The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band is for middle and secondary school students, providing an opportunity for young, talented musicians to participate in a formal audition process, and to potentially join a city-wide band.  The programme supports exceptional student musicians to hone their skills while interacting with a new and diverse group in a professional setting. Lead by Musical Director Jules Estrin, an educator and professional musician, they perform several times throughout the year.

Richard Underhill’s warm alto sound, great writing and arranging skills and in-from-the-outside soloing make him one of Canada’s most distinctive jazz performers. A truly original jazz composer and arranger, Richard's exciting original music captivates audiences with sing able melodies, outstanding musicianship and engaging performances. The founding member of Toronto's acclaimed Shuffle Demons, he has toured Europe and Canada to critical acclaim for over 22 years.

Toronto-based Caribbean jazz powerhouse, pianist/composer Jeremy Ledbetter leads an all-star cast including Canadian-born steelpan virtuoso Mark Mosca and Cuban trumpeter Alexis Baro, as well as Braxton Hicks (saxophones), Chendy Leon (drums), Yoser Rodriguez (bass), and Alberto Suarez (percussion).  CaneFire’s signature sound revolves around its unconventional use of the steelpan – the Trinidadian percussion instrument that transforms oil barrels into sound vessels.

Triple threat pianist/vocalist/composer Brenda Earle combines energy with authenticity.  Steeped in the jazz tradition, she summons inspiration from Latin music and pop artists like Crowded House, Suzanne Vega and Elvis Costello to create a fresh and exciting sound. With virtuosic piano skills, dynamic vocals and an ear for breaking new ground, she has performed with the Diva Jazz Orchestra and Wycliffe Gordon, and has toured as a leader in the US, Canada and New Zealand.

An all male instrumental quartet including Kevin Briet who with his tremendous prowess on all things stringed, combined with his knowledge of harmony, gives him a unique compositional voice. Ian De Souza on bass has recorded and performed live in almost every musical idiom. Rob Gusevs on organ brings his mastery of the Hammond B3 organ to the quartet, and Gary Taylor on drums brings his experience as a producer and composer which has influenced his unique approach to the drum kit.

An acclaimed Toronto based world music group made up of some of Canada’s most exciting and virtuosic interpreters of inter-cultural music. The group has created a unique sonic landscape that draws easily and organically from the worlds of sacred and secular Jewish songs, Classical Arabic and Indian music, modern jazz, rock, pop, and dub.  In doing so the group creates a union between acoustic and electronic, secular and sacred, ancient and modern.

A Juno and 7X Maple Blues award winning artist, blues guitarist, singer, song writer and producer, Jack is considered one of the finest blues guitarists working today. With a career that has spanned over three decades, he has released 6 CD's and 1 DVD as a leader and appeared as a session guitarist on hundreds of recordings. Jack is a masterful, electric blues guitarist, soulful singer and song writer of the first order.

Pianist, arranger, producer, composer, bandleader and educator; Duran is better known as “Con Tumbao.” He not only represents an important musician in contemporary Cuban music, he also stands as a turning point in Cuban music history. Chucho Valdes has called him "One of the greatest Cuban pianists of the 20th century."  A fixture on the Toronto music scene, lucky Toronto, this Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated composer and bandleader has become an integral and important part of the Canadian music scene.

An instrumental group that traces its roots to the upbeat R+B, soul, and funk, but with generous nods to early reggae and ska, modern jam bands, experimental rock, jazz, and electronica. The Triodes includes: Michael Occhipinti (guitar), Paul Neufeld (keyboards), Roberto Occhipinti (bass/producer), and Doan Pham (drums). Performing with The Triodes will be Don Byron, a clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, arranger he redefines every genre of music he plays, be it classical, salsa, hip-hop, funk, rhythm & blues, klezmer.

A distinctive Latin /Jazz artist, Martinez brings flair and variety to each and every one of her songs. Her sound is a blend of musical influences, including flamenco inspired rhythms, Afro-Cuban beats and Mexican folk music. She will begin her first national festival tour this summer and the audiences will feel Amor and continue to be amazed night after night by her energetic, soothing and playful performances. Martinez’ music transcends the barriers of language, a romantic journey that sweeps audiences off their feet.