Josh Grossman's blog

First - Happy Canada Day! We're looking forward to a fun, family-friendly day on Metro Square.

With more than half of the festival now completed - and heading into a long weekend, when some of our audience inevitably heads out of town - our schedule has lightened up considerably. However, although day 7 may have lacked in quantity (compared to previous days), it was no lighter on quality...

Yesterday's lineup featured groups ranging in size from solo to big band, and each musician held his or her own, regardless of the number of players on the stage. Here's a rundown...

Believe it or not, the conclusion of day 5 represented the halfway mark of the festival. Already! Here's how it went...

Yesterday was an action-packed, awesome day of music. Let's launch right in...

My day started with emcee duties at the Outdoor Stage, introducing the four-piece George Grosman Trio (he brought along a percussionist). I couldn't stay long, unfortunately, but trust that George's great sense of swing and interesting repertoire choices kept the audience engaged. From Metro Square I headed over to The Rex, where I spent the majority of the afternoon enjoying the Youth Jazz Showcase.

Oof. Having colleagues keenly interested in corrupting me (you know who you are) may be fun, but on this particular morning it's meaning a bit of a slower start...

Mmmmmm...chip truck fries...nothing like a late-night snack to inspire one to blog...

Okay - so here's my still-up-after-a-long-day-at-the-festival report on day 2. I'll edit in the morning; but because of an early-ish appointment I'm writing now rather than worrying about cramming it into what will be a rushed morning...

Well, that was a pretty incredible way to start the festival...

Despite weather worries, logistical challenges and the adjustments required for a new venue, we got the 25th TD Toronto Jazz Festival kicked off in fine fashion last night. Two legends (one jazz, one soul) took to two different stages, and there was great music all night long.

At last night's annual player's party at The Rex Hotel (thanks to Bob, Tom and the whole crew for hosting a great event), a number of people asked me - "how can you look so calm two days before the festival?" There are two main answers. First, I'm lucky to have a fantastic group of colleagues who run a very tight ship - I can truly concentrate on my job (Artistic Direction) knowing that the festival will run as smoothly as it does every year (regardless of torrential downpours, such as the one currently taking place outside my window...).

The 25th TD Toronto Jazz Festival kicks off in one short week (already!). Here at festival headquarters, we're busily preparing, making sure all is in order...and I'm hoping that you might be doing the same - making preparations to visit us during the ten days of the festival. I thought I would spend a few minutes making some recommendations for your visit, creating a "set list" of sorts - a few things to do or try which might make this year's jazz festival experience your best ever.

Try something new

The jazz world lost a major player on Monday with the unexpected passing of trombonist and band leader Dave McMurdo.