Toronto Jazz: Music for the AgesThe Toronto jazz scene is as active and energetic as jazz itself. From regular year round clubs to an annual Jazz Festival (now in its 22nd year), to a Jazz Orchestra for young musicians, there's always something going on
Toronto's big event in the jazz world is the Toronto Jazz Festival, which runs from early June to early July. It's been going since 1987 and now attracts 10's of thousands of attendees each year. Events take place throughout the city, from intimate venues like the Melody Bar at the Gladstone Hotel to bigger performances at Mainstage Concert Theatre at City Hall. Jazz has its own radio station FM91.1 in Toronto. The station supports jazz by playing jazz 24 hours a day to a committed audience and promoting the music with shows and events. There are number of Jazz bars in the downtown core that feature local and more widely known performers throughout the year. The biggest of them are:
N'Awlins at 299 King St West,not far from the Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra theaters. Pop in after a show to listen to 'the jazz go down' to quote Dire Straits (Sultans of Swing).
Dominion on Queen Beer Parlour Kitchen and Jazz Clubis the other side of Yonge Street (Toronto's main street) and a farther away -- a streetcar or taxi ride, rather than a walk. It's at 500 Queen St East and handy for a drink and some music after visiting the MZTV Museum or the Soulpepper Theatre.
The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Baris also on Queen Street, 194 Queen St West this time, and not so far from N'Awlins and the Princess of Wales and Royal Alex theatres. Queen is where much of Toronto's younger entertainment lies with night clubs and restaurants all along both sides.************** So, if jazz is your passion and a Toronto or Ontario visit is on your list, check out some of these places for your evenings. Two other jazz related items to mention are the
Toronto Jazz Orchestra,
formed in 1998 to give young jazz leaning musicians a place to play and the Toronto Jazz magazine, which is available throughout the city at music stores and some newsagents.
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