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| Canada - Toronto Announces New Jazz Festival by Cindy McLeod Toronto steps out and boldly professes its love for jazz with its newly formed education and advocacy group, the "Art of Jazz". The group has announced its festival event the "Art of Jazz Celebration" will be held in Toronto May 17 – 21, 2006. Founded by a group of jazz musicians and educators, the not for profit organization will will present an annual 5 day event, the Art of Jazz Celebration, "paying tribute to Canadian and International Jazz Masters. The 2006 event will honour the great bebop pianist Barry Harriss, and Canadian multi-instrumentalist Don Thompson. Art of Jazz Celebration is scheduled to take place May 17 – 21, 2006, at Toronto's Distillery Historic District, and in addition to the major concert performances and pre-concert talks, includes themed programs throughout the day, educational workshops and clinics, jazz films, author readings and photo exhibits. The concert tributes to the artists are structured to present a sense of each musician's musical history. The Harris tribute on May 18, will feature pianist Hank Jones, alto saxophonist Charles McPherson, tap dancer Jimmy Slyde, bassist Earl May and drummer Leroy Williams. For the Thompson tribute on May 19, guests will include guitarist Jim Hall, alto saxophonist John Handy, bassist Dave Holland, saxophonist and pianist Phil Dwyer and drummer Terry Clarke. The organization intends to make jazz more accessible to the Canadian public, with future plans for programs such as monthly jazz concerts, a repertory ensemble called the Art of Jazz Orchestra, and an annual High School Jazz Conference. Other plans include offering workshops, open rehearsals and master classes, interactive performances, and an outreach program. Tribute to Barry Harris Thursday May 18, 2006 Toronto / Canada Hank Jones, Charles McPherson, Jimmy Slyde, Earl May and Leroy Williams Tribute to Don Thompson Friday May 19, 2006 Toronto, Canada Jim Hall, Dave Holland, John Handy, Phil Dwyer and Terry Clarke write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |