Beaches Jazz Festival Unveils Lineup for T.O.'s Biggest Free Summer Festival: Live Jazz, Salsa, Indie, House & More July 4-27
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The 37th annual Beaches International Jazz Festival returns with hundreds of live performances by top local talent and international artists to light up Woodbine Park, Jimmie Simpson Park, and Queen Street East from July 4–27, 2025.
The Festival has become a cherished summer tradition for hundreds of thousands of Torontonians. It's completely free offering jazz, funk, salsa, blues, disco, indie, hip hop, house, ska, rock, and more welcoming all ages to gather, dance, and connect through the power of live music and community. Click here for the preliminary program.
"The Beaches Jazz Festival is a world-class event and one of North America's top summer music festivals. It celebrates Toronto's vibrant diversity and community spirit with something for every music lover," said Jay Cleary, Artistic Director.
2025 Highlights
Sounds of Leslieville & RiversideJuly 4–6 | Jimmie Simpson Park, 870 Queen St. E.Family-friendly, food-filled fun featuring swing, jazz, and indie talent.
July 4: The Jazz Mechanics, The Philcos, The Bomb (Tribute to the 80s)
July 5: Free Swing Dance Lesson, Martin Loomer, Swing Shift Big Band, Jackson Steinwall, CMAGIC5, U.N. Jefferson, Tell it to Sweeney
July 6: Angela Pincente Big Band, Ross Wooldridge Orchestra, MOKA, Zuffalo, Jerry Leger
TD Salsa on the BeachJuly 11–13 | Woodbine ParkCanada's biggest outdoor celebration of Latin music and culture.
July 11: DJ EL ALEX, Yani Borrell & Orquesta (2 sets)
July 12: Santiago Moa, Banda Dura, SWA Divas, Ricky Franco
July 13: Santana Forever, Araguacu Dance Class, 6 del Barrio (2 sets)
TD Weekend at Woodbine ParkJuly 18–20 | Woodbine ParkReggae, funk, and T.O.'s biggest free 90s hip hop night hosted by Master T.
July 18: "Get On Up meets Renaissance"
July 19: Quincy Bullen, The Honeyrunners, The Bomb, Beatlemania
July 20: Countermeasure, Shuffle Demons, Golden Feather, The Human Rights
StreetFestJuly 24–26 | 7–11 PM | Queen St. E. from Woodbine to BeechT.O.'s ultimate street party with 30+ bands.
OLG Weekend Series / Groovin' in the ParkJuly 25–27 | Woodbine ParkJuly 25: Celebrating 10 years of dance, community, and culture; 2-days of soul, funk, and house.
July 26: Saturday Fever with legendary international DJs. T.O.'s biggest electronic & dance party under the stars.
July 27: TANDM, Avery Raquel, CHLORINE, SheBad
Johannes Linstead: From Spain to CubaJuly 22 | Beach United ChurchSpanish guitar concert benefitting the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. Click here for tickets.
TD Workshop Series: BigFamJamJuly 8, 15 & 22 | Drom Taberna, 458 Queen St. W.Open jams hosted by Jackson Steinwall. All musicians welcome. 9:30 PM.
MEDIA ASSETS here & here.
The Beaches Jazz Festival started in 1989 to unite the community through music. This month-long celebration draws hundreds of thousands of attendees yearly to support Canadian music talent, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy. Follow @beachesjazz for updates.
SOURCE Beaches Jazz Festival
View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2025/26/c2646.html
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
How a 1970s Canadian band provided the surprise song of the Stanley Cup playoffs
Gil Moore readied his putt on the 18th hole of the Credit Valley Golf and Country Club, taking advantage of the relatively brief anonymity. He didn't expect anyone beyond his buddies to recognize him during their round at the course in Mississauga, Ont., considered one of Canada's best. But as the longtime professional drummer stood over his ball on that late-spring day this year, a nearby golfer spotted him and yelled a string of words that have been stuck in Moore's head for nearly half a century. Advertisement 'Just lay it on the line, Gil!' When Moore and his bandmates with the Canadian hard rock trio Triumph created 'Lay It On The Line' in 1979, it took them all of 15 minutes to rehearse and record what received a solid radio run for the time. But they couldn't have imagined that one day, decades into the future, it would become the soundtrack for the Stanley Cup playoffs thanks to a seconds-long commercial that they barely knew existed before it aired. At the beginning of the 2024-25 NHL postseason in April, as a show of support for the five Canadian teams that qualified, Rogers Communications unveiled a televised ad backed by 'Lay It On The Line' on its NHL rights-holding channel, Sportsnet. A similar spot debuted in the second round, featuring a fresh batch of hockey footage yet still backed by the same rousing song. If you live in Canada, you may have seen it or heard it several times — or several hundred. 'Early on, we said we really wanted our campaign idea (to be): 'This is our game,'' Rogers chief brand and communications officer Terrie Tweddle said. 'So, we really wanted to match that with an iconic Canadian musician or band. 