Founded by award-winning percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar, this innovative group is forging new directions by mixing world rhythms with the sound-power and street-feel of the drums of the Afro-Brazilian Samba tradition. Participating in the Markham Jazz Festival will be 5 of the regular 16-member ensemble; they embody the joy of embracing different cultures. The musical roots of Afro-Brazil, Afro-Cuba, West Africa and Urban Funk are combined to produce a dance-party sensation.

Actively involved in music for over half his life on Upright Acoustic/Electric Four Stringed Basses, he has studied and played many different styles of music including jazz, folk, pop/rock, and funk, blues and Latin music. Scott has recorded four albums (two Juno nominations) with the multiple award winning artists Elizabeth Shepherd. He has also recorded live to radio and television (CBC) several times. Scott is currently a busy freelance musician in Toronto teaching acoustic/electric bass/musical applications, and is the composer/leader of his own band. 

A four-piece band dedicated to the craft of song writing, and playing original, soulful and communicative music through the fusions of jazz, folk and pop. Combining the lyrical subtlety of Joni Mitchell and the simple truth of a church hymnbook, the music they play has so far captured the hearts of Toronto audiences. The group includes Michelle Willis - Piano/Vocal; Heather Crawford – Guitar; Charles James – Bass; Shawn Rompre – Drums.

A world music ensemble that performs original repertoire inspired by the traditions of India as well as contemporary versions of traditional songs from the Indian diaspora. Created by tabla player and composer Ravi Naimpally, the band was put together to realize a vision he had to create a new musical form out of the many cultures that co-exist in Canada. Blending instruments and musical motifs from several world traditions Tasa is able to create a rich and seamless tapestry of sound.

International jazz drummer Clarke has recorded over 300 albums with various jazz artists. Clarke is a familiar face at Jazz Festivals, Concert Halls and Venues throughout the world.  He continues to perform and record with a number of international artists, such as Nancy Wilson, Bill Mays, Renee Rosnes, Jim Hall and Helen Merrill. Clarke is an enthusiastic jazz educator who for four consecutive years has been honoured as “Drummer of the Year” at the annual National Jazz Awards.

Founded by award-winning percussionist Rick Shadrach Lazar, this innovative group is forging new directions by mixing world rhythms with the sound-power and street-feel of the drums of the Afro-Brazilian Samba tradition. Participating in the Markham Jazz Festival will be 5 of the regular 16-member ensemble; they embody the joy of embracing different cultures. The musical roots of Afro-Brazil, Afro-Cuba, West Africa and Urban Funk are combined to produce a dance-party sensation.

A 2 time Juno nominated singer/songwriter/producer, Mancuso is defining a rich hybrid sound fueled by a highly diverse and cultural backdrop. By embracing his forefathers’ southern Italian dialect and repertoire, and infusing it with his North American sensibility, he has successfully merged the old world with the new. He has produced and released several CDs, written scores for TV and film and entertained hundreds of thousands of people since he began performing in the late 1980s.

A JUNO Award Nominated jazz vocalist (Best Vocal Jazz Album of the Year 2009) who has recorded and performed on three continents, her expressive vocals are rich and soulful, her delivery of lyrics mature and her technique flawless. She says music is her connection to the source and this reverent approach shines through in her sincere and unaffected performances. A Jazz Review was quoted as saying: "The singing of Yvette Tollar is a treat, the voice of a nightingale, an impassioned singer".