Today at the Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery, the exciting lineup of events for the 11th season of the Niagara Jazz Festival Presented by TD Ready Commitment was announced. Taking place between June 21-29, 2024, the Niagara Region will be filled with the incredible sounds of jazz, world and soul music. Tickets are available now for purchase at niagarajazzfestival.com.
“We are very proud to be celebrating our 11th season of the Niagara Jazz Festival! This summer will feature an exciting lineup of talented musicians from here at home to around the globe – USA, Ecuador, Germany, Poland, Austria, Portugal, and more!,” said Juliet Dunn, Executive Artistic Producer. “This year we will be showcasing talent in venues across the City of Niagara Falls, the City of Thorold, the City of St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake. My late husband Peter Shea and I always envisioned presenting the festival throughout the entire Niagara Region and we are well on our way!”
This year’s opening event is The POWER of MUSIC, taking place Friday, June 21, 2024 at the Oakes Garden Theatre in Niagara Falls, in partnership with The Niagara Parks Commission. Taking place on the Fallsview Stage sponsored by MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. The show will feature this year’s headliners, known as Toronto’s First Family of Funk, the Blackburn Brothers. Also appearing on the show will be the Sean Stanley Quartet and Aqua Music. This signature Flagship event, taking place on Indigenous Peoples Day, stands as a testament to the vibrancy of the Black and Indigenous artists that will be presented. Against the stunning backdrop of Niagara Falls, Jazz and Blues music will echo stories of resilience; it will be a magical blend of history, music, and nature.
On Saturday, June 22nd, we bring the power to the people with POP-UP Jazz events at several prime locations across the Niagara Region. Grab a map and see if you can hit them all! Artists and locations will be announced shortly.
Returning this season is our popular JAZZ PICNIC, held at the historically and culturally significant The Brown Homestead in St. Catharines, taking place on Sunday, June 23rd. This year’s featured performer is 2024 JUNO Award nominee swing-jazz-folk-blues-indie vocalist Denielle Bassels and special guests. Ticket prices include a gourmet picnic lunch from The Pie Guys Bakery & Café. A cash-bar wine and brew garden will also be on-site. Known as a great outdoor cultural experience, JAZZ PICNIC is one of our fan favourites.
On Wednesday, June 26th, FUSION JAZZ in the VINEYARD, sponsored by Jennifer Poynton Desjardins Insurance, will be at the The Hare Wine Co., in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Carl Mayotte Trio from Montreal will perform his own wonderful compositions, as well as jazzing up well known pop songs with his impressive freestyle interpretations.
On Thursday, June 27th, we will welcome Bryan Eng Trio from New York to celebrate the Steinway piano at the Mandeville Theatre at Ridley College in St. Catharines with a Tribute to Nat King Cole. The STEINWAY GRAND Celebration will showcase the piano as the centre of each piece. Bryan covers the standards and adds his own original songs. Bryan is one of the youngest new stars on the New York City jazz scene, earning accolades from coast to coast and we’re thrilled to bring him to Canada. Bryan will soon be releasing his debut album called ‘A Few Days with You’.
Taking place during the afternoon on Friday, June 28th at Ridley College is the LIVE.LEARN.JAZZ Master Class Series ‘Anatomy of a Tune. Expand your listening skills and deepen your appreciation of music while gaining insights into the creative process. This learning event is FREE for students, and ‘pay what you can’ for all others. Everyone is welcome! Returning is our favourite international artists the Wojtek Justyna TreeOh! arriving from Holland, Poland, Germany and Austria who thrilled our audiences last summer.
Friday, June 28th will be SOUL JAZZ in the VINEYARD at Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery with Quincy Bullen Band featuring Michael Dunston on vocals. This signature event is a sell-out every year – grab your tickets early! Short Hills Kitchen is on-site for your dining pleasure, and of course there will be wine! This evening will be magical with eclectic jazz, R&B and soul fusion bringing energy to a vibrant and lush vineyard.
And finally, MUSIC in the PARK on Saturday, June 29th sponsored by OLG. Our annual FREE community event is programmed for the jazz-curious music lover, new generation jazz fans, and those who love to groove. This season we have partnered with the City of Thorold, the fastest growing city in Niagara, to bring the vibe to Battle of Beaverdams Park. This day-long event features two music stages filled with jazz and world music artists, an artisan marketplace, a KIDZ ZONE, food trucks & beverage vendors and more!
Niagara Jazz Festival is proud to announce a charitable partnership with MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS/The JUNO Awards, which will extend the impact of the festival and support the next generation of musicians. Niagara Jazz Festival will be donating $1 per ticket sold this summer in support of MusiCounts.
