One of Toronto’s most beloved jazz festivals is returning back to the streets later this month for its ninth season starting on September 27. The Kensington Market Jazz Festival (KMJF) has been a staple in the Toronto jazz community since 2016. Led by legendary Canadian jazz songstress and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.C., last year’s festival involved over 200 artists and 100 volunteers for an astounding 92 performances over the course of three days.
“I started KMJF to offer Toronto a local, grassroots jazz festival reflecting our market’s rich cultural tapestry,” Johnson says in a statement. Kensington Market holds a special place in Johnson’s heart as she was born and raised in the area, making her the perfect candidate for leading the vision and holding the history of the Kensington Market community as Founder and Artistic Director.
New to the festival this year is their collaboration with the Pedestrian Sunday initiative, which takes place on the last Sunday of the month from May to October. Two events will take place during Pedestrian Sunday on September 29 as part of the festival’s way of staying true to its roots as an artist-driven, community-supported, and volunteer-fueled endeavour.
The Kensington Market Jazz Festival runs from September 27-29, 2024. The full artist lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. For more info, visit kensingtonjazz.com.