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Markham Jazz Festival announces headline acts

There are more than 30 free outdoor concerts offered at the 22nd annual event Aug. 16 to 18
0Michael Kaeshammer
Michael Kaeshammer, also known as Mr. Personality, headlines the Aug. 17 performance. Supplied photo/TD Markham Jazz Festival

NEWS RELEASE
TD MARKHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL
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TD Markham Jazz Festival have announced this year’s headlining acts set to perform among the 30+ free concerts across three stages this Aug. 16, 17 and 18.

Fresh off her debut and JUNO Award-winning album win for So Here We Are, Alison Young will headline the Millennium Bandstand Friday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m., ahead of LowDown Brass Band at 9:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Aug. 17 at 9 p.m., attendees will be treated to what the Jazz Advocate calls “Mr. Personality!” and the Montreal Gazette says is a “must-see live act” — JUNO Award-winning and internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, pianist and producer Michael Kaeshammer and his spellbinding, genre-bending new album, SOMETHING NEW.

“Listening to Michael Kaeshammer play live is like looking through a window into one of the greatest musical minds in the world today.” — The Record

Another JUNO Award-winner is slated for banner status on the Millennium Bandstand Stage; renowned bassist, singer, and composer Brandi Disterheft will headline Sunday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m.

The 22nd annual Festival kicks things off with some uptown funk for its hallmark Opening Night Concert Wednesday, Aug. 14 at the Markham Museum; the evening will feature Oakland Stroke, the tribute band known for their '70s horn hit repertoire highlighting the likes of Tower of Power, Blood Sweat & Tears, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago and more.

Allison Au, BMC Organ Trio, Bywater Call, Chris Gale, George Koller and Secret Space Program, GUH, Heather Bambrick, Kollage, Lauren Falls, Tia Brazda, The Bright Lunch Trio, and The Worst Pop Band Ever are among the artists slated to play across the Festival’s 22nd multiple venues Friday through Sunday.

The lineup will ultimately feature more than 30 concerts across main stages and local establishments, the Festival will continue its tradition of offering free admission to outdoor concerts, complimentary shuttle bus service, art gallery tours, wine and beer gardens, and much more.

The TD Markham Jazz Festival first launched in 1998 thanks to a team of volunteers acting under the leadership and invention of local residents, Hal Hill— a well-known broadcaster, concert producer, author (Jazz Canadiana), and all-around jazz genre authority — and his wife, Chris.

The Festival prides itself on presenting a diverse and eclectic selection of jazz performers from Canada and around the world within a range of sub-styles, including blues, soul, Latin, fusion, world and contemporary.

Previous years have featured Internationally renowned and award-winning artists such as David Clayton-Thomas, Maceo Parker, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bruce Cockburn, Jack De Keyzer, John Pizzarelli, Marc Jordan, Dr Lonnie Smith, Molly Johnson, Barbra Lica, Carol Welsman, Oliver Jones, Rob McConnell, Jeff Healey, and many more.

The 22nd TD Annual Markham Jazz Festival is this Aug. 16 to 18, 2019 at venues throughout Markham. The Opening Night Concert is Wednesday, Aug. 14 at the Markham Museum, 9350 Markham Rd., Markham.

For TD Markham Jazz Festival updates, visit: http://www.markhamjazzfestival.com/

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