“The Doc’ competition will be held and adjudicated on the Footloose Stage at the Taste of the Kingsway Festival, 2022, September 9th - 11th. It is open to music students active in a registered music program in 2022 and under the age of 23’ There will be a cash award along with two days recording time and production at Jazzwest Studios, Etobicoke. For inquiries, contact Curtis Smith, curtis@jazzweststudios.ca Final groups will play off at the Etobicoke Jazz Festival main venue, Crooked Cue, on Sunday, October 2nd.
A brief history (quoting from the past)
As a musician over the years I have played numerous jazz festivals in and around Toronto and often wondered why we, the great jazz lovers of Etobicoke, did not have a festival of our own. With this inspiration I became and remain committed to bringing the best jazz festival to our community, not only by presenting top notch talent but also by giving the opportunity to younger musicians as well as their educators. They work tirelessy and deserve to perform and display all the talent that our neighbourhood develops. After all we are fortunate to boast the best music programs in the country as well as a massive pool of world class players.
Since our inception in 2015 we have and continue to fulfill all the intentions mentioned above in spite of making it through some difficult times, in particular, the Covid year of 2020 where all live events were shelved. However we were lucky enough to be able to present a brief showcase in early November 2021, not as complete but at least live rather than just virtual. As in the recent past we have been using the Crooked Cue Restaurant, on Bloor St. W. as our main festival venue where we convert their premises to an elegant nightclub setting. This year we have moved our schedule to earlier in the season to take advantage of the weather and the beautiful retractable roof that the Crooked Cue features.
This year we are adding performances on the Footloose stage at the Taste of the Kingsway 2022, which runs the weekend of Sept 9th, two weeks before our event. Here we will feature for the first time, The Annual Doc Award, a competition for student groups with a prize in the name of famed Etobicoke pianist organist and arranger the late Doug Riley, who was affectionally referred to as “Doc”. The stage is donated to us through new sponsors Footloose Dance and the Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance. We are grateful to have them on board and thank them for their help.
As always I would like to thank the people who continue to make all things happen, starting with my partner Jeff Robbs who heads up Big Story Entertainment along with John Sheridan and Matt Smallwood of Flying Colours. Other important participants include Colleen Noble, Eric Boucher, Miriam Clarke, Marco Riquero, Marshall Boyce, Alessandro Spadini and the many musician friends that are always willing to give of their time and help the cause.
As a PS I would also like to thank a great friend of mine, Judy Johnson who inspired me to start this Festival in the first place and due to health reasons has had to step down. Her spirit is always present.
Thanks to all and hope to see many new faces this year!
Curtis Smith, Founder and Artistic Director
ETOBICOKE JAZZ FESTIVAL – Friday October 29 and Saturday October 30
Q - I purchased a ticket online for General Admission, does that mean I can go both Friday and Saturday shows?
A - Yes, general admission tickets are for the entire festival which includes Friday and Saturday evening performances.
Q - I would like to go to the Friday show only, are there tickets available for one night only?
A – Tickets may be available at the door for the night you want to attend, check availability at the door, price for single night events will be $40
Q - Are there still tickets available and If so how many?
A –Yes, we still have over 100 tickets available
Q - Are the tickets applicable for all 4 performances Friday night.
A – yes, the general admission tickets includes both Friday and Saturday evening performances.
Q - Where do the general admission ticket holders sit?
A – An Etobicoke Jazz Festival Host will guide you to the General Admission Seating area.
Q - Can you order dinner?
A – yes, The Crooked Cue Full Menu will be available
Q – What Covid restrictions are there?
A – please refer to the Crooked Cue website for current covid protocols
Q – is there a merch table where we can by t’shirts or CD’s?
A – a merch table will be available