Toronto on the Cheap

Photo of Shakura S'Aida. By: Tysonwilliams

Lots of great performances scheduled for this year’s Beaches International Jazz Festival starring July 17 to 26. As usual, admission is FREE.

Three locations. Here’s the schedule:

• July 17 – 19. WOODBINE PARK. This is the kick-off to the celebrations. Time: See Schedule. Multiple outdoor stages. Bring a hat, blanket or folding chair to sit on. Celebrating young and upcoming musicians that are sure to make an impact on the music scene. Performers include: Sean Jones, Blackburn, Robert Scott Power Trio, Heidi Lange, King Sunshine, ZimZum, Shannon Butcher Quartet, Johannes Linstead, The “501″ Jazz Band, RCM Jazz Combos, and more.

• July 23 – 25. STREETFEST. Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Big Band, Swing, Dixieland, Smooth, Post-Bop, Afro-Cuban, Fusion, Funk, R & B, Soul. Performers include: Dr. Draw, Sultans of String, Weekend Warriors, Ninja Funk Orchestra, God Made Me Funky, The Midnight Riders, Johnny Max Band, Best of Quigley’s, Cobra Kings, and more.

• July 25 – 26. KEW GARDENS. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Featuring Jazz musicians who have created headlines on the international music scene. Performers include: Kellylee Evans, Hal Linton, The Roberto Linares Brown Orchestra, Shakura S’Aida, The Real Divas with Bill King, and more.

Woodbine Park is located at: Lakeshore Blvd. E. and Coxwell Ave.   StreetFest is Located along: a 2 km. stretch from Woodbine Ave to Beech Ave.   Kew Gardens is located by: The Boardwalk.