Bringing the flavour and diversity of jazz music to Canadian doorsteps

- Three-quarters of Canadians consider celebrations like music and street festivals to be a Canadian summer staple -

TORONTO, June 17 /CNW/ - Almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of Canadians consider music and street festivals to be a Canadian summer staple worth attending, according to a recent survey by Harris/Decima, commissioned by TD Bank Financial Group. With the season about to begin, and for its seventh consecutive year, TD Bank Financial Group has renewed its commitment to music by extending its sponsorship of eight major Canadian jazz festivals through to 2014.

"More than three million music fans enjoyed these festivals last year proving that whether you're a jazz lover or simply want to take in some wonderful music, the atmosphere is all about promoting summer and enjoying life outdoors," says Tim Hockey, President and Chief Executive Officer, TD Canada Trust. "Summer time is about connecting with others and relaxing comfortably, and the TD Jazz Festivals provide the perfect backdrop to do this."

And Canadians may be more familiar with jazz than they think. According to the survey, only one-third of the population say they listen to jazz occasionally or more often, yet 61 per cent of Canadians are confident they can recognize jazz music when they hear it.

Starting June 24th 2010, Canadians will have the chance to recognize more familiar voices at the TD Jazz Festivals, from well-known contemporary artists, such as Nikki Yanofsky and Macy Gray, to more traditional favourites, like George Benson and Mavis Staples.

In addition, TD will also expand on the festivals' educational offerings in local communities, with a series of student workshops prior to each festival and throughout the year. Workshops will focus on a variety of topics including jazz intensive high school programs that provide in-depth training on all aspects of playing jazz, to Jazz on Wheels, a mobile stage showcasing professional musicians who deliver free jazz concerts and workshops to communities across Canada. Details pertaining to community workshops can be found on the respective websites for each TD Jazz Festival or by visiting www.tdcanadatrust.com/music/ and clicking on the respective festival link.

Beyond their commitment to music, the Canadian jazz festival organizers will continue to work closely with TD to educate their local communities about the environment. In efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, TD-sponsored Canadian jazz festivals have implemented diverse initiatives, from recycling programs to offering locally sourced organic food options, to using Bullfrog to power their stages.

New for 2010, the National Arts Centre Foundation (NAC) will be unveiling a commemorative statue of Canadian jazz icon, Oscar Peterson in Ottawa during the Queen's visit on June 30. Recognized as a leading jazz musician by six out of 10 mature Canadians (ages 55+), this monument will live on for future generations of jazz lovers.

"We're pleased to be part of this tribute to an amazing talent and Canadian," says Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. "As a jazz pianist and composer, Oscar Peterson made an enormous contribution to the evolution of jazz music in Canada and around the world, and his achievement is deserving of this special recognition."

As of June 24th, festivals will be kicking off in communities across Canada. Tickets can be purchased online now, and more information can be found on the following web sites:

Ottawa: June 24 - July 4, www.ottawajazzfestival.com

Victoria: June 25 - July 4, www.jazzvictoria.ca

Vancouver: June 25 - July 4, www.coastaljazz.ca

Saskatoon: June 25 - July 4, www.saskjazz.com

Winnipeg: June 25 - July 4, www.jazzwinnipeg.com

Toronto: June 25 - July 4, www.torontojazz.com

Montreal: July 1 - July 6, www.montrealjazzfest.com

Halifax: July 9 - 17, www.jazzeast.com

Beaches: July 16 - 25 www.beachesjazz.com

Survey Methodology

This poll was conducted from May 20th through May 23rd, 2010 using teleVox, Harris/Decima's telephone omnibus. A total of 1,003 Canadians were surveyed. Results for the full sample are considered accurate +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

For further information: To arrange an interview, please contact: Lorna Freeman, Alison Dresser, Environics Communications, 416-969-2711, 416-969-2668, [email protected], [email protected]; Gregory Harrison, TD, 416-308-8597, [email protected]