Get out your comfy shoes, bring a hat and plan to take the free MJF Shuttle Bus – it’s time for superb live jazz in Unionville!
Follow these tips to help make your TDMJF experience easy and rewarding!
It’s TD Markham Jazz Festival week! And what a party we have planned for you. From August 16 to 18, we’re celebrating up and down Main Street Unionville with outstanding music by top Canadian and International musicians. Three FREE stages plus street performances and music in bars and restaurants.
From saxophone and vocal sensation Alison Young, and Chicago’s Low Down Brass Band on Friday night  at the Bandstand, to 6-time Juno nominee Michael Kaeshammer on Saturday evening, to our final performance on Sunday afternoon by Juno winner bassist and songwriter Brandi Disterheft (in from New York), this year’s line-up is nothing short of amazing. Over 30 free performances by professional artists performing jazz, blues, funk, fusion and more.
Find the complete performance schedule at www.markhamjazzfestival.com/schedules
To enhance your visit and listening pleasure, please note the following updates and tips.
Be aware of Main St. closures – Thousands of people converge on Unionville and enjoy strolling along historic Main St. during Festival weekend. To keep things safe, Main Street will be closed to vehicles Saturday (noon to 11 p.m.) and Sunday (noon to 7 pm) from Carlton Rd. to the Concession Road bypass.
Avoid traffic and parking delays – The Festival provides convenient shuttle buses to Main Street Unionville and back all weekend from the Markham Pan Am Centre at the foot of Main St. Unionville, near the 407. Even if you live in the area, consider driving to this convenient site and taking the bus instead of trying to park around Unionville.
Find maps and directions at www.markhamjazzfestival.com/shuttle-service
Pack up all your cares and woes – and bring a chair! – First rule of attending festivals: Be comfortable! Second rule: Be prepared for changes in weather. Clouds can give way to sunshine; temperatures can go up – and then down again.
- Wear comfy shoes! No one is looking at your feet.
- Carry your things in a light backpack.
- Wear a hat and use sunblock.
- Bring a jacket or hoodie.
- Hydrate!
Bring a chair – Seating at our three main stages can fill up quickly. Experts often carry a lightweight, folding chair from venue to venue.
Follow the Golden Rule! – The Festival is a shared public experience, so be considerate of your fellow audience members.
- Silence phones during performances.
- Be sure your umbrella isn’t blocking someone’s view.
- Avoid overwhelming those nearby with smoking or vaping of any kind.
Reserve now at our “Hot Spots” – Complementing more than 30 free acts on our three outdoor stages and along Main Street Unionville are “Hot Spot” performances before and during the Festival. These have become very popular. Be sure to call ahead.
The full schedule appears in our printed program and online at www.markhamjazzfestival.com/schedules under Hot Spots and Street Performances.
UPDATE: Free tours of historic Main St. Unionville will take place Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2:30. Meet in front of Elevated TV and Stereo at the NW corner of Fred Varley Dr. and Main St.
Tell us what you think! – Social media and instant access to online info are creating great collective conversations. Like us on Facebook (@markhamjazzfestival.com). Share your photos and recommendations on Twitter (@markhamjazzfest #markhamjazz). And take our survey, and get a chance to win tickets to a jazz performance at the Flato Markham Theatre this fall or winter. Or, simply turn to the fan next to you and chat. When it comes to jazz, there’s always something to talk about!
See you in Markham!
