In addition to featuring world-class international artists, the 1oth edition of Jazz Sudbury Festival will highlight our superb local musicians.

Saturday, 8 SEP will feature an array of local artists in their element. The free community event, Jazz in the Park, will showcase Sarah Craig’s Island Jams. Sarah will be presenting a Carribean-inspired set that will get everyone on their feet. Following this, Toronto’s Koopa Troop brings back classic Nintendo theme songs with a jazzy twist. To end the afternoon, The Freeman Brothers Band, born and raised in Espanola, will be returning to the north to showcase their world-renowned talent.

For a change of pace on Saturday, hoof it downtown with the Nickel City Dixie Stompers during our popular Jazzwalk. This group of local musicians will lead you through the streets of Downtown Sudbury in a New Orleans-style parade to three venues. Experience the LU Jazz Combo at La Fromagerie, Ori Dagan at the Red Fang Tavern, and Molly Johnson at Sudbury Theatre Centre.

After the Jazzwalk, head down to the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre for an evening on the shores of Ramsey Lake. Beginning at 6pm, experience a night of jazz classics. From The Anthony D’Alessandro Trio, inspired by the great Oscar Peterson Trio, to Canadian icon Molly Johnson, it will be a night to remember.

It is also an evening to honour 10 years of the jazz festival in Sudbury. Artistic Director, Allan Walsh, has curated a 22-piece band, the Great North All-Star Big Band. It is the biggest jazz band that Jazz Sudbury Festival has hosted. Even more remarkable is the fact that the band is formed solely of northern Ontarian musicians. The Great North All-Star Big Band will premier a special Jazz Sudbury anthem commissioned for our 10th-anniversary celebration.

How can anyone follow up such an enormous act? Patricia Cano’s warm and vibrant vocals will fit the bill. Born and raised in Sudbury, Patricia’s Peruvian-inspired music is not only firmly rooted in Latin culture, but also in Sudbury’s arts scene.

“Dancing at the Sudbury School of dance, and discovering music through choreography, opened my heart up to the power of music” says Cano of her musical upbringing, “There was also musical theatre – at Theatre Cambrian – that played an important role in my musical awakening.”

Sudbury has more to offer, culturally and artistically, than meets the eye. It is in its arts education programs that young artists can discover music, as was the case with Patricia Cano.

Other events featuring local artists include Jazz Sudbury Festival Club Nights. On Wednesday, 5 SEP settle in for Hugh Jazz at the Townehouse Tavern. Thursday, 6 SEP will feature the Chris Dardick Group and DJ Wesley at The Alibi Room. Suggested $15 donation upon entry.

The official festival schedule can be found HERE.

From emerging artists to the largest northern Ontario big band the Jazz Sudbury Festival stage has seen, the 10th anniversary is exploding with local musicians. The endless amount of local talent allows for Jazz Sudbury Festival to place a proud spotlight on its own superlative musicians.