It's almost here. From Friday June 28th until July 7th, one of the biggest, most awesome jazz festivals in the world is happening in our very own city. Problem is: where to start? There are so many artists playing, and so many different venues, it gets fucking confusing. So here is a short guide to help you navigate this maze.
Friday June 28th
This is the opening night, and it seems totally appropriate that Feist would kick it off with a free concert at 9:30 pm at the TD scene (this is the main scene which always has free shows). There'll be a fucking ton of people, so make sure you get there early to secure a spot.
Saturday, June 29th
Here is another awesome FREE event: Speakeasy Electro Swing, starting at midnight at l'Astral (305 St Catherine). Yup, this is the same monthly event that has gone viral at Sala Rosa, except that this time it's happening as part of jazz fest... for 14 $ less than at Sala!
Sunday June 30th
From electro-swing to electro-pop: Rhye is playing at 8:30 pm at Metropolis. Influenced by the XX, this duo released their debut album only in 2013, yet were already nominated for the 2013 Polaris music prize.
Tuesday July 2nd
Check out Serena Ryder, a singer-songwriter from Toronto (Yeah I know, but hey, what can you do?) who has recently had several number 1 hits, such as Stompa and What I wouldn't do. She is playing at 7 pm at Club Soda.
Thursday, July 4th
Fitz and the Tantrum is playing this night at Club Soda at 11pm. The indie-rock band from Los Angeles is relatively new to the music scene, but their fame is quickly escalating, especially thanks to their international hit Picking up the Pieces.
Friday, July 5th
It is the jazz fest after all, no? So if you're not a huge fan of jazz, but still feel like you should see one jazz show, this is the one you should go to: Oliver Jones is a world renowned jazz pianist, whose talent is often compared to that of Oscar Peterson.
Saturday, July 6th
Simple... Xavier Rudd
