Originally launching in 1987, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival has become known as one of North America’s premier jazz festivals produced annually by Toronto Downtown Jazz.
This year’s festival is taking place from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 30 with in various locations with names like Diana Ross, Downchild Blues Band, and Makaya McCraven among the 150+ list of acts set to perform.
This year’s festival also includes the 2019 Emerging Artist Platform which is a list of up-and-coming artists performing in the 5:30 p.m. slot on the TD Mainstage.
“The presentation, promotion and cultivation of emerging artists is a priority for the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, providing a much-needed arena for professional development for artists seeking to advance their careers. A performance at the Festival provides professionally produced stages, professional artist fees, substantial marketing support, and access to new and bigger audiences.”
Two acts in particular that we’re excited to see is Montréal/Toronto artist Milla Thyme (June 22) and Toronto artist Sydanie who will be joined by Kelson Fredericks with The Dirty B-Sides (June 30).
For more information about the TD Toronto Jazz Festival visit the official website.
Milla Thyme
Montréal-based Milla Thyme will be performing at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at the TD Mainstage on Cumberland Street.
“Steeped in the Soul tradition
Disciplined by Jazz
Raised by hip-hop”
Maxwell Miller (Milla Thyme) is a true, devout artist, building on the foundations set before, and fearlessly moulding it to the present day and time. Based out of Montréal, Milla Thyme has been working on his crafts of emceeing and bass playing each for over 10 years. This dedication and persistence is the essence of what his music embodies. Being influenced by so many different genres, musicians, and artists; Milla Thyme’s sound can not be defined within one category it is unique, and remains his own.
Milla Thyme was in between both worlds. Hushed behind the bandstand accompanying various artists and musicians; then, unreserved, rapping in front of hundreds of people. It is this seamless adaptability that has earned him props from Canadian renowned musicians in both the hip-hop and jazz/instrumental communities.
Finally in 2016, Milla Thyme was ready to take off the sideman suit and step out as the frontman/bandleader of his own project with the debut EP entitled Eternally The Student. This EP touches on various genres but is rooted in his musical passions: Soul, Jazz, and hip-hop. The title was a reflection of his approach to both music and life itself: to be constantly always open to learning and growth.
Milla Thyme was recently featured on the newly released NightDrive album by Montréal jazz group, The Liquor Store.
You can follow @Milla_Thyme_Official on Instagram.
Sydanie & Kelson Fredericks with The Dirty B-Sides
Toronto recording artist Sydanie will be performing at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 at the TD Mainstage on Cumberland Street. She’ll be joined by Kelson Fredericks with The Dirty B-Sides. The Dirty B-Sides are Toronto’s leading artist showcasing band for hip-hop and soul acts, incorporating larger ensembles to create musical arrangements for independent artists.
Often referred to as a supernatural rapper mom, Sydanie is a magnetic emcee with unheralded energy. A Toronto born, Jamaican-Trinidadian artist, Sydanie is levelling all expectations and setting the bar at new heights for women in the TO hip-hop scene. Her impeccable production treatments run the spectrum from house to ambient dark wave. Nuanced beats lay the foundations for Sydanie to unpack her lyrical fireworks; ranging from meditative to incendiary – a contagious momentum that results in seriously deep thrills for the listener.
Check out her 2018 single “Flirt” below.
You can follow @Sydanieee on Instagram.
