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TD Toronto Jazz Festival opening night a study in contrasts

 
Music fans will be spoiled for choice as the TD Toronto Jazz Festival kicks off its 25th anniversary year this Friday June 24.
 
The big party will be in the Entertainment District as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, performs a free concert in Pecaut Square at 9:30 p.m. Opening act Jordon John & The Blues Angels will get the party started at 8:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Marquee with their bluesy, roots signature sound to warm up the crowd for the much anticipated Ms. Franklin.
 
Juno award-winning singer and piano powerhouse, Tyler Yarema & His Rhythm will have the last word, gracing the outdoor stage at 11 p.m. for yet another FREE show.
 
King Street West will be closed between Simcoe Street and John Street from 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
 
If street parties aren't your thing, Dave Brubeck will be a civilized and laid-back contrast starting at 8:00 p.m. at Koerner Hall. As a bona fide jazz legend with a career that spans over six decades, Brubeck is back in Toronto for what will no doubt be another sold out show.
 
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The 2011 TD Toronto Jazz Festival is a chance to experience local, national and international talent playing a diverse range of genres as 350 concerts and 1,500 musicians are presented at 40 locations around Toronto.

, Toronto Jazz Music Examiner

Cathy Riches has been writing about music - mostly jazz, world, and vocal - for over 10 years for publications such as The WholeNote, the Women's Post, JazzFM (blog) and the Toronto Downtown Jazz Newsletter. She studied music at college and had a brief career as a performer and now only...

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