Markham Jazz Festival

The summer jazz scene isn’t complete without a stop at the TD Markham Jazz Festival in beautiful Unionville, Ontario and surrounding areas. Even better, 2022 is our 25th anniversary! Three days, three stages, terrific restaurants and shops to visit along Main St. and a lineup of stunning new talent and fan favourites from past MJFs – all free to attendees. Our only ticketed event is a special Opening Night Concert by fusion pioneers Manteca at the Markham Museum on Wednesday, August 17.

Friday, August 19 kicks off at the Millennium Bandstand with the brilliant Emily Steinwall, just-named winner of the 2022 SOCAN Songwriting Prize, followed by MJF “alum” Shakura S’Aida, one of the most dynamic blues artists you’ll ever see.

Saturday, August 20 is chock full of jazz genius and fun. On the Bandstand stage, catch Josh Grossman’s Toronto Jazz Orchestra. (Josh is a founding Artistic Director of the MJF.) Then it’s guitar marvel Eric St-Laurent followed by ES:MO – Elizabeth Shepherd and Michael Occhipinti (another former MJF Artistic Director). As evening falls, Attila Fias takes to the piano ahead of a smashing performance by legend Molly Johnson, with Robi Botos on piano and Mike Downes on bass. Wow!

Wander up to the Varley Art Gallery Patio to hear bassist Richard Whiteman, then Caity Gyorgy, 2022 Juno winner for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. At the McKay Wine & Beer Garden, savour the summer vibe with Carlo, Jessica Lalonde and Adrean Farrugia, Virginia MacDonald with Laura Anglade, and Alex Pangman and the Sweet Hots.

Sunday, August 21, the magic continues on all three stages. From Irene Torres to Gigi Marentette to Queen Pepper to Sammy Jackson and many more, the sounds are sensational. We wrap with pianist/composer Amanda Tosoff featuring vocalist Emilie-Claire Barlow.