The 15th Annual Markham Jazz Festival @ Various Locations, Markham, ON - Thurs Aug 16th - Sun Aug 19th!

The 15th annual Markham Jazz Festival will take place on August 16-19, 2012 starting with our ‘15th. Anniversary Birthday BLUES BASH at the Flato Markham Theatre on August 16th. in the evening and then a free weekend of high-quality performances during the day and evening on August 17, 18, and 19 and 21 on Main Street Unionville at the Unionville Millennium Bandstand, Varley Art Gallery and McKay Art Centre Beer and Wine Garden, as well as various other stages around town.  To compliment the Main Stage events, "Hot Spots" (a variety of venues in Unionville and Markham) present fantastic jazz artists in a 'Street Festival and Concert Environment'. Festival attendees can wander from venue to venue, soaking up the party atmosphere, the jazz music, and the historic beauty of the villages of Unionville and Markham- a truly a magical experience.

The festival will highlight a large variety of music within the family of jazz. The festival committee has worked hard to recruit a wide range of diverse, interesting and well-known artists who will present jazz in all its forms.

Performers include:  Heavyweights Brass Band, The Absolute Faith Quintet, Ray Montford, Chuck Jackson's Big Bad Blues Band, Quincy Bullen, Rob Christian Quartet, Quisha Wint, Sophia Perlman and more!

See schedule for main stage here

http://markhamjazzfestival.com/schedules.php

See schedule for other Markham and Unionville Locations here:

http://markhamjazzfestival.com/hotspots.php

Admission is FREE

The Markham Jazz Festival 15th Anniversary Birthday Blues Bash @ Flato Markham Theatre, Markham, ON - Thurs Aug 16th!

If you are in the mood for some blues and a party then you are in for a treat with the kickoff event to this year’s Markham Jazz Festival.  The 15th Anniversary Birthday Blues Bash is taking place on August 16, 2012 at the Flato Markham Theatre.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy 5 performing acts during the same evening.  These artists are very active these days and their recent projects give us a glimpse into their current musical spot.
Shakura S’Aida has frequently demonstrated her ability to capture the crowd with her blend of jazz, blues, soul, and rock and roll.  She can be energetic and also calm things down with a nod to quieter classic tunes such as “Geechee Woman.”

Treasa Levasseur, who came onto the scene from a distinctly folk tradition, is clearly in the blues genre with her latest cd Broad while not neglecting root music.  Besides the music, she will also be bringing her on-stage storyteller talents at the Birthday Blues Bash.

Harrison “sweet taste” Kennedy, who made his name back in the 60′s and 70′s on the Detroit soul scene is still drawing a solid following as can be seen and heard on Shame The Devil which comes from his imagination and artistic license.  The title track simply focuses on telling the truth and that is how the blues appeals to people for its straightforward lyrics and sounds.  As Kennedy says it: “Blues frees it (the emotions) up.  Blues makes you feel good.”  For him, it’s also Church music as these are the sounds and feelings that he grew up with.

Internationally acclaimed Ottawa-based band and recent Juneau 2012 award winners for Best Blues Album, MonkeyJunk will bring their fresh swamp, R&B, soul boogie and deep blues sounds to the stage.

Fathead are another blues and roots Juneau award winners who, as a solid force on the Canadian scene, will contribute tremendously to a wonderful evening.  John Mays’ voice is sometimes akin to that of the late Levon Helm.  Mays together with saxophonist and harmonica player Al Lerman and bassist Omar Tunnoch form the core of the group.

There will lots of love and camaraderie both on stage, backstage, and with the audience during this special event.

Tickets are $55 but if you join to become a Friend of the Festival cardholder, you can benefit from the $45 discounted price.

Location:  Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON

For tickets/more info visit:   http://markhamjazzfestival.com/mjf_presents_birthday_blues_bash.php