John Pizzarelli   
A world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer who will keep you mesmerized with his interpretation of the best jazz standards in history. A rare and funny entertainer who naturally engages his audience, John also broadcasts his own syndicated jazz show, “Radio Deluxe” show from New York which plays every Sunday morning on Jazz FM 91.1.

Cameron Brown’s “Hear and Now” featuring Don Byron, Tony Jefferson and Sheila Jordan. Bassist and composer Cameron Brown leads his acclaimed “Hear and Now” quartet, featuring Sheila Jordan, a jazz legend in her own right.  She projects the warmth of a great musician celebrating the enduring spirit of music. Performing an eclectic mix of music that includes bebop and jazz standards, the quartet includes percussionist Tony Jefferson, and Don Byron, considered by many to be the world's most innovative jazz clarinettist and our resident artist in 2010.
 

Richard Underhill’s warm alto sound, great writing and arranging skills and in-from-the-outside soloing make him one of Canada’s most distinctive jazz performers. A truly original jazz composer and arranger, Richard's exciting original music captivates audiences with sing able melodies, outstanding musicianship and engaging performances. The founding member of Toronto's acclaimed Shuffle Demons, he has toured Europe and Canada to critical acclaim for over 22 years.

The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band is for middle and secondary school students, providing an opportunity for young, talented musicians to participate in a formal audition process, and to potentially join a city-wide band.  The programme supports exceptional student musicians to hone their skills while interacting with a new and diverse group in a professional setting. Lead by Musical Director Jules Estrin, an educator and professional musician, they perform several times throughout the year.

The Vespers Service is hosted by 'Add Water and Stir' the resident Trio of the church plus friends. The ensemble is piano, flute, bass plus alto sax, voice and percussion. ‘Add Water’ experiments with music in a worship setting, hymns, vocals and pure instrumental using familiar and not so familiar sacred music. They use upbeat and introspective settings plus sacred text to amplify the journey and congregational singing to finish the journey.

Don’t miss this special evening as Grammy Award nominee Don Byron brings his New York based quintet to Unionville for a unique evening of Gospel music transformed through the imagination of the most innovative clarinetist of his generation. Admission is by donation (suggested amount $15)

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Toronto-based Caribbean jazz powerhouse, pianist/composer Jeremy Ledbetter leads an all-star cast including Canadian-born steelpan virtuoso Mark Mosca and Cuban trumpeter Alexis Baro, as well as Braxton Hicks (saxophones), Chendy Leon (drums), Yoser Rodriguez (bass), and Alberto Suarez (percussion).  CaneFire’s signature sound revolves around its unconventional use of the steelpan – the Trinidadian percussion instrument that transforms oil barrels into sound vessels.

Triple threat pianist/vocalist/composer Brenda Earle combines energy with authenticity.  Steeped in the jazz tradition, she summons inspiration from Latin music and pop artists like Crowded House, Suzanne Vega and Elvis Costello to create a fresh and exciting sound. With virtuosic piano skills, dynamic vocals and an ear for breaking new ground, she has performed with the Diva Jazz Orchestra and Wycliffe Gordon, and has toured as a leader in the US, Canada and New Zealand.

An all male instrumental quartet including Kevin Briet who with his tremendous prowess on all things stringed, combined with his knowledge of harmony, gives him a unique compositional voice. Ian De Souza on bass has recorded and performed live in almost every musical idiom. Rob Gusevs on organ brings his mastery of the Hammond B3 organ to the quartet, and Gary Taylor on drums brings his experience as a producer and composer which has influenced his unique approach to the drum kit.

An acclaimed Toronto based world music group made up of some of Canada’s most exciting and virtuosic interpreters of inter-cultural music. The group has created a unique sonic landscape that draws easily and organically from the worlds of sacred and secular Jewish songs, Classical Arabic and Indian music, modern jazz, rock, pop, and dub.  In doing so the group creates a union between acoustic and electronic, secular and sacred, ancient and modern.

A Juno and 7X Maple Blues award winning artist, blues guitarist, singer, song writer and producer, Jack is considered one of the finest blues guitarists working today. With a career that has spanned over three decades, he has released 6 CD's and 1 DVD as a leader and appeared as a session guitarist on hundreds of recordings. Jack is a masterful, electric blues guitarist, soulful singer and song writer of the first order.

Simão – an instrumentalist, composer, singer and producer who represents the voice of a new generation within the broad spectrum of lusophone music. myspace.com/louissimaofaia. His music is a cry and celebration of saudade from a distant and unlikely outpost. McBirnie is a jazz and Latin flute specialist, well known for his superior technique but he is also recognized as an exceptional improviser (notably in the bebop, swing and Latin idioms). myspace.com/billmcbirnieextremeflute

A fresh and exciting quartet that plays the compositions of guitarist St-Laurent and creates new interpretations every night through the magic of improvisation. Afro-Cuban rhythms combined with Jazz and Blues elements are the heart of the experience. Lyrical melodies, infectious grooves and riffs, lots of interaction and a good dose of humour round off the picture. Including: Jordan O'Connor-bass; Michel DeQuevedo-percussion; Justin Bacchus-vocals. This band creates joy, excitement - and a few other emotions that simply haven't been named yet.

