Jazz on the Plaza is an annual free concert series that showcases the work of emerging and established Canadian musicians in an al fresco setting. This August, come out to BPAC’s outdoor plaza, on the corner of Elgin and Locust Streets, to enjoy the lovely combination of summer weather and beautiful music by some of Canada’s finest artists. With performances of traditional jazz, Haitian soul and funk, Michael Bublé tributes, and more, Jazz on the Plaza offers professional-grade music for everyone and anyone.
BPAC has been pleased to present this beloved concert series to the community for free for the past ten years! We hope to see you there!
Fri, Aug 8, 6pm – 8pm
6pm – Jay Davis
Jay Davis presents Feeling Bublé, a tribute that captures the feel of a Michael Bublé concert. Jay Davis nails the sound and moves of the King of Swing while creating a warm and light-hearted atmosphere that leaves audiences swooning and swinging all night long.
Feeling Bublé is backed by a world-class jazz band that brings the lush arrangements to life.
7:15pm – Amanda Martinez
Described by World Music Central as “one of the great new voices in Spanish language Latin music,” Amanda Martinez has been embraced by audiences all over the world with five highly acclaimed albums to her credit: Sola, Amor, Mañana, Libre and most recently Recuerdo.
Sat, Aug 9, 2pm – 6pm
2pm – Alex Pangman
Although Alex Pangman grew up a couple of generations late to have sung with Teddy Wilson, the vibrant young vocalist is proud to be known as “Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing.” With pipes aplenty, the Juno nominee possesses the requisite taste, talent and historical knowledge of an avid record collector to breathe new life into the sturdy standards of the classic jazz era. Alex has built a loyal fanbase amongst jazz listeners and dancers through her critically acclaimed work in studios, nightclubs and concert halls across Canada.
3:15pm – Eliana Cuevas
Through years of touring around the world, across Canada, and collaborating with Juno and Grammy Award-winning performers, Eliana Cuevas has grown into an accomplished singer-songwriter and bandleader with unlimited colors in her compositional and lyrical palette.
Among her honors are the Canadian National Jazz Award for Latin Jazz Artist of the Year, two Toronto Independent Music Awards for Best World Music Artist, an Independent Music Award for Best Latin Album, and much more.
4:30pm – Mark Lalama & Friends
Mark Lalama is a Canadian singer/songwriter, musician and producer. He has worked with a myriad of artists: Daniel Romano, Kevin Breit, Marc Jordan, John McDermott, John Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Mariah Carey, Tom Jones, Chrissie Hynde, Olivia Newton-John, Anne Murray, Roger Hodgson, Tom Wilson, Terra Lightfoot, Jackie Richardson, Molly Johnson, and many more. He is one half of the songwriting/performance duo Dizzy & Fay which has recorded two full length albums, performs regularly across Canada and has received airplay in Canada and the U.S. He is also the songwriter and founding member of the band Alarm Alarm currently recording a new record.
Sun, Aug 10, 2pm – 6pm
2pm – Bel & Quinn
Meet Bel and Quinn, two sisters of Haitian origin who are making their mark on the Canadian music scene. Characterizing their sound as a captivating blend of world music (Haiti), soul, jazz and funk, audiences qualify Bel and Quinn’s performances as energetic and moving. The sisters’ voices combine in perfect harmony to bring their unique music to life. Nicknamed the Soul Sisters, the duo sings in English, Creole and French. They have been invited to perform at several festivals including Montreal’s International Festival Nuits d’Afrique, Québec Jazz en Juin and Haiti en Folie.
3:15pm – Moneka Arabic Jazz
“MONEKA ARABIC JAZZ” is a project reflecting Ahmed Moneka’s life and journey in art from Baghdad to Toronto. It showcases melody from his homeland Iraq mixed with African groove and rhythm that he inherited from the Moneka Family. Because his journey brought him now to Toronto, Ahmed is honoured to share this heritage and traditions with local Canadian musicians.
4:30pm – Heather Bambrick
JUNO/ECMA Award-nominated vocalist Heather Bambrick prides herself on being an entertainer through and through – from her skillful, effortless interaction with audiences, her humour and strong story-telling ability (part of her Newfoundland heritage), to her musicianship and variety of material. This is why her concerts have rightfully been described as “Ella Fitzgerald meets Carol Burnett at a Newfoundland kitchen party.”
