JULY 19-28

Beaches International Jazz Festival

The Beaches Jazz Festival celebrates its 25th year and will once again offer music on two weekends, plus workshops and other treats throughout the week. Woodbine Park, Kew Gardens, Beach Boardwalk Stages and the Queen East Street Fest ensure there is plenty of variety for music lovers of all tastes. The line-up is being announced later this week so visit their site for deets:

w - beachesjazz.com

AUGUST 2-4

The Electric-Eclectics Festival

Meaford, Ontario (see website for map to the camping grounds)

EE8 will feature an eclectic program of avant-garde music, a few rock bands, art installations, DJ's and films.! Participating include: The Gories, Petra Glynt, Tranz Defonce, Tarpit and Mary Margaret O'Hara and dozens more. Don't worry if you don't recognize many names here... it's all about discovering new things! On Saturday evening there will be a special set from Look People. The last time Great Bob Scott (drums) Jaymz Bee (vox) Kevin Hearn (keys) Chris Gartner (bass) and Longo Hai (guitar) played together it was April, 1994 at the Palomina Club in North Hollywood. Their first show in 19 years... this will be a historic occasion!

This festival takes place on a farm overlooking the rolling hills of Big Head Valley... gorgeous sunsets! Food vendors: From a burger and French fry truck to gourmet vegan delights...come for a day if that's all you can do... but better to pitch a tent and stay for the entire festival. Performance art on the hill... a dance club in the forest and hundreds of really cool people. Come one, come all!

*Info and tickets at: electric-eclectics.com

Can't make the festival? You can still participate by donating towards a documentary on the concert by acclaimed film maker Niki Belianina. Donate any amount here: indiegogo.com/projects/eccentric-eclectic

AUGUST 6-10

The JAZZ.FM91 World Music Series

Hugh's Room
2261 Dundas Street West
416.531.6604

JAZZ.FM91 have had The Sound Of Jazz Concert Series for well over 30 years, and have recently added The Cabaret Series and a new Composers Series... but before those kick-off they will launch a brand new series that deals with jazz-influenced music from around the world.

The line-up covers music from Cuba, Venezuela, South Africa, France and India.

David Buchbinder's "Oddessa/Havana" featuring Hilario Duran (Tuesday August 6th); a double bill of Eric St. Laurent Trio and Eliana Cuevas Quartet (Wednesday August 7th); Bruce Cassidy's Tribute to Hugh Masekela (Thursday August 8th); Lyne Tremblay, Amy Mconnell, Drew Jureka and more in From Paris With Love (Friday August 9th) and finally Rez Abassi Trio playing their unique brand of jazz from India (Saturday August 10th).

This five-day series is bound to have many people wanting to come back more than once, so the station has arranged a special Three Show Pass. (Single tickets $39.50)

For tickets and more information visit hughsroom.com

SEPTEMBER 12

Jazz Goes To The Movies: A Swing Dance Party!

Palais Royale

A night of swing dance music featuring "The Hollywood North Starlight Orchestra" under the music direction of Anthony Terpstra and starring Barbra Lica and Chris Norton, with special guests: Pam Hyatt, Sam Broverman, Don Francks, Amy McConnell, Colin Hunter and The Sparkettes. The emcee for the evening is Jaymz Bee and it is a benefit for Unison Benevolent Fund. (http://www.unisonfund.ca)

At 8pm Don Francks, Tony Quarrington and friends will perform on the outside patio. At 8:30 free swing dance lessons begin in the main ballroom and shortly after 9 the big band will perform two sets for drinking and dancing! You are encourage to dress in vintage attire, or dress as your favourite movie-star. Prizes will be award to the best look-a-likes!

Get your tickets in advance. The last Unison gala was sold out with 500 people attending!

Tickets $40 in advance, $50 at the door: ticketweb.ca