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Kervin Barreto Quartet

Kervin Barreto Quartet

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Kervin Barreto (trumpet), Devon Henderson (bass), Ethan Ardelli (drums), Luis Deniz (saxophone)


### Kervin Barreto
Cuban born trumpeter Kervin Barreto, started his musical studies at the age of 9 at The Vocational School for the Arts in Camaguey, Cuba 1992. Subsequently, Kervin moved to Havana to continue musical studies at the prestigious National School for the Arts (the alma mater of Cuban most prominent musicians) were he graduated in 2001. While in Cuba he kept a busy schedule, playing/recording and touring with the famous drummer/composer Giraldo Piloto and Klimax; past dates includes several Western Europe Tours and several dates for the Plaza Jazz Festival, Pori Jazz Festival, Glasgow Jazz Festival, Curacao Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festv and NorthSea Jazz Festival.

Upon his arrival in Toronto, Kervin has performed/recorded with such talented musicians including: Jane Bunnett, Hilario Duran, David Virelles, John Benitez, Neil Swinson, Rich Brown, Pat La Barbara, Norman Marshall, Archie Alleyne, Francisco Mela & Roberto Occhipinti. He has also shared the stage with international figures such as Barry Harris, Hermeto Pascoal, composer/conductor Vince Mendoza, amongst others.

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Russell Leon Student Concert

Russell Leon Student Concert

Free Times Café (320 College Street)

Russell Leon's current sound is a stark contrast from his acoustic musical roots in rural Ontario. Living off the grid, (no running water, telephone nor electricity) Russell was surrounded by artists and creative thinkers. His musical inspiration was rooted in live performances, late night jam sessions, and battery operated sound systems that wore out his Led Zepplin, Simon and Garfunkel and Neil Young records. Russell Leon's latest recording State Of Mind, is a musical journey through an electro/acoustic soundscape that begs comparison to Beck, Flaming Lips, or a tripped-out Death Cab For Cutie - a stark contrast to his past recordings.

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Subhadra Vijaykumar

Subhadra Vijaykumar

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Subhadra Vijaykumar (violin), Padmanabhan "Paddy" (percussion/mridangam)


As part of the summer World Jazz festival concert at Musideum, gifted violinist Subhadra Vijaykumar will render kritis ( compositions by prolific Carnatic composers ) in different ragas ( melodic scales ) set to talas (rhythmic meters ) She will be accompanied on the mrudangam (South Indian double headed drum ) by Mississauga based mrudangist Padmanabhan " Paddy ". The uniquely improvisational aspect of Carnatic music both in its free flowing and rhythmic forms will be explored by Subhadra

In the second set the duo will present compositions showing the influence of different musical genres as a result of Subhadra's collaborations with world musicians. She will also discuss the Indianisation of the western violin and briefly the 250 year history of this masterly adaptation of the western violin by South Indian musicians.

### Subhadra Vijaykumar
Subhadra Vijaykumar, a Mississauga-based violinist, is the founder and artistic director of Radha Academy of carnatic Violin. Radha Academy imparts training in the finest traditions of carnatic violin playing. Subhadra has trained under none other than the internationally renowned soloist and maestro Prof. T.N.Krishnan.

She comes from a family with rich musical traditions and obtained a first-class diploma in violin from the prestigious Bharatiya Music and Arts Society's Music College in Mumbai, India, under the tutelage of the late Mrs. Vijayam Ramaswamy, an acclaimed disciple of Prof.Krishnan. She was awarded a grant by the Canada Council for the Arts in 2006 to train under Prof. Krishnan.

She has accompanied several artists, participated in orchestras for Bharatanatyam (classical Indian) dance performances, and given lecture-demonstrations as well as solo recitals. These have been for notable organizations and at major venues across Canada, the East Asia and England. Her performances with her students at the World and Urban Music Showcase of the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as for the City of Mississauga's Rhythms from around the World Festival and at the Kannada Sangha's Cultural Show, have evoked appreciative rapport with audiences and excellent reviews from the media.

Jory Nash

Jory Nash

Gallery 345 (345 Sorauren Avenue)

Jory Nash (guitar/vocals)


A very special solo performance by award-winning singer songwriter Jory Nash (with some exciting guest work by Fiddle/Banjoist/Vocalist extraordinaire Rosalyn Dennett). This show will feature more than a half dozen new compositions, as well as audience requests.

### Jory Nash
Jory Nash is an award-winning singer-songwriter and storyteller who blends elements of folk, jazz, blues, pop & soul into an original stew of sound. He has recorded 7 critically acclaimed albums, including his newest CD Little Pilgrim. His 2009 album New Blue Day was named Penguin Eggs Magazine Critic’s Choice Album of the Year. Jory Nash has also received a Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination for Best Producer for New Blue Day. He is also a previous winner of the OCFF Songs From The Heart Award.

Jory is a past Artistic Director of the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, and is the co-founder of an annual large scale, multi-artist concert celebrating the music of Gordon Lightfoot.

Jory plays acoustic guitar, piano and banjo and his warm, unique voice urges you to listen to his thoughtful lyrics and intricate melodies. Jory Nash is regularly heard on numerous CBC Radio programs, SiriusXM, BBC, Galaxie, and college/NPR stations across North America. He tours regularly across Canada playing folk festivals, house concerts, folk clubs and soft seat theatres. Jory Nash has a hat collection that numbers in the hundreds and he is also a long-suffering fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Kevin Butler & Friends

Kevin Butler & Friends

The Emmet Ray (924 College Street)

Kevin Butler (guitar/vocals)


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Brian Cober – The Boogie Brothers

Brian Cober – The Boogie Brothers

Hawaii Bar (989 Dovercourt Road)

Brian Cober (guitar/harmonica/vocals), Gary Gray (keyboard)


Brian Cober's invention of the Double Slide Guitar gives the slide a voice and range of capabilities that have never been released before and harnessed them to drive his own brand of streetwise, roadwise blues. He has captured the soul that makes one actually enjoy in a sympathetic way his confessions of heartbreaks and excesses. With his band The Nationals, Brian released 3 acclaimed CD's and backed up Bo Diddley, King Biscuit Boy, Johnny Winter, Jeff Healey and many others. When Nationals founding member Paul McNamara passed away in 2008, Brian began his solo career with a new CD "Real Far Gone". Since '08, he has played full time at clubs, Blues Society's, dances, private parties, and festivals including the Montreal Jazz Festival, Bluizo Natkys Festival in Lithuania, La Chute Fest, and toured in Israel in Feb. '11. First the listener is struck by the unique sight and sound of the Double-Slide. Then Brian's mastery of the instrument becomes obvious, along with his soulful vocals and great songwriting. Whenever, and for however many, Brian Cober is a unique and uplifting musical experience.

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Thursday, June 20th

David French's Bloomsday

David French's Bloomsday

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

David French (saxophone), Ethan Ardelli (drums), Fabio Ragnelli (drums), Jon Maharaj (bass), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Michael Davidson (vibraphone)


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Ron Korb

Ron Korb

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Ron Korb (flute), William Evans (piano)


Award-winning flautist Ron Korb is famous for playing a wide variety indigenous woodwinds from around the world. His critically acclaimed music has been released in twenty countries on various record labels. The albums are on many top favourite lists and legendary singers in Asia have made cover versions of his music. He has toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada, The USA, Central America, Australia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore and Japan. Ron’s compositions are evoke imagery of the diverse cultural traditions and experiences of his travels.

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Kathryn Ladano

Kathryn Ladano

Gallery 345 (345 Sorauren Avenue)

Kathryn Ladano (clarinet)


### Program
Two sets of improvised music.
This performance will be focusing predominantly on completely original solo material, but will also include work with electronics and some very special guests.

### Kathryn Ladano
Kathryn Ladano is one of Canada’s premiere bass clarinettists. She is a specialist of contemporary music and free improvisation and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician across Canada and abroad. Several works have been composed for her and her ensembles from some of Canada’s most distinguished composers. Kathryn has participated in workshops and masterclass from world renowned musicians such as bass clarinetist Harry Sparnaay and improviser and percussionist, Eddie Prevost. Kathryn has also studied Electroacoustic Composition with Richard Windeyer.

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Caitlin Stephen, Caitlin Burgess, Ally Sereda

Caitlin Stephen, Caitlin Burgess, Ally Sereda

Free Times Café (320 College Street)

Caitlin Stephen (piano/vocals), Caitlin Burgess (guitar/vocals), Ally Sereda (guitar/vocals)


3 Talented ladies here to kill you with their beautiful melodies, voices and words. Each lady has become a Music City North regular and when you see them perform, you will surely understand why.

### 8:30 Caitlin Stephen
Caitlin Stephen is a Toronto based singer-songwriter/piano player; her songs center around themes of intimacy, expectations and loss. Her music has been described as sad and introspective with a heartfelt punch. Caitlin grew up in Peterborough, Ontario; influences include Aimee Mann, Sarah McLachlan and Ani Difranco. She regularly plays shows in conjunction with Music City North at local Toronto venues such as the Free Times Cafe.

### 9:45 Caitlin Burgess
Caitlin Burgess is an acoustic country/folk singer-songwriter, born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. She now lives in Toronto, working and playing music in and around the city at venues including The Cameron House, Mitzi’s Sister, C’est What, The Rivoli, Czehoski and more. Her first album I Know It's You was independently released in 2008, and she most recently released a new single entitled Crazy Love on iTunes. Her influences include everything and anything from Bob Dylan to Pearl Jam, but mostly female folk singers like Patty Griffin, Sarah McLachlan & Schuyler Fisk.

### 11pm Ally Sereda
Singer Ally Sereda has released her debut EP, High World. The album tells Ally’s story—so far—from heartbreak and loss to confusion and disruption of a serious car accident that nearly impaired Ally for life.

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Pat LaBarbera Group

Pat LaBarbera Group

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Pat LaBarbera (saxophone), Brian Dickinson (piano), Neil Swainson (bass), Bob McLaren (drums)


Pat LaBarbera is considered one of the finest saxophone soloists working within the framework of John Coltrane's principles. The connection was most obvious when he worked with Elvin Jones groups which began in 1975. He studied with his father Joseph LaBarbera, John LaPorta and Joe Henderson. LaBarbera became best known for his solo work with the bands of Buddy Rich (1967-1974), Louis Bellson, Woody Herman and his own groups. He moved to Toronto in 1974 and is a member of the faculty at Humber College. A true intellectual of improvisation, he has been among the key members of the Toronto jazz scene for more than 30 years. LaBarbera has played a major role in the development of a generation of Canadian saxophonists.

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Vokurka's Vicarious Virtuoso Violin

Vokurka's Vicarious Virtuoso Violin

The Emmet Ray (924 College Street)

Abbey Sholzberg (bass), Ed Vokurka (violin)


Violinist Ed Vokurka's music is a unique blend of European classicism and North American Swing. He possesses a lyricism rarely found in a jazz violinist. In his eclectic approach to jazz, Ed is uniquely providing a missing link between his original Classical training and the Jazz world, which he embraces so passionately!

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¡DO!

¡DO!

Hawaii Bar (989 Dovercourt Road)

Chris Cawthray (drums), Simeon Abbott (piano), Jim Sexton (bass)


### ¡DO!
¡DO! – (noun): Deep grooving drums and organ duo featuring Chris Cawthray and Simeon Abbott, delivering an "organ"ic mix of surf, reggae, roots music, and jazz improvisation. Specializing in funky breakdowns and jam madness from the church basement to the roller rink.
¡DO! does it for you!

### Chris Cawthray
Chris Cawthray is a creative drummer/percussionist based in Toronto, Canada with over 20 years experience as a performer and composer. In addition to leading his own groups, he is currently working as a sideman with artists such as southern roots/avant-garde legend Col. Bruce Hampton, new music/jazz master saxophonist Glen Hall, slide guitarist Dan Walsh’s Passive Resistors, and singer/songwriter/ukelele-ist Neil Gerster.

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New York's Victor Lewis & Ryan Oliver

New York's Victor Lewis & Ryan Oliver

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Ryan Oliver (saxophone), Gary Williamson (piano), Alex Coleman (bass), Victor Lewis (drums)


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Friday, June 21st

The Hogtown Syncopators

The Hogtown Syncopators

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Drew Jurecka (vocals/violin), James Thompson (bass), Jay Danley (vocals/guitar), Richard Whiteman (bass/piano), Terra Hazelton (vocals/percussion)


The Hogtown Syncopators, five musicians from downtown Toronto, have been generating a serious buzz with their authentic 1930s sound and entertaining show. Sonically, they combine the tight, elegant sound of Django Reinhardt and the Quintette of the Hot Club de France with the dazzling group vocals of the Boswell Sisters and Mills Brothers. The band enjoys a Friday afternoon residency at the respected Rex Hotel in downtown Toronto, and is quickly becoming a concert and festival favourite.

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Laura Hubert Band

Laura Hubert Band

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Bob Brough (saxophone), Laura Hubert (vocals), Mike Milligan (bass), Peter Hill (piano), Sly Juhas (drums)


Laura Hubert is not exactly a jazz diva, nor a straight blues artist, nor just a pop or country singer. She's a mix of them all, but Laura prefers to think of herself as a singer of "old songs." That term perfectly describes the eclectic repertoire of standards, blues and western swing that she delivers with such passion and style. Backed by Peter Hill's solid, swinging piano and his rich horn arrangements, Laura is reveling in the opportunity to reinterpret classics by some of the singers she most admires, from the classic blues of Bessie Smith to the full-throated ballads of Dinah Washington.

