Markham residents can catch more than 30 free, hour-long performances along Unionville’s Main Street when the Markham Jazz Festival returns Aug. 22 and 23. The two-day event will bring outdoor concerts to several stages, with music beginning at noon each day.
According to Markham Review, the festival’s 29th edition will also include Jazz Hot Spots on patios and in restaurants around Markham before and during the main weekend.
Saturday evening’s lineup includes Juno winner Ranee Lee, followed by soul band U.N. Jefferson. Amanda Martinez and her band will give the final performance on Sunday, when programming at the Millennium Bandstand is scheduled to finish by 7 p.m.
The bandstand will host larger groups and headline performers, with Saturday’s music continuing into the evening.
Music across Main Street
The other outdoor settings offer different types of performances. The Varley Art Gallery patio will feature trios and quartets, while groups will also play in the McKay Wine & Beer Garden behind the historic McKay Art Centre at 197 Main Street.
The Tap Room Gang and The West End Riverboat Band will perform swing and Dixieland music mid-street on both days. Kaiso Street Collective, an ensemble of Toronto improvisers and composers, is scheduled to appear Aug. 23.
Artistic director Ernesto Cervini, a Juno-winning bandleader, composer and educator, said the program brings together established performers and emerging artists. The styles represented include traditional jazz, swing, Latin, funk and soul, as well as music that crosses genre boundaries.
Between performances, visitors can browse Main Street shops and restaurants, along with selected craft and community vendors. A photo booth will be set up in front of the McKay Art Centre, and Toogood Pond offers another place to walk between concerts.
New visitor hub and Sunday morning concert
A new gathering and refreshment area called The Hub will be located near Crosby Arena. Visitors will be able to check the schedule, ask for directions, meet friends and take a break there.
Another addition is Jazz Matins at Central United Church, 131 Main Street, just south of the GO tracks. The Sunday, Aug. 23 performance starts at 10 a.m. and features pianist Mike Janzen with bassist George Koller, ahead of the noon start for the outdoor stages.
For visitors heading into Unionville, the festival will provide a free shuttle from Unionville High School at 201 Town Centre Blvd. The service is intended to reduce traffic and parking concerns.
Shuttle buses will run continuously beginning at 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Performer, schedule and service details are available on the festival’s website, markhamjazzfestival.com.
