By Lori Bosworth
Torontonicity was invited to the media conference luncheon to kick off the Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival at the Balmy Beach Club in Toronto on July 3, 2014.
We were led to Balmy Beach Club’s gorgeous patio overlooking Lake Ontario and enjoyed Dan Akroyd Wines’ Chardonnay while listening to jazz pianist Quincy Bullen.
Lido Chilelli, founder of the Beaches International Jazz Festival, announced that due to continued work at Kew Gardens, main stage concerts at the jazz festival will take place at the TD Main Stage at Woodbine Park at Northern Dancer Boulevard and Lake Shore Blvd. East.
Some of the artists appearing at the TD Main Stage from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2014 include Johannes Linstead, Jay Douglas and Dumpstaphunk.
Artists performing at the OLG Main Stage from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, 2014 include the Toronto Mass Choir, Barbra Lica, Who Stole The Cookies, Teeny Tucker, Bill King’s Rhythm Express, Shakura S’Adia and Trampled Under Foot.
Arthur Potts, newly-elected MPP for Beaches-East York, was on hand to support the festival and say a few words to the crowd.
We enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch including burgers grilled on the barbeque, pasta with dried tomatoes and olives and mixed greens salad provided by Mill Street Brewery.
We were informed that the Taste of Jazz will take place on Tuesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at Woodbine Park. Guests will be able to enjoy live music while tasting culinary offerings from food trucks, as well as beer and wine at the beer garden.
Partial proceeds from this year’s jazz festival will go towards a redevelopment of Toronto East General Hospital Foundation.
All in all, a lovely kick-off to the Beaches International Jazz Festival.