'We knew it was the perfect song for the start of the playoffs, just the positivity, the energy and confidence that comes with that song. We just thought it would fit really well with the message we're trying to communicate. And we feel really good about the choice.' With new listeners clamoring to hear it for the first time, the song spent three weeks at the No. 1 spot on Shazam's Top 200 Canadian chart. Since then, throughout its unexpected resurgence, 'Lay It On The Line' has been used by hockey fans as both an anthem to support their favorite team and as TikTok meme fodder. The band was even invited to perform in an NHL-sponsored free concert on Friday night in Edmonton before Game 2 of this year's Stanley Cup Final, as the Connor McDavid-led Oilers look to end Canada's 32-year championship drought against the Florida Panthers. Advertisement 'You can't buy that kind of rotation, right?' Triumph bassist and keyboardist Mike Levine said. 'In the old days on radio, that was in heavy rotation. You (couldn't) get away from the song, but it was because people liked the song. 'I think, certainly, a whole lot more people (now) got introduced to the song and the band (through the Rogers ad).' And so, despite the occasional annoyance of an overzealous fan interrupting a putt, the members of Triumph are enjoying their surprising brush with fame long after they burst onto the music scene. 'There's a lot of terrible things going on across the globe and some horrible wars,' Moore said. 'Canadians can unite and relax for a little bit and enjoy hockey. It's a really special thing and not just for Canadians. Obviously, the Panthers have massive fans all across America. So, being part of something where music's used as a tool to bring people together, that's what's special to me.' It was the 1970s, and Moore and Levine were in another band. Abernathy Shagnaster's Wash & Wear featured four members instead of three, and played blues instead of rock and metal. They weren't taking the project all that seriously either. Moore had grown interested in sound and lighting, while Levine worked for a record company and produced commercial jingles. 'Making it just seemed like scaling Mount Everest,' Moore said. 'It was just that none of the (Canadian) bands that were around were making it. It didn't seem like it was even possible. The Guess Who had success earlier, but that's one band out of the entire country. It's not a very good track record.' Against those long odds, Moore and Levine persisted. They would sit down with a bottle of scotch, listening to rock acts such as The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream. That's how they got the idea to become a 'power trio.' But they needed a guitarist, auditioning a handful of them to no avail. Finally, the two men got a tip about a guitarist and singer named Rik Emmett, then fronting a band called Act III, who was slated to perform at the Hollywood Tavern in nearby Etobicoke, Ont. Advertisement 'Immediately, we flipped,' Moore said. 'He's the guy.' 'This guy's amazing,' Levine said. 'He can sing, he can dance.' Emmett joined the band, and together, Triumph kicked off their 1975 tour at a high school gym in Simcoe, Ont. Three years later, the trio began work on their third album, 'Just A Game.' The tracks were recorded at the now-defunct Sound Interchange Studios in Toronto, as British rock megastar Rod Stewart was in the booth next door. According to Moore, after writing 'Lay It On The Line,' Emmett had more or less figured out the chords and rhythms as well when he presented it to Moore and Levine. Once they began rehearsing, it took about 15 minutes to put the whole song together. 'One of the things about a song that's well written is we didn't have to wrestle it to the ground,' Moore said. 'So, Rik really did a great job on that song. It was complete from the ground up.' As 'Just A Game' achieved Gold status in the United States and platinum in Canada through record sales, 'Lay It On The Line' peaked at No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks. Still, the song's reinsertion into the public sphere took the band by surprise. Had it not been for a contact at Live Nation tipping him off, Moore wouldn't have known that Triumph's song was slated for a national commercial. Levine learned even later, when he flipped the channel on his television to Sportsnet one day after the Stanley Cup playoffs had started. 'It's like a brilliant commercial,' Levine said. 'The editing was fantastic. They put together a great visual. (They) edited the song perfectly. I go, 'Oh, that was really cool.' I called my wife, and 15 minutes later it runs again. And then it runs again, and then it runs again.' Thanks to the song going viral, the repetition has paid off for the band. Along with the spike in listens, plus the added exposure from its live Cup Final concert, a tribute album to Triumph was also released Friday, featuring covers of the trio's best songs — including 'Lay It On The Line.' Advertisement The same recent day that one golfer hollered at him to, 'just lay it on the line, Gil,' the drummer of Triumph was approached at the same country club by another stranger — or, as Moore put it, a 'funny well-wisher.' This person asked whether the drummer had grown tired of hearing the song quoted back to him so often in recent weeks. 'No,' Moore replied. 'As a matter of fact, I was sick of it 30 years ago from playing it every night.' (Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; photos: Jeff Goode / Getty, Icon sportswire / Getty, Brian Babinau / Getty, Courtesy of Chipster PR; video courtesy Sportsnet)

Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Associated Press
Couple Opens Unique '432Hz' Live Music Sanctuary on Spain's Costa del Sol for Summer Vibes and Son Awareness
