Longer days mean more time to enjoy the incredible events happening all across Ontario. This week we continue our summer reading project with another feature on the history of one of the institutions that has received funding through OCAF.
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THE HISTORY OF CULTURE in ONTARIO
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OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL – Thirty Five Years of Funk
What began as a weekend of outdoor jazz in Major’s Hill Park back in 1980 has evolved into one of the National Capital Region’s most highly anticipated musical events of the summer.
The Ottawa Jazz Festival was founded in 1980 by local musicians Bob Misener and Tony Pope -subsequently joined by the late Bill Shuttleworth – who wanted to throw a summertime jazz festival to celebrate and develop the popular jazz scene in Ottawa. Jazz festivals were still a relatively new phenomenon in Canadian cities, and there really was no grand design behind Ottawa’s first edition.
The Festival grew quickly, attracting such international names as Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Herb Ellis, Bob Brookmeyer, Wynton Marsalis and Milt Jackson. Larger and larger crowds came out each year, and the Festival began to stretch beyond traditional jazz and attract new supporters. Expanding beyond its outdoor venue the Festival ventured into indoor satellite events and the late night jam sessions that are so popular today.
Over the years, the Jazz Festival has presented some of the most dynamic jazz artists on the scene, from the traditional to the avant-garde, such as Herbie Hancock, Salif Keita, Dave Brubeck, Roy Haynes, Toots Thielemans, Branford Marsalis, Béla Fleck, Kenny Werner, Stanley Jordan, Sonny Rollins, Terence Blanchard, Diana Krall, D.D. Jackson, Maynard Ferguson, and John Mayall – to name only a few.
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EVENTS THIS WEEK
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THE OTTAWA JAZZ FEST
This weekend marks the beginning of the Ottawa Jazz Festival, and they’ve got a great line up to get your summer off to a smooth, star-studded start.
Check out this great video of some of the amazing acts you can expect to see this year.
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THE DORA AWARDS
Monday June 22nd the brightest stars of the Toronto stage will gather for the Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Several OCAF recipients are nominated this year, including Soulpepper, Ballet Jorgen, and The Canadian Opera Company. And the whole thing will be held at The Harbourfront Centre on their outdoor stage. A night full of stars, indeed.
Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees.
See you on the red carpet!
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SUMMER SOLSTICE – Aboriginal Festival
June 19, 20, 21 – Vincent Massey Park, Ottawa
To mark National Aboriginal Day the Summer Solstice Festival offers a broad range of events, including performances, speakers a competitive pow-wow and fun for the whole family. If you’re in the Ottawa Region, make sure to check out this fantastic event!
More info here
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FRINGE KIDS at Toronto Fringe
The Toronto Fringe Festival is a cornerstone of summer festival season in Toronto, and this year will see an expansion of the incredible FRINGE KIDS programming that brings families back year after year. This year not only will the programming be significantly expanded, but the Fringe Kids move into a new venue!
Learn more at the Fringe Festival Website, or check out this great video to learn all about the festival!
The Toronto Fringe Festival from Toronto Fringe on Vimeo.
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THE GAMES ARE COMING
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THIS WEEK ON the PAN AM PATH!
FIRST STORY TORONTO
Tours & App
June 20 to 26, 2015
250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto ON, M5V 3K9
Discover Toronto’s indigenous heritage through the First Story tours and app.
From June 20-26, First Story Toronto leads a series of walking, biking and bus tours along the lakeshore. On June 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., tours connect the Indigenous Arts Festival at Fort York to the Live Art Festival at Underpass Park. Register for tours and download the app at www.panampath.org
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PANAMANIA:
A CONTEMPORARY FESTIVAL OF THE AMERICAS
The Pan Am Games are sure to make a splash when they hit Ontario, but PANAMANIA is the 35-day arts and culture festival featuring more than 250 unique performances and exhibitions, both free and ticketed. Events will take place across Toronto from July 10 to August 15 and will showcase the diverse cultures and artistic excellence of Ontario, Canada and the Americas through music, theatre, dance, visual arts and fashion.
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THE COUNTDOWN IS ON – TORONTO 2015 IS IN 23 DAYS!
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW
Cheer on aspiring Olympians as they face off against the best athletes from 41 countries and territories. What are you waiting for? Grab your family and friends, buy your tickets and get in the Games! Tickets start at just $20!
75% priced $45 and under.½ price tickets are available for those under 16 years of age, or 65 and over.
Includes FREE public transit to and from the event.
Click Here for tickets and more information
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