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Mary Margaret O'Hara & Yvette Tollar

Mary Margaret O'Hara & Yvette Tollar

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Mary Margaret O'Hara (vocals), Yvette Tollar (vocals)


SOLD OUT! Call 416.599.7323 to check for last minute availability.

Internationally acclaimed, avant-garde vocalist, Mary Margaret O'Hara makes a rare live appearance with Yvette Tollar and esteemed special guests. Expect songs from Mary-Margaret's classic album, Miss America, movie soundtrack favourites and more.

### Mary Margaret O'Hara
Mary Margaret O'Hara's debut album Miss America was released in 1988 by Virgin Records to great critical and popular acclaim in Canada and Europe. Mary Margaret followed up in 1992 with a Christmas EP, and in 2000 she composed and recorded the soundtrack to the feature film Apartment Hunting with Bill Robertson. This disc is largely considered her second solo album, despite protestations to the contrary, and is every inch as beautiful as anything she has released to date.

Mojo Magazine in the UK has listed Mary Margaret as one of the top 100 'cult music' heroes of all time and Miss America as one of the top 100 albums of the 20th Century. Canada's Chart Magazine recently listed "Miss America" as the 14th best Canadian album of all time. NOW magazine of Toronto named Miss America the #3 album of the last twenty years.

During a 1999 R.E.M. concert in Toronto, Michael Stipe brought Mary Margaret on stage and declared her a 'national treasure'. Other artists who are said to fans of hers include Radiohead, Dave Matthews and Rickie Lee Jones (to name just a few).

### Yvette Tollar
Yvette was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and began singing professionally at 16. Her expressive vocals are rich and soulful, her delivery of lyrics mature and her technique flawless. She says music is her connection to the source and this reverent approach shines through in her sincere and unaffected performances.

Jazz has always been Yvette’s main focus but growing up in Toronto’s multi-cultural and inclusive society, she was exposed to a myriad of roots and folk music from around the world. By remaining open to the world of influences that surround her, Yvette sports immense versatility by lending her talents to Hungarian, Arabic, Yiddish, Brazillian, Jamaican, African and Indian projects. She has sung in at least 9 different languages and more than a dozen genres including Traditional and Modern Jazz, R&B, Classical and Klezmer music.

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Arlene Paculan Album Release

Arlene Paculan Album Release

Gallery 345 (345 Sorauren Avenue)

Arlene Paculan (piano/vocals), Kat Leonard (vocals)


Arlene Paculan is a serenading Scheherazade. She creates soulful pop that is haunting and passionate, lulling you into safe yet invigorating reverie. A triple-threat graduate of Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto with Grade 7 from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Arlene enriches cover tunes and crafts distinctive original music that soothes, heartens and delights. Her debut EP album I’m Worth It was released in 2010. With her company Lene, Mean and Green she produces dynamic live shows, such as her Wonder Women series, which aim to cultivate local talent as well as encourage awareness of local charities in Mississauga, Toronto and beyond. Arlene has recently performed in Anaheim and Montreal and will be part of the Toronto Jazz Festival this 2012 season.

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eVoid Collective Dance Jam 6: Summer Solstice Freeform Dance

eVoid Collective Dance Jam 6: Summer Solstice Freeform Dance

Array Space (155 Walnut Avenue)

Pierre Mongeon (piano/trumpet), Mike Clark (guitar), Carol Gimbel (viola), Bryant Didier (bass), Barry Prophet (percussion/sound sculptures), Rick Sacks (percussion), Michael Lynn (bass), Andrea De Boer (violin/vocals), Raphael Roter (drums), Bea Labikova (saxophone), Doug Tielli (trombone), Mark Mazur (percussion), Rakesh Tewari (drums/percussion), Ian DeSouza (bass), Kye Marshall (cello)


Sign-up: 7:00 pm
Music & Dance: 7:30 pm

We need your help to make this vision happen. Help us build this community!

What do we have to offer? A dancer’s freeform meditative movement paradise! A unique event unlike any other out there. Dance or simply sit and enjoy the live music as a concert. Meditate. Work on some new moves. Practice your Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong. Write a story or a poem. Bring your sketchbook. All are welcome and free to express.

We are convinced that this unique event will inspire and uplift your entire being. A flowing interaction with the intuitive spirited soundscapes of the eVoid Collective. Get lost in the smooth etheric chill vibes, liberating heavy jungle grooves, formless chaotic tapestries and everything in between.

This event is for everyone and no experience is needed to enjoy the freedom and ecstasy of improvised movement. We encourage people who are involved in all forms of dancing to come.

Allow your mind to rise above the ego self.

Free your body and become one with the universe.

### eVoid Collective
The members of the eVoid Collective are all professional musicians and for us this is a labor of love. We have a desire to be part of the creation of a new extension linking to the worldwide community of lovers of music and freeform dance.

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New York's Don Byron

New York's Don Byron

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Michael Occhipinti (guitar), Roberto Occhipinti (bass), Barry Romberg (drums), Don Byron (saxophone/clarinet)


For over two decades, Don Byron, a recipient of the first Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, has been a singular voice in an astounding range of musical contexts, exploring widely divergent traditions while continually striving for what he calls "a sound above genre."

As clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and social critic, he redefines every genre of music he plays, be it classical, salsa, hip-hop, funk, rhythm & blues, klezmer, or any jazz style from swing and bop to cutting-edge downtown improvisation. He has been consistently voted best clarinetist by critics and readers alike in leading international music journals since being named “Jazz Artist of the Year” by Down Beatin 1992. Acclaimed as much for his restless creativity as for his unsurpassed virtuosity as a player, Byron has presented a multitude of projects at major music festivals around the world.

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Le Solstice with Guy Smagghe

Le Solstice with Guy Smagghe

Free Times Café (320 College Street)

The Griolles
Philippe Lafaury (guitar/vocals/mandolin), Guy Smagghe (guitar/vocals), Paddy Morgan (drums), Richie Morgan (bass)

Paddy Morgan (drums), Guy Smagghe (guitar/vocals), Bernard Dionne (bass/vocals), Philippe Lafaury (guitar/vocals/mandolin), SuzieB (vocals)


Guy Smagghe: "On June 21st, come celebrate the beginning of summer at Free Times Cafe. I will be performing a number of French songs from both sides of the Atlantic, including a few of mine, and will be accompanied by some great local musicians.

