Message from the Founder

As a musician over the years I have played numerous jazz festivals in and around Toronto and often wondered why we, the great jazz lovers of Etobicoke, did not have a festival of our own. With this inspiration I became and remain committed to bringing the best jazz festival to our community, not only by presenting top notch talent but also by giving the opportunity to younger musicians as well as their educators. They work tirelessly and deserve to perform and display all the talent that our neighbourhood develops. After all we are fortunate to boast the best music programs in the country as well as a massive pool of world class players.

Since our inception in 2015 we have and continue to fulfill all the intentions mentioned above in spite of making it through some difficult times, in particular, the Covid year of 2020 where all live events were shelved. However, we were lucky enough to be able to present a brief showcase in early November 2021, not as complete but at least it was a live event, rather than just virtual.

In the last two years we ran a student jazz competition , “The Doc Award”, named after the late Doug Riley, famous Canadian pianist, organist and composer. The competition was held at the Taste of the Kingsway street festival with the finalists playing off at our festival. This year we will be at The Taste of the Kingsway again on Saturday, September 7th. starting at 7:00 PM at the Community Stage with a Doc Award All-Star lineup. We will present two groups led by Christian Antonacci & Jackson Haynes, featuring past Doc Award Winners.

I would also like to welcome our new spotlight sponsor, Paul Kawaja from Onx Securities. Paul has brought to our attention a very important organization in our community, Victim Services Toronto. Their Moto: No Victim Alone. They provide immediate confidential support to any person who has experienced crime or sudden tragedy. Please go to their website and support them.

As always I would like to thank the people who continue to make all things happen, starting with my partner Jeff Robbs who heads up Big Story Entertainment along with John Sheridan and Matt Smallwood of Flying Colours. Other important participants include Colleen Noble, Eric Boucher, Miriam Clarke, Marco Riquero, Marshall Boyce, Alessandro Spadini and the many musician friends that are always willing to give of their time and help the cause.

As a PS I would also like to thank a great friend of mine, Judy Johnson who inspired me to start this Festival in the first place and due to health reasons has had to step down. Her spirit is always present.

Thanks to all, and we hope to see many new faces this year!

Curtis Smith, Founder and Artistic Director

curtis@jazzweststudios.ca