British expats bring transformative live music experience to Málaga Province, combining wellness, community and authentic performances with 432Hz good vibes LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, June 7, 2025 / / -- Carlos Unplugged, a new bar in the Málaga region is redefining live music on the Costa del Sol this summer. Founded by British expatriates Rowena and Jonny, and named after their son, Carlos, this vibrant new hub offers performances tuned to 432Hz for a soul-stirring experience unlike any other. You'll find it nestled in the charming coastal town of Torrox Costa, around 30 miles east of Málaga and 4 miles from the popular and picturesque Nerja— it's where music meets mindful frequency. Unlike conventional bars, Carlos Unplugged does away with backing tracks, screens and flashing lights, creating a space where the essence of live music takes centre stage. Here, you will discover an eclectic mix of live music genres—from Spanish guitar and blues rock to jazz, soul, and contemporary sounds—from solo acts to full live bands and regular jam sessions featuring dozens of musicians. Since opening, the bar has quickly become a favourite destination for both regular locals and music lovers from near and far. Founded by British-born, Spanish residents and long-term partners, Rowena and Jonny, Carlos Unplugged offers an immersive experience blending authentic live performances with an environment designed for mindfulness and holistic well-being. The venue's innovative design incorporates a 432Hz tuned ambiance that enhances positive vibrational energy, complemented by crystal lighting and curated wellness touches, another first for the region. Delicious treats and specialty beverages (including expertly brewed coffee and daily cake selections—vegan options available) alongside wellness activities serve as delightful add-ons to this coastal music hub. Early Google reviews reflect the venue's special appeal. One longtime Irish local, Sarah, noted, 'For the past 25 years, I've been visiting Nerja and surrounding areas, and without a doubt, Carlos Unplugged in Torrox stands out as the best spot for live music.' Other visitors have added, 'It is much more than a music pub too – from Tai Chi sessions to a refreshing cup of green tea, this place nurtures both body and spirit,' and, 'Best little bar in Torrox. Just feels like coming home. Friendly staff. Love the jam sessions. Keep on rolling ✌️' Carlos Unplugged is eager to welcome new visitors to join them for their debut summer season while continuing to serve its loyal local clientele and raise positive awareness for 10-year old Carlos, the son they have been separated from for more than 2 years #SOSCarlos. Integrity, community and authenticity is at its core. 'We only book acts that connect and express energy to our audience,' said Jonny, who you'll often find playing guitar and welcoming guests. 'Our place is about sharing energy in a safe, comfortable environment. We endeavour to help people think and make better choices for their health and wellbeing. We ARE what we eat — and that includes our eyes, ears, and minds as well as our stomachs!' Nestled in Avenida Europa on the Torrox Costa seafront, the bar's convenient location makes it an ideal destination for locals, travellers and holiday-makers alike. Owners Jonny and Rowena warmly invite you to experience the unique soundscape of Carlos Unplugged firsthand. Rowena Phillips Carlos Unplugged Live Music Bar email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Mother Mother refuse to 'pander to the TikTok era' after going viral
Mother Mother will never "pander to the TikTok era" with their songwriting. The Canadian rockers - who have exceeded nine billion streams globally - found themselves going viral on the video-sharing platform in 2020, after their 2008 song Hayloft was used in edits, cosplay, and creative transitions. As a result, the group dropped Hayloft II, which also became a hit. Frontman Ryan Guldemond subsequently noticed on Reddit that some people were critcising them for going after commercial success with their music - but he insists that couldn't be farther from the truth. He told "I was reading people saying, 'Oh, they pander to the TikTok era with their new writing.' ADVERTISEMENT And it's like, Huh? I don't think that's true. If anything, it's the opposite, like, yeah, you know, the TikTok thing came along and made a bunch of songs that were really unviable, commercially famous, and that was to us that sent a message like, Oh, just be yourself. Like, just write from the heart and follow your whims. And that's the best thing you can do, is to be just totally authentic. And if that means you're writing kind of weird, unconventional songs, then so be it." The 'Finger' singer insists the whole TikTok viral experience taught them to "reject writing strategically for anything". He continued: "And so I've sort of taken that message and really ran with it, because I agree. I think the best thing anybody can do, whether you're writing a song or just, I don't know, whatever in life, just to be who you are. So I'm grateful for the TikTok thing, for sending that message, and if anything, yeah, like I said, it has made us reject writing strategically for anything." Mother Mother returned on June 6 with their new album 'Nostalgia', comprised of songs old and new to mark their 20th anniversary. Stream 'Nostalgia' now on all major streaming platforms.