Celebrating its 37th year, TD Toronto Jazz Fest is scattering some heat across the city, celebrating the best in hip-hop, Afrobeat, alternative and, of course, jazz, among other genres.
Running from June 21 to 30, the fest boasts both ticketed and free sets at a mix of indoor and outdoor venues. While you build your personal schedule, we humbly present five acts you won't want to miss during this year's festivities.
André 3000
Literally let the wind blow you into Massey Hall this time, where the Outkast-mainstay-turned-flautist will bring the new age serenity of last year's New Blue Sun. It may be the fest's most immersive set, as André 3000 tells sprawling stories without ever spitting a bar.
Jill Barber
Whether singing in French or English — she does the former on her latest album, this June's ENCORE! — Jill Barber's folk pop chansons are as enchanting as they are nostalgic. Catch her two nights in a row at Jazz Bistro.
Dominique Fils-Aimé
Dominique Fils-Aimé will bring her blend of soul, jazz and R&B — genres she explored on her trilogy of Nameless, Stay Tuned! and Three Little Words — to the fest's TD Main Stage. Expect jammy climaxes, full band simpatico and boisterous vocals at this free show, as well as the emotional introspection of last year's Our Roots Run Deep.
Hiatus Kaiyote
This Melbourne four-piece will make you feel like you're inside a flower. They've been at it for over a decade, and their expert-level neo-soul makes for a loungy, cool, funk-tinged performance.
TOBi
Effortless swagger and knowing smiles are mainstays of Toronto rapper TOBi's stage persona. His confident bars are backed by tinges of soul and R&B, making for an equally melodic, introspective and bouncy show.
Honorable Mention:
In Conversation
Host Michael Williams will ask what the future looks like for the next generation of artists at the Isabel Bader Theatre on June 27. Featuring Gil Moore of Triumph and MetalWorks Studios, Sandy Moore of Spoons, award-winning violinist Aline Homzy and more. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite.