Toronto Jazz Festival opens with Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Molly Johnson

ADMISSION TO THE FESTIVAL IS FREE OF CHARGE ON FRIDAY

FREE-FOR-ALL-FRIDAY Includes Free Performances

Toronto – The TD Toronto Jazz Festival kicks off summer with non-stop festivities all across the city on Friday, June 21. Admission: FREE.

With more than 40 locations hosting live jazz, there is no shortage of free music this Friday as the Festival gets underway with its 27th edition, running until June 29, 2013.

The legendary Smokey Robinson will take centre stage at Nathan Phillips Square, bringing the sounds of Motown to Hogtown as he performs a collection of his greatest hits. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas will open, performing classic songs such as “Heatwave,” “Dancing in the Street” and “Nowhere to Run.”

The festivities get underway at 8pm. Wristbands will ensure admittance to the seating area in the Mainstage Marquee tent. Starting at 5 p.m., wristbands will be distributed on the east side of Nathan Phillips Square. One wristband per person. Two 9’ x 16’ high-resolution screens will also illuminate the Square. Everyone can enjoy the performance wherever they are standing.

                                                                                                   

From the clubs, to the patios, to Nathan Phillips Square, travel the city and get your jazz on without paying a dime. Enjoy a wide variety of shows including: Molly Johnson, performing two sets at Jazz Bistro (8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.); Sondheim Project at the Pure Spirits Patio in the Distillery District (6 p.m.); Don Byron with Michael Occhipinti at The Rex (8 p.m.); and Michael Dunston with Dave Young at Shops at Don Mills (8 p.m.).

FREE-FOR-ALL-FRIDAY EVENTS – JUNE 21
NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE	8:00pm     Martha Reeves & The Vandellas                    Smokey Robinson
The Rex Jazz & Blues Bar	8:00pm     Don Byron with Michael Occhipinti
	11:00pm   Victor Lewis with Ryan Oliver
Gate 403	5:00pm     Doc Barrister's Harlem Three
	9:00pm     Andy De Campos Jazz Band
Dominion on Queen	6:00pm     Moo'd Swing
	10:00pm   Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo & Eddie Bullen
Pauper's Pub – Upstairs Piano Bar	6:00pm     Duncan Hopkins Trio
Pure Spirits Patio (Distillery District)	6:00pm     Sondheim Project
Musideum	7:00pm     Mary Margaret O'Hara with Yvette Tollar
	9:30pm     Mary Margaret O'Hara with Yvette Tollar
Pantages Hotel Martini Bar	7:00pm     Steve Koven & Artie Roth
Harlem Restaurant	7:30pm     Jazz Lovers Society
Harlem Underground	8:00pm     Jake Wilkinson
Jazz Bistro	8:00pm     An Evening with Molly Johnson
	10:30pm   An Evening with Molly Johnson
Lula Lounge	8:00pm     David Buchbinder Trio
	10:30pm   Café Cubano
Shops at Don Mills	8:00pm     Michael Dunston / Dave Young
N'Awlins Jazz Bar & Dining	8:30pm     Bourbon Street Band w/ special guest vocalist
Latinada Tapas & Jazz Bar	9:00pm     Ruben Vazquez Trio
May Café	9:00pm     Brownman Akoustic Quartet – Tribute to                    Freddie Hubbard
Mezzetta Restaurant & Tapas Bar	9:00pm     Lorne Lofsky & Kieran Overs
	10:15pm   Lorne Lofsky & Kieran Overs
Monarch's Pub	9:00pm     Groove Corporation
Alleycatz	9:30pm     Ascencion
Poetry Jazz Café	9:30pm     Shafton Thomas Group
Grossman's Tavern	10:00pm   Swinging Blackjacks
Joe Mama's	10:00pm   The Grind w/ special guest vocalist
Painted Lady	10:00pm   Soul Sonic with DJ NV