The 36th Annual Beaches Jazz Festival officially kicks off today to get T.O. groovin' to swing, salsa, soul & more all month long for free!

IN-STUDIO OR ON-SITE INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPP

TORONTO, July 5, 2024 /CNW/ - It's just not summer in Toronto without the Beaches Jazz Festival. The 36th annual local, world-class music event that draws 1000s of attendees to Toronto's east end every July to bring community together through music, officially kicks off today.

The legendary music festival will feature performances from 100s of artists across all genres including jazz, salsa, dance, hip hop, blues, disco, house, ska, and rock — all month long for free.

The Beaches Jazz Festival has been a summer tradition in Toronto for over three decades. It officially kicks off July 5th in the city's east end to offer performances from 100s of local and international artists across jazz, salsa, dance, hip hop, blues, disco, house, ska, and rock genres --- all month long, for free. (CNW Group/Beaches Jazz Festival)

WHO:	Mayor Olivia Chow helps launch the Festival today between 4:30PM to 5PM @Jimmie Simpson Park.
	Throughout the Festival, interviews are also available with: Popular and emerging artists like Swing Shift Band leader, Jim John, Quincy Bullen, Witch Prophet, Juno-award winning Bob Marley Tribute Band, Lazo, former MuchMusic VJ Master T, and more. Beaches Jazz Festival Artistic Director Jay Cleary and/or founder Lido Chilleli. Toronto attendees, including those who have made lifelong friends, and even found love at the Festival!
WHAT/WHERE:	Beaches Jazz Festival events: Sounds of Leslieville and Riverside, Jimmie Simpson Park, July 5-7 Salsa on the Beach, Toronto's biggest celebration of Latin culture and music at Woodbine Park, July 12-14. TD Weekend, Woodbine Park, July 18-21. OLG Weekend, Woodbine Park, includes Groovin' in the Park, the city's biggest outdoor celebration of house and dance music, July 26-28. Streetfest: along Queen St. E.,July 25-27 View the month-long program here.
WHEN:	On July 5th, and throughout the Festival, interviews can be coordinated on-site,  in-studio, or by phone.
VISUALS:	Live performances; Swing dance or salsa lessons; Members of the community coming together through music; Organizers preparing for thousands of attendees
	MEDIA ASSETS: Click here for b-roll footage, here for hi res images and here for highlights.
WHERE:	Jimmie Simpson and Woodbine Parks

About Beaches Jazz Festival 

The Beaches Jazz Festival started in 1989 by Lido Chilelli, aiming to unite the community through music. Over three decades, he and his daughter, with a loyal team, curated a month-long celebration drawing tens of thousands yearly, supporting Canadian music talent.

The Festival not only backs artists but also boosts Toronto's economy by injecting millions of dollars into the GTA. It's a key platform for local businesses to connect with the community. Learn more on how to participate here. Follow @beachesjazz.

SOURCE Beaches Jazz Festival

MEDIA CONTACT: Victoria Kirk, Verified Communications, 416.558.4507, [email protected]