The Kensington Market Jazz Festival (KMJF) has released its full artist lineup ahead of the launch of its 11th edition of the festival taking place from September 18-20. Featured acts in this year’s lineup include Shuffle Demons, Hilario Durán, Alex Bird with Duncan Wilson, Michael Shand and friends leading another D’Angelo tribute, Sean Nimmons Quintet, Billy Newton-Davis, Jane Bunnett with Dánae Olano, Barbra Lica, Alana Bridgewater, Jay Douglas with Eddie Bullen, Robi Botos, Rich Brown Trio, Joanna Majoko, Nancy Walker, Fern Linzdon, Eric St. Laurent and so many more. You’ll also see some familiar faces from the JAZZ.FM91 family such as Heather Bambrick, Laura Fernandez and Alex Pangman performing with her Sweet Hots.
Led and produced by Canada’s jazz songstress and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.C., this year’s festival will feature over 100 Canadian jazz musicians performing across 10 venues in over 100 shows, drawing upwards of 5,000 engaged audience members and generating meaningful foot traffic for the more than 240 independent businesses that call Kensington Market home. Since it’s inception in 2016, over 500 Canadian artists have performed at KMJF at over a dozen venues in the neighbourhood, powered by over 100 volunteers helping to bring the festival to life each year. “I started KMJF to showcase the cultural tapestry of our market,” says Johnson. “Your support makes this celebration possible.”
The Kensington Market Jazz Festival runs from September 18-20, 2026. It opens up on Friday September 18 with a special parade down Baldwin Street led by the Shuffle Demons starting at 6:30 PM followed by a string of performances featuring Deneille Bessels, Quincy Bullen and more at the Supermarket Stage at 268 Augusta Avenue.
See the full schedule at kensingtonjazz.com.