Jazz may have been born in New Orleans, but in Brampton it has taken on a distinctly global flavour.

That will be on full display next month when the World of Jazz Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with three days of music, performances and family activities in downtown Brampton.

Presented by B-Jazzed, the festival runs Sept. 11 to 13 and will bring more than 100 musicians and 14 ensembles to eight venues across the downtown.

But after a decade, World of Jazz has become about more than simply celebrating a particular style of music.

Jazz itself has evolved dramatically since its beginnings, spreading around the world and absorbing cultural influences wherever it has taken root. The Brampton festival embraces that evolution, bringing together established Canadian musicians with local performers, students, hobbyists and emerging artists.

For a city as culturally diverse as Brampton, it makes for a fitting celebration.

The festival launches Friday, Sept. 11, with performances beginning at 7 p.m. at several downtown locations.

The Mattaus Greitzinger Quartet will perform at Gallery 35, Glendon Smith will take the stage at Mt. Vesuvio’s Ristorante, and Matthew Leombruni will perform at Fanzorelli’s. Segovia Coffee Co. will host the World of Jazz Volunteer All-Star Band, while PAMA will hold a jazz and paint night featuring the Duncan Wilson Trio.

On Saturday, Gage Park becomes the centre of the festival with admission-free outdoor music from 1 to 8 p.m.

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The Mainstage opens with Carn Davidson 9, led by Brampton native and saxophonist Tara Davidson. The lineup also includes Salsotika, Jesse Ryan & The Kaiso Street Legacy Ensemble, Glenn Marais and The Mojo Train, the Frank Adriano Quartet, the L&M Jam Band and The Sidemen.

A Family Fun Zone will run from 1 to 7 p.m., featuring LEGO building, a video game truck, carnival games, face painting and food vendors.

The music continues Saturday night with Joe’s Jazz Jam at Keenan’s Irish Pub.

The festival concludes Sunday with a ticketed Canadian Women in Jazz gala concert at The Rose Brampton.

The 16-piece B-Jazzed Orchestra will perform with vocalist Heather Bambrick, guitarist Jocelyn Gould, saxophonists Tara Davidson and Colleen Allen, trumpeter Megan Jutting and trombonist Emily Ferrell.

For B-Jazzed artistic director Carmen Spada, reaching the 10-year milestone is a reflection of the festival’s relationship with the community.

“Outside of the Rose Theatre, B-Jazzed is now the largest curator of live music in the city of Brampton,” Spada said, adding that organizers are thrilled to celebrate the anniversary with residents who have “supported and contributed to our growth from day one.”

Over the years, World of Jazz has featured Canadian and international jazz luminaries including Michael Kaeshammer and the Count Basie Orchestra, while continuing to allow local musicians to perform.

The festival is supported annually by more than 20 sponsors and a grant from the City of Brampton.

After 10 years, World of Jazz has become more than a weekend of concerts. It is a showcase of the city’s musicians, a platform for emerging talent and a celebration of how a musical tradition can evolve when it is embraced by a diverse community.


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