Mark your calendars, Toronto! The highly anticipated Kensington Market Jazz Festival (KMJF) returns to the heart of the city from September 27-29, 2024. This year, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, continuing its tradition of filling the streets of Kensington Market with the sweet sounds of jazz. Founded by legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson, this grassroots festival celebrates the best of local and international jazz talent while bringing together the vibrant community of Toronto’s most beloved heritage district.
A Stellar Lineup
For its 9th edition, the KMJF will feature an incredible lineup of over 200 world-class musicians, ready to deliver unforgettable performances across 92 shows. Headliners include renowned artists such as Donovan Locke, Richard Underhill, Marc Jordan, Lou Pomanti, and Hilario Duran, along with Toronto favorites like Robi Botos, Amanda Martinez, Alex Pangman, and many more. With such a diverse range of talent, this year’s festival will be a true celebration of the rich tapestry of Canadian jazz.
The Vision Behind the Festival
Molly Johnson’s vision for KMJF is clear: to offer a festival that reflects Toronto’s unique cultural diversity while fostering community connection. As both the founder and artistic director, Johnson has carefully curated a lineup of musicians who embody the spirit of jazz and the values of the festival. Her deep ties to Kensington Market—having grown up in the area herself—ensure that the festival not only celebrates jazz but also the local community and its history.
“We’re here to honor jazz and our city,” Johnson explains. “KMJF is all about community and the rich culture of Kensington Market.”
Pedestrian Sundays and a Unique Experience
On Sunday, September 29, the festival will coincide with Kensington Market’s popular Pedestrian Sunday, where the streets are closed to cars and filled with pedestrians, artists, and street performers. This creates an immersive atmosphere for festival-goers, adding to the lively and welcoming vibe that has become a hallmark of KMJF.
Old-School Ticketing for a New Generation
One of the unique features of KMJF is its throwback ticketing system. Admission is just $20-$25, and tickets are cash-only at the door, with no advance sales. This approach harkens back to a time when seeing live music was simpler and more accessible, giving everyone an honest chance to experience the magic. There will also be a number of free performances announced closer to the event date, ensuring that the festival remains open to all.
Get Involved and Support the Festival
The KMJF is a volunteer-driven and community-supported event, relying on more than 100 volunteers to keep things running smoothly. Additionally, the festival benefits from financial support from the City of Toronto, the Ontario Arts Council, and generous benefactors like Slaight Music. If you’re interested in contributing, you can donate directly to the festival, with donations over $25 being tax-deductible.
To learn more about the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, explore the full lineup, or to make a donation, visit the official festival website here.
Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or simply looking to soak in some amazing live music in one of Toronto’s most eclectic neighborhoods, KMJF 2024 is an event not to be missed.
Leave a Reply