The Markham Jazz Festival Announces New Artistic Director

Markham, ON - The Markham Jazz Festival has acquired acclaimed musician Michael Occhipinti to fill the role of Artistic Director for the festival’s 2010 summer event.

Occhipinti is no stranger to the role, or to Canada’s music scene. He has performed at jazz festivals across Canada and world wide with his various projects, including 2009 JUNO nominee The Sicilian Jazz Project, is the Artistic Director for the Ontario Music Centre’s Summer Music Camp, and teaches jazz combos at The Royal Conservatory of Music. His newest group, the instrumental funk group Triodes, has just released its debut CD Chunked. When asked about joining the Markham Jazz Festival, Occhipinti was excited and eager to be a part of this musical summertime tradition. “I’m flattered that I have been asked to coordinate the artistic talent for this summer’s festival. I’ve enjoyed performing at the festival myself, and I know it has a great reputation for showcasing great music in a wonderful location. I’m hoping to put together a roster of artists that draws new people to Markham and builds on the success the festival has already had.

The Markham Jazz festival is equally excited about this partnership. Festival Director Linda Briggs says, “We’re very happy to have secured such a renowned musician to craft our line-up of musical acts this year. Michael is an 8 time Juno nominee and we look forward to hearing what his award-recognized taste is going to bring to this year’s festival.”

The 2010 Markham Jazz Festival will run from August 20th – 22nd and is one of the town’s most notable events. The event attracts thousands from across Ontario to the quaint main streets of Markham and Unionville where they enjoy numerous stage performances, and several “Hot Spots,” (pubs, bars and restaurants that also feature jazz performers).

More Info: contactus@markhamjazzfestival.com, www.markhamjazzfestival.com or call 905-471-JAZZ (5299)

The Markham Jazz Festival and The Markham Stouffville HospitalThe Markham Jazz Festival and The Markham Stouffville Hospital

The Markham Jazz Festival and The Markham Stouffville Hospital

Markham, ON - After a hugely successful festival weekend the Markham Jazz Festival is set to donate half of the proceeds from its Silent Auction to The Markham Stouffville Hospital’s expansion project. 

The silent auction took place during the festival’s On Fire! opening night Gala at The Markham Theatre. The 25-item auction raised $1,620 in total and the festival is donating half of its proceeds, totalling $810, to the hospital. Sponsorship Director Tammy Mang says, “The Markham Stouffville Hospital plays an integral role in our community. It provides care to a community of 110,000 people and serves a population of 300,000 people. The Markham Jazz Festival is happy to contribute to their expansion efforts.”

The 12th Annual Markham Jazz Festival wrapped up on August 16th and hosted 18,000 people over the two and a half days. The main streets of Markham and Unionville were filled with riffs and melodies of jazz quartets and trios, and as the sun shone bright in the cloudless blue sky, a relaxing and enjoyable weekend was had by all.



MJF - Solveig Barber

The Markham Jazz Festival 2009

Solveig Barber

Markham, ON-Local Markham resident and acclaimed vocalist Solveig Barber performs on her town’s Main Street on Sunday, August 16th with the 12th Annual Markham Jazz Festival.

Norwegian born singer and actress Solveig Barber grew up in Canada where she developed her musical talents. She has performed with the Canadian Opera Company and in upscale nightclubs throughout Ontario and Quebec. She has appeared on television, in movies and has even traveled to the Far East to entertain our Armed Forces. Currently, she performs with the vocal group The Canadian Singers, and as a soloist or with an ensemble for private and special events. She is performing twice with the Markham Jazz Festival this year, first on Sunday August 9th for a promotional concert at Markville Shopping Centre, a silver sponsor of the festival, and then as a quartet with local jazz musician Larry Bond and his trio on Sunday, August 16th on Main Street Markham.

The Markham Jazz Festival runs from August 14th-16th, 2009 and is one of the town’s most notable events, attracting thousands from across Ontario to the picturesque main streets of Markham and Unionville. With over 20 performers on four stages, plus many “hot spots” (local bars and restaurants who book their own acts under the umbrella of the Markham Jazz Festival), this year’s festival is sure to provide “cool” sounds for all fans of great music!

When: Sunday, August 9th 2009
Location: Markville Shopping Centre
Time: 1:00-3:00 pm
When: Sunday, August 16th 2009
Location: Main Street Markham
Time: 3:30-5:00 pm