Don't miss the opening act - the first live performance of The Griolles performing the original songs of franco-ontarian singer-songwriter Philippe Lafaury."

Guy Smagghe: "Nous ferons à nouveau un spectacle le 21 juin, question de célébrer la venue de l'été cette fois! Nous avons ajouté plusieurs pièces du répertoire francophone de l'autre côté de l'Atlantique (Renaud, Cabrel, Brel, Kass, Dassin) et une chanteuse de la chorale Les Voix du Coeur (SuzieB)...ça promet d'être une soirée pleine d'émotions et de chaleur estivale!

En première partie, Les Griolles - avec les chansons de Philippe Lafaury, auteur-compositeur-interprète Torontois (anciennement du groupe Les Accents).
Voyez l'affiche ci-jointe."

Mary Margaret O'Hara & Yvette Tollar

Mary Margaret O'Hara & Yvette Tollar

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Mary Margaret O'Hara (vocals), Yvette Tollar (vocals)


SOLD OUT! Call 416.599.7323 to check for last minute availability.

Internationally acclaimed, avant-garde vocalist, Mary Margaret O'Hara makes a rare live appearance with Yvette Tollar and esteemed special guests. Expect songs from Mary-Margaret's classic album, Miss America, movie soundtrack favourites and more.

### Mary Margaret O'Hara
Mary Margaret O'Hara's debut album Miss America was released in 1988 by Virgin Records to great critical and popular acclaim in Canada and Europe. Mary Margaret followed up in 1992 with a Christmas EP, and in 2000 she composed and recorded the soundtrack to the feature film Apartment Hunting with Bill Robertson. This disc is largely considered her second solo album, despite protestations to the contrary, and is every inch as beautiful as anything she has released to date.

Mojo Magazine in the UK has listed Mary Margaret as one of the top 100 'cult music' heroes of all time and Miss America as one of the top 100 albums of the 20th Century. Canada's Chart Magazine recently listed "Miss America" as the 14th best Canadian album of all time. NOW magazine of Toronto named Miss America the #3 album of the last twenty years.

During a 1999 R.E.M. concert in Toronto, Michael Stipe brought Mary Margaret on stage and declared her a 'national treasure'. Other artists who are said to fans of hers include Radiohead, Dave Matthews and Rickie Lee Jones (to name just a few).

### Yvette Tollar
Yvette was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and began singing professionally at 16. Her expressive vocals are rich and soulful, her delivery of lyrics mature and her technique flawless. She says music is her connection to the source and this reverent approach shines through in her sincere and unaffected performances.

Jazz has always been Yvette’s main focus but growing up in Toronto’s multi-cultural and inclusive society, she was exposed to a myriad of roots and folk music from around the world. By remaining open to the world of influences that surround her, Yvette sports immense versatility by lending her talents to Hungarian, Arabic, Yiddish, Brazillian, Jamaican, African and Indian projects. She has sung in at least 9 different languages and more than a dozen genres including Traditional and Modern Jazz, R&B, Classical and Klezmer music.

More Info

New York's Victor Lewis & Ryan Oliver

New York's Victor Lewis & Ryan Oliver

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Ryan Oliver (saxophone), Gary Williamson (piano), Alex Coleman (bass), Victor Lewis (drums)


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Saturday, June 22nd

Danny Marks

Danny Marks

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Danny Marks (guitar/vocals)


Danny Marks is the current holder of the Toronto Blues Society's Blues with a Feeling Award for lifetime achievement in music and broadcast. This iconic rocker's roots go back to the sixties as a founding member of Capitol Records' group, Edward Bear. After a span as a journey man session musician throughout the seventies, Danny settled in to the club scene, establishing a cult following as a genre bender in music and humor. A house band gig at Toronto's famed Albert's Hall led him to host his own nation-wide TV show, Stormy Monday. Through the eighties, Danny starred in CBC radio's hit series the Hum Line. Most recently, Danny Marks recorded two original music albums, Guitarchaeology and True, before paying tribute to Toronto's R&B roots with Big Town Boy in 2005. Danny's in his fifth year as the radio host of JAZZ.FM91's Saturday night blues show, bluz.fm.

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Swing Shift Big Band

Swing Shift Big Band

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Formed in 1996, Jim John's Swing Shift Big Band is a favourite with both dancing and listening audiences. Playing a repertoire of Big Band-Era giants like Miller, Dorsey, Basie, Ellington and Buddy Rich, this 19-piece orchestra keeps audiences immersed in the golden age of jazz music.

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Rose Stella

Rose Stella

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Kurt Nielsen (bass), Peter Hill (piano), Rose Stella (voice)


Rose Stella is an actor, dancer and singer who has performed across North America and England. With a voice that's vibrant and engaging, she performs repertoire with emotional depth that is soulful and refreshing.

Stanislav Pronin

Stanislav Pronin

Gallery 345 (345 Sorauren Avenue)

Stanislav Pronin (violin)


### Programme
Luciano Berio: Sequenza VIII
J.S. Bach: Chaconne from Partita for Violin solo no. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004
Bryan Christian: Alone for Solo Violin (Canadian Premier)
Alfred Schnittke: A Paganini
Nicolo Paganini: Introduction and Variations on Pasiello’s “Nel cor piu non mi sento,” Op. 38

### Stanislav Pronin
Despite his young age, Stanislav Pronin has already established himself as one of the most brilliant violinists of his generation. Born in Moscow, Mr. Pronin can trace his musical lineage to the great school of Odessa trained violinists. His first teacher was his grandfather, Veniamin Pronin, who was a professor of violin at the Odessa Conservatory and a pupil of the renowned pedagogue Pyotr Stoliarsky, teacher of David Oistrakh and Nathan Milstein. Among his grandfather’s close friends and colleagues were violinists David Oistrakh and Leonid Kogan, pianist Emil Gilels and the great Russian composer Dmitry Shostakovich. Mr. Pronin continued his studies with Nelli Shkolnikova and later Jaime Laredo, and received additional artistic tutelage from Boris Kuschnir, Pinchas Zukerman, Joel Smirnoff, Donald Weilerstein, Pamela Frank, Pavel Vernikov and many others.

Ever since his solo debut in Israel at the age of 10, Mr. Pronin has been maintaining a busy performance schedule. His performances range from solos with orchestras to solo and chamber recitals worldwide. He has performed in many music festivals and concert venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Miller Theatre in New York City; Dekelboum Hall in Washington, D.C.; the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada; the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, Canada; and the Perlman Theatre in Philadelphia. He has frequently performed on television and radio in the United States, Canada, Europe and Israel, including live broadcasts of the Interlochen Public Radio Station and the WFMT Chicago Classical Radio station.

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Mike Murley Septet

Mike Murley Septet

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Mike Murley (saxophone), Tara Davidson (saxophone), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Terry Promane (trombone), David Braid (piano), Jim Vivian (bass), Ted Warren (drums)


The Mike Murley Septet debuted in April 2005 at the now defunct Top of the Senator jazz club. Murley arranged the music for this engagement during a three week residency at the Banff Centre under the auspices of a Canada Council Grant.
The septet is a showcase for Murley’s compositional and arranging skills and features some of the most dynamic improvisers on the Toronto jazz scene. The arrangements strive to maintain the open concept of a smaller jazz ensemble and are constructed around a buoyant rhythm section that can take the music in any direction.

Much of the septet’s repertoire is drawn from Murley’s previous recordings along with new compositions written specifically for this group.

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Randy Starr

Randy Starr

Free Times Café (320 College Street)

Randy Starr (guitar/piano), Franklin Burke (vocals)


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Sharron McLeod

Sharron McLeod

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Sharron McLeod (vocals)


A staple on Toronto's jazz scene, vocalist, broadcaster and composer Sharron McLeod sings with a rich tone and warmth of spirit. Her popular series, Trilogy Remixed, created a considerable buzz while exploring the music of Joni Mitchell, Gil Scott Heron, John Lennon, Leonard Cohen Nina Simone and her mentor, Abbey Lincoln.

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John Wojewoda & The Monkey Fighting Snakes

John Wojewoda & The Monkey Fighting Snakes

Hawaii Bar (989 Dovercourt Road)

John Wojewoda (guitar/vocals)

The Monkey Fighting Snakes
Matthew Davies (guitar), Darren Atkinson (drums), Dave Stoyles (bass)


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New York's Rudder

New York's Rudder

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Chris Cheek (saxophone), Henry Hey (keyboard/piano), Keith Carlock (drums), Tim Lefebvre (bass)


This NYC-based “supergroup” has been blowing away audiences worldwide for several years now. With their unique instrumental sound, this tour-de-force jazz/jam ensemble takes it’s listeners on a new journey every night with a body of original music that weaves through jazz, funk, rock, electronica, ambient and exploratory music.

This powerful quartet consists of Saxophonist Chris Cheek (seen with Charlie Haden, Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow, Carla Bley, Paul Motian and others), Keyboardist Henry Hey(seen with Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Bill Bruford, Til Broenner, George Michael, Rod Stewart, Theo Bleckmann and others), Drummer Keith Carlock (seen with Steely Dan, John Mayer, James Taylor, Sting, Wayne Krantz and others) and Bassist Tim Lefebvre (seen with AR Rahman, Nick Cave, Chris Botti, Jamie Cullum, Wayne Krantz, Uri Caine and Mark Guiliana's Beat Music and others).

Rudder has ‘wowed’ audiences all over Europe, the Americas and Asia including notable performances at The Monterey Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Japan’s Sense of Wonder Festival, Brazil’s Rio Das Ostras Festival, and New York’s own Winter Jazz Festival. They perform music from their two critically acclaimed albums and their live DVD as well as new music in the works. From a true improvising ensemble, any Rudder show promises to be unique from the next one.

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Sunday, June 23rd

Jewish Brunch Buffet with Tio Chorinho

Jewish Brunch Buffet with Tio Chorinho

Free Times Café (320 College Street)

Avital Zemer (guitar), Eric Stein (mandolin), Joel Schwartz (mandolin), Maninho Costa (percussion)


### Live music as part of the "Bella did you eat" Sunday brunch.

1st seating - Reserve between 10:30 – 11am, music at 11:45
2nd seating - Reserve at 1:15pm Club (1:00 Bistro), music at 1:45

Buffet includes over 50 Homemade Items - Potato latkes, blintzes, lox eggs & onions, challah, french toast, sour cream, apple sauce, bagels, lox & cream cheese mix, salmon patties, gelfilte fish, cheese, salads galore, fresh fruit, cheeses, cakes, sweets, tea, coffee and much more! Children 12 and under 1/2 price, 3 and under free.

### Tio Chorinho
Tio Chorinho is a Toronto ensemble dedicated to performing Brazilian choro music in the tradition of the great mandolin master Jacob do Bandolim. The group formed during the spring of 2009 and has thus far developed an impressive repertoire of familiar choro classics by such composers as Pixinguinha, Ernesto Nazareth, Waldyr Azavedo, and of course Jacob do Bandolim.

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Excelsior Dixieland Jazz Band

Excelsior Dixieland Jazz Band

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Al Cox (trumpet), Glenn Anderson (drums), Jim Purdy (clarinet/saxophone), John Floyd (piano), Miro Letko (trombone), Syd Calvert (banjo)


The New Excelsior Jazz Band is a six-piece traditional jazz band playing in the Dixieland/New Orleans style. Our repertoire includes blues, spirituals, marches, show tunes from the 20s, 30s, and 40s, and novelty numbers. It's toe-tapping, listening and dancing music at its finest!

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Vocal Jazz Workshop with Yvette Tollar & Dave Restivo

Vocal Jazz Workshop with Yvette Tollar & Dave Restivo

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Dave Restivo (piano), Yvette Tollar (vocals)


Join JUNO nominated vocalist, Yvette Tollar, and celebrated Canadian pianist, Dave Restivo at this exciting vocal jazz workshop. Explore repertoire, improvisation, lyrical delivery and more in a warm & welcoming environment. Participants work with professional accompaniment on individual pieces while auditors can work in a group setting or simply observe and soak it all in.

### Yvette Tollar
Yvette was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and began singing professionally at 16. Her expressive vocals are rich and soulful, her delivery of lyrics mature and her technique flawless. She says music is her connection to the source and this reverent approach shines through in her sincere and unaffected performances.

Jazz has always been Yvette’s main focus but growing up in Toronto’s multi-cultural and inclusive society, she was exposed to a myriad of roots and folk music from around the world. By remaining open to the world of influences that surround her, Yvette sports immense versatility by lending her talents to Hungarian, Arabic, Yiddish, Brazillian, Jamaican, African and Indian projects. She has sung in at least 9 different languages and more than a dozen genres including Traditional and Modern Jazz, R&B, Classical and Klezmer music.

