.
This incredibly popular music carnival features some of the top-notch jazz musicians from different part of the world.
Since its beginning in 1989, the Toronto jazz festival has emerged as one of Toronto’s signature summer events over the years and attracts nearly a million enthusiastic fans, both locals and tourists.
The Beaches International Jazz Festival offers a wonderful opportunity to many talented and creative musicians to perform during the event. At the same time, you can enjoy the music of many top-name performers and rising stars from around the world. The sounds of the festival fill the streets of the Beach and bring music aficionados together in the celebration of jazz music.
The 10-day fiesta in mid July celebrates the best of local, Canadian and international jazz music. And, the best thing about the event is that you don’t have to pay. It’s free for all.
The event is spread out over several open-air venues in the beautiful Beach neighbourhood. The list of venues includes the Woodbine Park and Kew Gardens as well as StreetFest along Queen Street East from Woodbine to Beech avenue.
Woodbine Park
The Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival kicks off with the three day concerts at the Woodbine Park. The opening weekend features some of the best jazz musicians, both established and emerging at three different stages – the TD Canada Trust Music Main Stage, New Generation Stage and Youth Stage. As the festival’s tradition, the New Generation Stage and Youth Stage celebrate young and promising musicians that are making a decisive impact in the jazz arena.
StreetFest
Fan favourite StreetFest, the Beaches International Jazz Festival’s original event, features close to 50+ bands along a closed 2 km stretch of Queen Street East from 7 pm to 11 pm. You will get an opportunity to enjoy the finest in Big Band, Swing, Dixieland, Smooth, Post-Bop, Afro-Cuban, Fusion, Funk, R&B, Blues and Soul sound that Canada has to offer. It’s like an annual evening pilgrimage for close to a million fans that come out to groove to the music and soak in the amazingly electrifying ambience.
With the sun setting down and buzz in the air, settle in for a magnificent night of jazz music, grab a bite of street treat and shack your body on the tunes of jazz.
Kew Gardens
Located in the heart of Beach community, the Kew Gardens host the closing weekend concerts by the headliners. The world renowned jazz musicians present the concerts during the weekend at the Bandshell.
What an incredible flair and elegance! Simply superb!
In 2010, the Beaches International Jazz Festival introduced several new series to its already exciting schedule of concerts. The notable entries are Latin concerts, Jazz Photography and Jazz Workshops and Lecture Series.
The Latin concerts at the Latin Square on the broadwalk, next to the Leuty Lifeguard Station features live bands, workshops, dance demonstration, Latin rhythms and much more.
If you want to discover various aspects of jazz, you should attend the TD Jazz Workshops and Lecture Series. Here, the eminent jazz musicians share their knowledge and experience with the audience. You can learn basic dance steps, rhythm and techniques and much more. The workshops take place at Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto (1774 Queen Street East) and are free of charge for general public.
“Jazz in Motion” is a juried photography exhibition focused on retrospective works that highlights the festival’s rich history. The photography exhibition is held at Woodbine Park and kew Gardens.
You can buy t-shirt or cap as souvenir or enjoy some great food from several vendors at the concerts venue. You can also buy CDs of the jazz artists at the venue.
So head down to the Beach during the Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival, enjoy the melodious jazz music and have a great fun.
I’m sure you will be greatly mesmerised by diverse range of sounds, styles and rhythms.
Things You Should Bring to the Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival (Excluding StreetFest)
- Chair or something to sit on
- Pleanty of sunscreen lotion
- Eyewear and hat/cap
- Umbrella (in case if there are any chances of showers)
Beaches International Jazz Festival – Tourist Information
Venue: Woodbine Prak, Queen Street East (between Woodbine and Beech avenue) and Kew Gardens
Event Date & Hours:
The musical event takes place during mid-July for 10 days.
July 19 – 28, 2020
Timing is different for different days. Check the website for event schedule.
Price: Admission is Free
Transit and Driving Directions:
TTC:
Take 92 Woodbine South Bus from Woodbine Subway Station or Take the 501 Queen St Streetcar east from Queen or Osgoode Subway Stations.
Driving Directions:
From the South or West – Follow the QEW into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Lake Shore Blvd. East, continue along Lakeshore Boulevard East, trun left onto Coxwell Avenue and then turn right onto Queen Street East.
From the North – Take Highway 400 into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Lake Shore Blvd. East, continue along Lakeshore Boulevard East, trun left onto Coxwell Avenue and then turn right onto Queen Street East.
Parking: Metered parking is available throughout the Beach area. Several Toronto Parking Authority lots are also scattered throughout the area.
For more information visit www.beachesjazz.com
