Each of these venues are fantastic. However the large bandstands are more impersonal for those spectators who want to really see musicians in action. The stages are so high and loud, that many viewers are far removed from the intense concentration and energy of the performers. However, the venues chosen for each of the bandstands were acoustically sound and coszy. The Kew beach was actually a natural amphitheatre, and was better shaded with mature trees to control the excessive heat. The Woodbine theater was sweltering hot, and the musicians were struggling to cope during the midday heat.
My choice venue, for this event was the streetfest, where the bands are set up in front of the various retailers. Etiquette was in place, as the performers would rotate their starting times as to not drown out the other artists. There was a wide selection of blues, latin, greek acoustic and even some indian reggae. However, I did not see that much real jazz.
However, the performer that stole the show in my opinion was the best home grown secret in Toronto, David Rotundo http://www.davidrotundo.com/. David is an awesome blues harp player, with a powerful voice and a super positive energy. On Saturday night at 9:00 he came out with his brilliant smile and turned on the sexy blues rhythms that made the Chicago blues so popular. He sang Come on into My Kitchen, to a crowd of melting females who's stoves were very hot. He did a harp solo for 10 minutes walking through the crowd, while playing rhythm and solo at the same time. He was soaked in rain, but filled with energy, as not one crowd member left until the set was done. Best of all he did all of his original music making his set original including Real Love.
The Beaches Jazz Festival is rated in the top 10 in the world and this week it rocked the house. Kudo's to the organizers and artists. Toronto's got talent in the Beaches Jazz Festival.
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