### Dave Restivo
Dave Restivo is one of Canada's most respected and influential jazz artists. He is a 3-time winner of the National Jazz Awards' Pianist of the Year Award, and is listed in the current edition of Canadian Who's Who. He is well known for his work with Rob McConnell's Boss Brass and Tentet, the Mike Murley Quintet, and legendary songwriter Marc Jordan. He has also performed and recorded with Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler, John Abercrombie, Jerry Bergonzi, Mel Torme, Pat LaBarbera, Ingrid Jensen, Christine Jensen, Molly Johnson, Moe Koffman, Joe LaBarbera, Mark Whitfield, Marcus Belgrave, Joey Baron, Curtis Fuller, Stacy Rowles, Jane Bunnett, Phil Dwyer, Tim Hagans, Steve Kirby, Jeff Hamilton, Alex Acuna, Gene Bertoncini, Phillip Harper, Don Thompson, Ed Bickert, Guido Basso, P.J. Perry, Trudy Desmond, Joe Lovano, Judi Silvano, Dave Pietro, Owen Howard, John Hollenbeck, Ratzo Harris, Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, Donny McCaslin, Metalwood, Charles McPherson, Dave Young, Norman Marshall Villeneuve, Memo Acevedo, Dave Valentin, Luis Conte, and many others.

Club Django

Club Django

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Abbey Sholzberg (bass), Andre Seguinot (guitar), Dave Dunlap (guitar), Gerry Duligal (accordion/piano), John Farrell (guitar), Rodion Boshoer (violin)


In 1995, in Toronto, a group of Django Reinhardt's fans got together for the sheer enjoyment of playing the music of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. In time, a nucleus of these dedicated musicians decided to perform publicly and so the Club Django Sextet of Toronto was born. They have held a monthly residency here at The Rex since the turn of the decade, molding their shows into a tight ensemble performance of gypsy-swing joy.

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Arnd Jürgensen

Arnd Jürgensen

Hawaii Bar (989 Dovercourt Road)

Arnd Jürgensen (banjo/guitar)


German born multi-instrumentalist (guitar, saz, marimachi, banjo, lap steel, trumpet…) Arnd Jürgensen began his musical career on the lower east side of Manhattan in the early eighties, performing in venues like the Pyramid Club and the Wah Wah Hut. He has been active in the Canadian improvised music scene since he relocated to Toronto in the mid eighties. He has performed with artists from all over the world, including Michael Snow, Eugene Chadbourne, Le Qua Nin, Emily Haines, Christoph Irmer, Rainer Wiens and many others. He was a member of several Toronto based ensembles such as AMTM (with Maury Coles, Thomaz Krakoviak and Mike Hansen), Montgolfiere (with Guy LeBlanc, Harry Simpson, and Rob Clutton), and Made to Suit (w/ Alan Bloor, James Bailey…). He performs regularly with the Woodchoppers Association, Shady Tree (aka the Oxy-Cottonpickers with Lang Baker, Chris Moore and Rick Gregus), Quartetto Grafico (Pau Torres, Mike Hansen and guy leblanc) and as a solo artist. As an educator he has taught in interdisciplinary programs at a number of Universities throughout Canada. He is currently employed at the University of Toronto where he has taught in departments ranging from peace and conflict studies, applied sciences and engineering to political science. He has published articles on topics ranging from environment and technology to international development.

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Elizabeth Shepherd

Elizabeth Shepherd

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Elizabeth Shepherd (piano/vocals)


Vocalist/pianist Elizabeth Shepherd arrived on the international scene in 2006 when her debut album Start To Move was voted one of the top jazz albums of the year by the listeners of the influential Gilles Peterson Show on BBC Radio Worldwide. Since then, the Toronto-based soul-jazz innovator has released two widely acclaimed records and toured extensively in North America, Europe and Japan. She has sold out legendary clubs from Tokyo to Detroit, played festivals like Montreal and North Sea Jazz Festivals, shared the stage with Victor Wooten, Branford Marsalis and Christian McBride, and opened for Jamie Cullum at The Hollywood Bowl.

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Jeff King's Catalyst

Jeff King's Catalyst

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Jeff King (saxophone), Luis Deniz (saxophone), Rich Brown (bass), Mark Kelso (drums), David Braid (piano)


Juno award winning musician Jeff King is a Toronto-based saxophonist that performs all over Canada, the U.S., and internationally. Along with running his own band, he has performed and recorded with the likes of Paquito D'Rivera, Paul Shaffer, Tony Bennett, Randy Brecker, Paul Anka, Lonnie Smith, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Jeff Healey, Lorne Lofsky, Hilario Duran, David Braid, Joel Haynes, Keiran Overs, Rich Brown, Alexis Baro, Robi Botos, Archie Alleyne...and pretty much everybody else in the Canadian jazz scene!

His new band "Catalyst" features the unbelievably talented lineup of regular members Luis Deniz, David Braid/Robi Botos, Rich Brown and Joel Haynes. He considers this his "anything goes" band, and is using it to explore many different musical directions.

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Twelve X + Braz King

Twelve X + Braz King

Array Space (155 Walnut Avenue)

Twelve X
Matthew Miller (electronics/synth), Neil Adam Wiernik (bass/electronics/laptop)

Braz King (guitar)


### Braz King
My solo composition and recording project got its name from a friend who was also born in 1966. We were sharing stories about how much trouble we were causing in our lives and she burst out with the line "Here come the fire horses!" I love the creative energy in that sentence and the fact that it is both ominous and exciting.

With this project, I strive to compose spontaneously and record the compositions in a short time frame. Originally the project was restricted to composing and recording in one session. I have started to relax the rules a bit to give me a chance to expand on some of the ideas beyond what I could accomplish in a single session.

### Twelve X
Twelve X is a Toronto based contemporary music duo founded in 2012. Twelve X both writes and performs original works for electronics married with other instrumentation, that is firmly grounded in the improvisational tradition as much as it is referencing more contemporary electronic and experimental music traditions. Twelve X is Matthew Miller (synths/electronics) and Neil Wiernik (bass/electronics). Both artists bring their own perspective on composing, production and improvisation to the duo. Matt Miller is a multi-disciplinary musician, composer and sound designer, exploring found sound, DIY synths, live remixing and controllerism, and Neil Wiernik is an audio contortionist firmly grounded in formal contemporary composition but is also at home in the rich traditions of dub studio culture, post-rock atmospherics and the by chance musings of free music improvisors.

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Tropical Punch

Tropical Punch

The Emmet Ray (924 College Street)

Adam Teixeira (drums), Jeff LaRochelle (saxophone), Jeronimo Acuna (guitar), Patric McGroarty (trumpet), Shafton Thomas (bass), Derek Gray (drums/percussion)


Tropical Punch is an Afro-Jazz ensemble from Toronto. Dropping the highly energetic dance rhythms that will take you on a new musical journey.

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Sienna Dahlen Quartet

Sienna Dahlen Quartet

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

David Celia (guitar/piano/vocals), Dan Fortin (bass), Karl Jannuska (drums), Sienna Dahlen (guitar/piano/vocals)


Sienna Dahlen is one of Canada’s most versatile and original singer-composer multi instrumentalists. She is currently based inToronto, Canada where she works as a freelance musician and educator. Her music spans folk, jazz and experimental styles and can be heard regularly on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Sienna is a graduate of McGill University and the University ofToronto where she finished her studies in 2008 with a Master of Jazz Performance degree. Sienna has been granted many awards from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Quebec Arts Council, as well as theToronto and Ontario Arts Councils to help produce and diffuse her work. Over the past ten years, she has had the pleasure of touring her music extensively across North America and Europe.

"Sienna Dahlen has made a beautifully compelling record that is soulful and unique."
Ron Sexsmith

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Anthony Smith & Friends

Anthony Smith & Friends

Hawaii Bar (989 Dovercourt Road)

Anthony Smith (guitar/vocals)


Dovercourt Organic Roots Music. Blues, Jazz, Funk.

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New York's Rudder

New York's Rudder

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Chris Cheek (saxophone), Henry Hey (keyboard/piano), Keith Carlock (drums), Tim Lefebvre (bass)


This NYC-based “supergroup” has been blowing away audiences worldwide for several years now. With their unique instrumental sound, this tour-de-force jazz/jam ensemble takes it’s listeners on a new journey every night with a body of original music that weaves through jazz, funk, rock, electronica, ambient and exploratory music.

This powerful quartet consists of Saxophonist Chris Cheek (seen with Charlie Haden, Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow, Carla Bley, Paul Motian and others), Keyboardist Henry Hey(seen with Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, Bill Bruford, Til Broenner, George Michael, Rod Stewart, Theo Bleckmann and others), Drummer Keith Carlock (seen with Steely Dan, John Mayer, James Taylor, Sting, Wayne Krantz and others) and Bassist Tim Lefebvre (seen with AR Rahman, Nick Cave, Chris Botti, Jamie Cullum, Wayne Krantz, Uri Caine and Mark Guiliana's Beat Music and others).

Rudder has ‘wowed’ audiences all over Europe, the Americas and Asia including notable performances at The Monterey Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Japan’s Sense of Wonder Festival, Brazil’s Rio Das Ostras Festival, and New York’s own Winter Jazz Festival. They perform music from their two critically acclaimed albums and their live DVD as well as new music in the works. From a true improvising ensemble, any Rudder show promises to be unique from the next one.

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Monday, June 24th

U of T Jazz Combos

U of T Jazz Combos

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Ensembles of Belinda Corpuz, Bryan Qu, Tara Kannangara, Alexei Orechin, Matt Woroshyl, Evan Cartwright, Ben Hognestadt & Malcolm Connor.

### U of T Jazz
U of T Jazz is a close-knit community of creative spirit where the best and brightest young musical minds interact with Canada’s top professional jazz artists in the heart of the country’s largest urban centre.

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Roarshaq

Roarshaq

The Emmet Ray (924 College Street)

Derek Gray (drums/percussion), Jeff LaRochelle (saxophone), Joel Visentin (piano), Mark Godfrey (bass)


Roarshaq is a collective of four young Toronto musicians/composers dedicated to creating new and original works in jazz and improvised music. As the name suggests the group aims to be a musical inkblot, creating patterns, images and textures which the listener is free to interpret and experience in their own way, projecting their own state of mind through the music.

For several years these four musicians, each consummate professionals in Toronto’s music community, have been getting together to make music they love. They applied for a short-term winter residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts and were accepted to attend from March 4th to March 15th, 2013. Since then the group has been composing, rehearsing and performing in Toronto on a regular basis. In addition to this they will be touring Ontario and Quebec in April 2013 and recording a demo EP.

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Open Stage Mondays hosted by Andre Mair

Open Stage Mondays hosted by Andre Mair

Free Times Café (320 College Street)

Andre Mair (piano)


Signup at 7pm.

### Open Stage Mondays
Every Monday, all artists are welcomed to sign up and play some tunes on Toronto's longest-running Open Stage.

### Andre Mair
Andre Mair is a singer/songwriter who has been writing music and playing piano/keyboards for over 25 years. His songs are piano driven pop/rock that are inspired by events in life with lyrics that the listener can identify with.

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John MacLeod's Rex Hotel Orchestra

John MacLeod's Rex Hotel Orchestra

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Alastair Kay (trombone), Andy Ballantyne (saxophone), Bob Leonard (saxophone), Brian O'Kane (trumpet), Collin Murray (trombone), David Braid (piano), James MacDonald (french horn), Janet Anderson (french horn), Jason Logue (trumpet), Jim Vivian (bass), Joey Goldstein (guitar), John Johnson (saxophone), John MacLeod (flugelhorn/trumpet), Perry White (saxophone), Rick Wilkins (saxophone), Rob Sommerville (trombone), Steve Crowe (trumpet), Steve McDade (trumpet), Ted Warren (drums), Terry Promane (trombone)


John MacLeod's credentials as a trumpeter/composer/arranger have been firmly established, with a distinguished career spanning almost thirty years on the Canadian music scene. He has worked with Toronto's most elite musicians and musical organizations in both the jazz and commercial music fields. In 2003 John formed his own large jazz ensemble, the 20-piece Rex Hotel Orchestra (named after the club where it performs the last Monday of each month)

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Run Stop Run

Run Stop Run

The Emmet Ray (924 College Street)

William Carn (trombone), Don Scott (guitar), Ethan Ardelli (drums), Jon Maharaj (bass)


Run Stop Run is the latest project from Juno-nominated trombonist William Carn. Produced by influential saxophonist/composer David Binney, their debut recording showcases Run Stop Run's contemporary sound. Lush and warm, this recording incorporates infectious grooves with lyrical melodies. Run Stop Run (RSR) is a collective in every sense of the word. Lead by Carn, this quartet features four of Canada’s top jazz artists performing their own brand of eclectic, original, modern jazz music. The recording offers original compositions from various members of the band including three from David Binney, four from William Carn, and remainder from band mates Jon Maharaj and Don Scott. The tracks, twelve in total, create a variety of sound & texture that simply allow for this ensemble to stand alone in its sound. William Carn who has performed with numerous top jazz artists over the past several years, has joined forces with the great David Binney for this project, which is also released on Binney’s self owned Mythology record label. William Carn’s Run Stop Run is made up of William Carn on trombone &vocal, Don Scott on guitar, Jon Maharaj on bass, Ethan Ardelli on drums and special guest David Binney on keyboards/programming & vocal.

