Inside 22nd annual Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival Special

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Andrew

By Andrew Moran

Jul 24, 2010 in Arts

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By Andrew Moran.

Toronto - Jazz may not be the draw is used to be during the early 20th century but the streets of Toronto's Beach community were filled with people eager to listen to the variety of jazz and blues performers, including Rachelle van Zanten.

“It’s year twenty-two for us and we “feel good”, to paraphrase the late James Brown. It’s that boogie-woogie feeling of anticipation, discovery and hope for good weather,” states the organizers of the Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival on their website.

During the summer in the city of Toronto, there are numerous festivals, events and concerts ranging from artistry to music to cultural heritage. The Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival is one of those events that has been identified with the city and will continue to provide concerts from jazz artists from across the globe to the general public.

Since July 16, the jazz festival has been the featured event and has provided jazz fans the opportunity to listen to various types of jazz music, including swing, Afro-Cuban, blues, Dixieland, bebop, fusion and contemporary jazz from up and coming performers.

Andrew Moran

Rachelle van Zanten

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Andrew Moran

Rachelle van Zanten

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Andrew Moran

Graham Roby, drummer for Rachelle van Zanten

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On Saturday, the second last day before the festival comes to an end; those in attendance were able to receive five free concerts from the Griffith Hiltz Trio, Dan Hill, Blackburn, Rachelle van Zanten and Warren Hill.

Even though the rain was pouring on Toronto, hundreds of people came out and enjoyed the music. Majority brought their chairs and covered themselves with their umbrella. Fortunately the rain didn’t halt the six-hour show.

The jazz festival, which is sponsored by TD Canada Trust, CTV, the government of Ontario and many others, is one of the most popular jazz festivals in the city. When people talk about jazz festivals in Toronto, they usually mention two: the TD Canada Trust jazz festival at Nathan Phillips Square and the Beaches festival.