Toronto Jazz Festival 2011 Comes Alive

This 10 day event, from June 24 to July 3, takes place mainly in Toronto’s downtown core in various indoor locations. It has been a number of years since its name was the DuMaurier Jazz Festival, a change mandated by the federal government’s ban on tobacco advertising. The festival is now sponsored by TD Canada Trust and has dropped the word "downtown".

Friday’s kick-off started with a free concert at David Pecaut Square by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. This concert of the 69-year-old singer drew an estimated 18,000 people. The Toronto Sun reported that number of people did make it a little difficult to see; as they said, difficult beyond the first one thousand people. The square isn’t that big!

As well, another big name in my book, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, performed at the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall. The pianist, best known for the piece "Take Five" which by the way was penned by the saxophonist Paul Desmond back in 1959, is still going strong at the ripe old age of 91.

The official web site has a complete listing of concerts throughout the two month festival. Hey! One of tonight’s musical offerings is not unknown to me. The Average White Band is taking the stage at the Metro Square at 8:30pm. Wow, these guys have been around since the early 70’s when their hit song "Pick Up The Pieces" hit the airwaves. Ha, when I say song, that number was an instrumental except for the members calling out the title at the end. *chuckles* Now, is that a blast from the past or what?

Environment Canada says we have to contend with some isolated showers throughout the day Saturday, so if you’re out and about, be prepared. The Dave Holland Quintet will be at the Enwave Theatre at Habourfront at 7pm. Get down early for dinner out on a patio overlooking the harbour and you’ve got the makings of a nice evening.

What’s coming up? On Tuesday, June 28, we will have the jazz rock fusion group Return to Forever. This experimental group, big back in the late 1970s and early 1980s has seen a number of personnel changes while remaining centered on keyboardist Chick Corea. Tuesday’s line-up will include Corea plus bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Lenny White and guitarist Frank Gambale with special guest violinist Jean-Luc Ponty.

By the way, I note that Montréal kicks off its own jazz festival. The purple Prince himself started the festivities last night with what was reported a rockin’ show!

References

Wikipedia: Toronto Jazz Festival

official web site: Toronto Jazz Festival

The TD Toronto Jazz Festival has become known as one of North America’s premier jazz festivals produced annually by Toronto Downtown Jazz, a Canadian registered charity (No. 12969 0269 RR0001). What began in 1987 as an eight day showcase of jazz now attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days. Attractions include more than 350 performances with over 1,500 musicians performing at approximately 40 locations around Toronto. The heart of the Festival is now located at Metro Square in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District with an impressive 1,200 seat fully-licensed Mainstage Marquee and outdoor stage, and where many extraordinary events are offered free to the public.

Click HERE to read more from William Belle

Article viewed at: Oye! Times at www.oyetimes.com