Pictured (clockwise from left): DijahSB, Amber Mark, Savannah Ré, and TOBi. (Not pictured: Smokey Robinson)

TD Toronto Jazz Festival Celebrates 35 Years With 10 Days Of Free Concerts

Powerhouse lineup for 2022 includes Smokey Robinson, Savannah Ré, DijahSB, and TOBi. 

by Aurora Zboch

With an excellent mix of local and internationally acclaimed talent, the 35th anniversary of the TD Toronto Jazz Fest is offering free and eclectic programming, making this local music staple a guaranteed highlight of the summer.

From June 24 to July 3 there will be offerings that have expanded the vision beyond jazz, reaching fans of hip hop, R&B, soul, funk, big band and many other diverse musical communities. 

With 10 days of FREE concerts, the 2022 edition is the loudest and most exciting yet. This year kicks off on the corner of  Avenue Rd. and Bloor St. where you can catch The New Power Generation: Featuring The Music Of Prince, Traditional R&B/Soul Recording JUNO Award winner Savannah Ré, the sweet vocal stylings of Amber Mark, and rapper/singer TOBi. 

More of the must-see acts include the all-powerful rapper Hua Li, Toronto’s own DijahSB, extraordinary vocalist Lydia Persaud, and the electrifying disco/house duo TUSH. 

Ticketed events will feature musical greats like Smokey Robinson at Meridian Hall on June 28; Les Filles de Iillighadad on June 28 at Longboat Hall; Michael Kaeshammer on June 29 and Gregory Porter June 30 at Koerner Hall; and GoGo Penguin at the Great Hall on July 1. Some shows are already selling out. 

They’ve added stages on University of Toronto campus and in Yorkville along with the TD Main Stage on Queen’s Park North. Ever since it began, TD Toronto Jazz Fest has showcased 35,000 artists, 85% of whom are Canadian. Did we mention all the outdoor events are free? 

TD Toronto Jazz Fest runs from June 24 to July 3 across the city. Visit torontojazz.com for updates on set times and locations.