Founded by award-winning percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar, this innovative group is forging new directions by mixing world rhythms with the sound-power and street-feel of the drums of the Afro-Brazilian Samba tradition. Participating in the Markham Jazz Festival will be 5 of the regular 16-member ensemble; they embody the joy of embracing different cultures. The musical roots of Afro-Brazil, Afro-Cuba, West Africa and Urban Funk are combined to produce a dance-party sensation.

Actively involved in music for over half his life on Upright Acoustic/Electric Four Stringed Basses, he has studied and played many different styles of music including jazz, folk, pop/rock, and funk, blues and Latin music. Scott has recorded four albums (two Juno nominations) with the multiple award winning artists Elizabeth Shepherd. He has also recorded live to radio and television (CBC) several times. Scott is currently a busy freelance musician in Toronto teaching acoustic/electric bass/musical applications, and is the composer/leader of his own band. 

A four-piece band dedicated to the craft of song writing, and playing original, soulful and communicative music through the fusions of jazz, folk and pop. Combining the lyrical subtlety of Joni Mitchell and the simple truth of a church hymnbook, the music they play has so far captured the hearts of Toronto audiences. The group includes Michelle Willis - Piano/Vocal; Heather Crawford – Guitar; Charles James – Bass; Shawn Rompre – Drums.

A world music ensemble that performs original repertoire inspired by the traditions of India as well as contemporary versions of traditional songs from the Indian diaspora. Created by tabla player and composer Ravi Naimpally, the band was put together to realize a vision he had to create a new musical form out of the many cultures that co-exist in Canada. Blending instruments and musical motifs from several world traditions Tasa is able to create a rich and seamless tapestry of sound.

A distinctive Latin /Jazz artist, Martinez brings flair and variety to each and every one of her songs. Her sound is a blend of musical influences, including flamenco inspired rhythms, Afro-Cuban beats and Mexican folk music. She will begin her first national festival tour this summer and the audiences will feel Amor and continue to be amazed night after night by her energetic, soothing and playful performances. Martinez’ music transcends the barriers of language, a romantic journey that sweeps audiences off their feet.

Pianist, arranger, producer, composer, bandleader and educator; Duran is better known as “Con Tumbao.” He not only represents an important musician in contemporary Cuban music, he also stands as a turning point in Cuban music history. Chucho Valdes has called him "One of the greatest Cuban pianists of the 20th century."  A fixture on the Toronto music scene, lucky Toronto, this Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated composer and bandleader has become an integral and important part of the Canadian music scene.

An instrumental group that traces its roots to the upbeat R+B, soul, and funk, but with generous nods to early reggae and ska, modern jam bands, experimental rock, jazz, and electronica. The Triodes includes: Michael Occhipinti (guitar), Paul Neufeld (keyboards), Roberto Occhipinti (bass/producer), and Doan Pham (drums). Performing with The Triodes will be Don Byron, a clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, arranger he redefines every genre of music he plays, be it classical, salsa, hip-hop, funk, rhythm & blues, klezmer.

International jazz drummer Clarke has recorded over 300 albums with various jazz artists. Clarke is a familiar face at Jazz Festivals, Concert Halls and Venues throughout the world.  He continues to perform and record with a number of international artists, such as Nancy Wilson, Bill Mays, Renee Rosnes, Jim Hall and Helen Merrill. Clarke is an enthusiastic jazz educator who for four consecutive years has been honoured as “Drummer of the Year” at the annual National Jazz Awards.

A 2 time Juno nominated singer/songwriter/producer, Mancuso is defining a rich hybrid sound fueled by a highly diverse and cultural backdrop. By embracing his forefathers’ southern Italian dialect and repertoire, and infusing it with his North American sensibility, he has successfully merged the old world with the new. He has produced and released several CDs, written scores for TV and film and entertained hundreds of thousands of people since he began performing in the late 1980s.

A JUNO Award Nominated jazz vocalist (Best Vocal Jazz Album of the Year 2009) who has recorded and performed on three continents, 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. A Jazz Review was quoted as saying: "The singing of Yvette Tollar is a treat, the voice of a nightingale, an impassioned singer".

Founded by award-winning percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar, this innovative group is forging new directions by mixing world rhythms with the sound-power and street-feel of the drums of the Afro-Brazilian Samba tradition. Participating in the Markham Jazz Festival will be 5 of the regular 16-member ensemble; they embody the joy of embracing different cultures. The musical roots of Afro-Brazil, Afro-Cuba, West Africa and Urban Funk are combined to produce a dance-party sensation.