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Three Metre Day

Three Metre Day

Musideum (#133-401 Richmond West)

Don Rooke (guitar), Hugh Marsh (violin), Michelle Willis (piano/vocals)


Three Metre Day is an original, Canadian roots music trio whose members are Hugh Marsh, Don Rooke and Michelle Willis. Hugh, violinist, has recorded and toured extensively with Bruce Cockburn, Loreena McKennitt, Jon Hassell, Don Byron and Mercan Dede as well as playing on the soundtracks to countless Hollywood films. Don Rooke is a lap-style slide guitarist who also leads cult Toronto band The Henrys. He has recorded with Mary Margaret O’Hara, Cowboy Junkies, Sylvia Tyson and Gordie Sampson, as well as for movies and TV. Finally there's Michelle Willis, whose singing and portable pump organ playing are the cornerstone of this original band.

Michelle, leader of her own band and a current member of The Measure, sang with The Henrys (Don's band), at Luminato in Toronto in 2009, on the same bill as Derek Trucks Band, Daniel Lanois and Debashish Battacharya, among others. The event was called The World of Slide Guitar. Don and Hugh, who met much earlier, recorded and toured together in Mary Margaret O'Hara's band in support of the CD Miss America in the late '80s. They have worked together live and in studios many times since.

The trio started working on new material in late 2009. The sound of the band and Coasting Notes, the new recording, features these original songs performed on old instruments, which blend to form a strong, identifiable texture. At times the sounds are so interwoven it's hard to distinguish one instrument from another. It is rare to see three musicians in one group who demonstrate a real command of their instruments, but have devoted themselves to making uncommonly organic, consolidated music.

In support of the CD's release in the USA, the band will be in California in early November 2011, playing a series of dates that were arranged, for the most part, through the generosity and dedicated hard work of James Williamson.

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David Celia & Michael Holt

David Celia & Michael Holt

Hawaii Bar (989 Dovercourt Road)

Michael Holt (piano/vocals), David Celia (guitar/piano/vocals)


### David Celia
David Celia, based out of Toronto, Canada is a world class musician who has played for audiences all over the U.K., U.S.A. and Canada. With regards to his musical style, it has been described as "roots-rock with hints of folk wrapped up in a pop package".

### Michael Holt
Toronto-based troubadour Michael Holt has toured North America and Europe twenty times and released eight albums of his music. He puts on an unpredictable, one-man variety show using multiple instruments, moods, costumes and characters, weaving together covers of Maurice Ravel, Bob Dylan, Dizzy Gillespie, and Fela Kuti with original material as diverse as Beatlesy pop songs on the guitar, classical pieces on the piano, and Fellini-esque lounge music on the organ. At the Hawaii Bar, the one man show will be a two man show, with fellow swimmer in the uncharted ocean of music, David Celie, playing songs by both, singing in harmony, improvising freely, and who knows what else.

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Tuesday, June 25th

Allison Au Quartet

Allison Au Quartet

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Allison Au (saxophone), Todd Pentney (piano), Jon Maharaj (bass), Fabio Ragnelli (drums)


Saxophonist/flautist Allison Au has a Bachelor of Music is Jazz studies from Humber College. While at Humber, she studied with Pat LaBarbera, Hilario Duran, John McLeod, Andy Ballantyne, Kelly Jefferson, Luis Mario Ochoa and Kirk MacDonald. She is the recipient of the Duke Ellington Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement and the Ron Collier Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Arranging. In 2007, she was awarded a scholarship to attend the Nice Jazz Festival in Nice, France. On her return, she was commissioned to write an original work which was formally premiered at the School of Creative and Performing Arts Awards Ceremony. Allison has played with Luis Mario Ochoa’s Cimarron, Hilario Duran, El Mosaico, Vanderpark, Afrodisiac, The Spandex Effect, Babes in Jazzland, La Mezcla, Heavy Mambo, The Lansdowne Saxophone Quartet, and The Thing Is. She has also performed in the pit orchestras for POGO's production of The Wizard of Oz and Watersedge production of Bare: The Musical. Allison currently lives in Toronto where she divides her time as a freelance performer, composer/arranger and private teacher.

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New York's Ben Monder/Noah Preminger Duo

New York's Ben Monder/Noah Preminger Duo

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Ben Monder (guitar), Noah Preminger (saxophone)


### Ben Monder
A musician in the New York area for 25 years, he has performed with a variety of artists, including Jack McDuff, Marc Johnson, Lee Konitz, George Garzone, Tim Berne, and Kenny Wheeler. He is a regular member of the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra and the Paul Motian Octet, as well as many other projects. He has conducted clinics and workshops around the world, and served on the faculty of the New England Conservatory from 2002-2005. Ben continues to perform original music internationally with his own quartet, trio, and in a duo project with vocalist Theo Bleckmann. He has appeared on over 100 CDs as a sideman, and has released 4 as a leader: Oceana (Sunnyside, 2005), Excavation (Arabesque, 2000), Dust (Arabesque, 1997), and Flux (Songlines,1995).

### Noah Preminger
Born in 1986, Preminger grew up in Canton, Connecticut. While still in high school, he studied with saxophone luminary Dave Liebman. Preminger released his debut album, Dry Bridge Road, just after graduating from the New England Conservatory of Music. The recording was a sextet session with top-line players from the New York scene: Monder, pianist Frank Kimbrough, trumpeter Russ Johnson, bassist John Hébert, drummer Ted Poor.

Mirabel Palmer-Elliot & Chloe Elliot

Mirabel Palmer-Elliot & Chloe Elliot

Free Times Café (320 College Street)

Mirabel Palmer-Elliot (vocals), Danny McErlain (piano), Chloe Elliot (vocals)


A night of expression and soul music with Mirabel Palmer Elliot & Chloe Elliot featuring accomplished pianist Danny McErlain.

Patricia Fagan Jazz Group

Patricia Fagan Jazz Group

Hawaii Bar (989 Dovercourt Road)

John Russon (guitar), Chris Banks (bass), Patricia Fagan (vocals), Blake Howard (drums)


Come out for live jazz and good times! Original tunes and standards.

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Dallas' Bobby Sparks Trio

Dallas' Bobby Sparks Trio

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (194 Queen Street West)

Jason "JT" Thomas (drums), Michael League (bass), Bobby Sparks (keyboard/piano/organ)


A versatile musician of drums, a little bass guitar and primarily keyboards, Bobby plays all kinds of music. In addition to playing for Kirk Franklin for 20 years, he has worked with other musical giants such as Prince, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Tower of Power, Marcus Miller, Ray Charles, George Benson, Dave Koz, Lalah Hathaway, Roy Hargrove, Al Jarreau, Les McCann, Rahsaan Patterson, Poogie Bell, Dean Brown, Snarky Puppy, Kirk Whalum, David Sanborn, Nicolas Payton, St. Vincent and the late Wayman Tisdale. In the Gospel World He has worked with Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Bishop Paul Morton, CeCe Winans, Donnie McKurklin, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Joe Pace, Shirley Caesar, and V. Michael McKay among many other well-known Gospel musical personalities.

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