The 37th edition of the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival from June 22 to July 2 showcases the headlining Concerts Under the Stars series at 8:30 pm (one concert at 9:30 pm) on the TekSavvy Main Stage.
This diverse series of shows offers a variety of musical genres including traditional jazz, funk, soul, folk, rock, R&B, country, electro swing, pop and big band performed by an incredible roster of legendary and visionary musicians. “These headliners are stacked with talented and innovative singers and musicians are known for their dynamic and inspiring performances,” explains Programming Manager Petr Cancura.
On June 22, the TekSavvy Main Stage kicks off at 8:30pm with a taste of classic southern soul from the eight-piece band St. Paul & The Broken Bones, known for their highly energized performances and earth-shaking vocals.“He’s [Paul Janeway] a cat who can do an Otis Redding – he’s very interesting to watch,” – said Keith Richards to Rolling Stone last year, after St. Paul and the Broken Bones opened up for the Stones.
CBC Music Fest: Serena Ryder. May 2017. Photo by Dale Sinclair
Six-time JUNO award-winning Serena Ryder takes the Stage on June 23 at 8:30pm with her raspy, soulful vocals, raw, emotional lyrics and engaging stage presence. Folk-rock singer-songwriter Ryder describes her music as“ethereal…I write on real intuition and feeling…it’s like having a blank canvas using melody, notes and words.”
On June 24, the legendary Country Music Hall of Fame, multi-award winning country and pop icon Kenny Rogers’ Final World Tour: The Gambler’s Last Deal with Special Guest Linda Davis will grace the TekSavvy Main Stage at 8:30pm to mark one of his last live performances of a career that spans six decades.
Joss Stone Photo provided by TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
Multi-platinum / GRAMMY award-winning singer and songwriter Joss Stone makes her first Festival appearance on June 25 at 8:30pm. Known for her powerful, rich and soulful voice, Stone has performed onstage with the likes of James Brown, Gladys Knight, Solomon Burke, Blondie, Smokey Robinson and Melissa Etheridge.
“To Ray, With Love” Maceo Parker & The Ray Charles Orchestra featuring The Raelettes on June 26 at 8:30pm is bound to get the audience moving. “Quite simply, there is no better living showman than Maceo Parker…catching a show is a truly transcendent experience for any fan of funk, jazz, hip-hop, R&B and soul: His performances are never disappointing, always worth the money, and a funky, funky good time.” – Westword
At the heart of the Parisian band Caravan Palace’s “popularity is a confluence of gypsy jazz, American swing from the 1930s and a high-energy electronic beat,” – NPR. Be prepared for a dynamic performance by the seven-member band on June 27 at 8:30pm for an electro-swing extravaganza.
Celebrating the spirit and humanity of the late bass player, Charlie Haden is Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra featuring Carla Bley on June 28 at 8:30pm. “The Liberation Music Orchestra is music that stirs the soul… Crossing the boundaries of jazz into a new world music, a new folk music, Bley’s arrangements are miracles of dynamics, rising and falling in volume and velocity.” – Rolling Stone
June 29th is Blues night at the Festival. It’s a double bill on the TekSavvy Main Stage as two-time W.C. Handy Blues award-winner legendary blues guitarist Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters who takes the at 7:30pm. “Ronnie is considered to be one of the greatest guitarists to ever grace this planet, and his music truly transcends genres and touches the soul. Be it jazz, blues, or standards, his dynamic approach to playing is respectful of his influences and at the same time transporting jazz and blues into the next millennium.” – Tom Guerra, Vintage Guitar
Then at 9:30pm, multiple Maple Blues and JUNO award-winning The Legendary Downschild Blues Band is one of Canada’s most iconic bands who has entertained audiences for decades. “You’ve got one of the best electric harmonica players in the world and you’ve got one of the best guitar players in the world,” – Dan Ackroyd. The Band is noteworthy for inspiring Ackroyd and Belushi’s cult classic The Blues Brothers.
Charles Bradley and the Extraordinaires – Photo by Sean Sisk for Sound Check Entertainment
Playing the best of funk, soul and R&B, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires performs at 8:30pm on June 30. Legendary for his riveting performances, Bradley’s powerful voice along with the brilliant musicianship of his band is often cited for moving audiences close to tears. The singer’s rocky life was chronicled in the film Charles Bradley: Soul of America.
Feist performs a tribute to the late Leonard Cohen at the 2017 JUNO Awards in Ottawa photo by Dave DiUbaldo
On July 2 at 8:30pm, the Festival closes with five-time JUNO award-winning Canadian superstar FEIST. The celebrated Canadian singer/songwriter is known for her haunting soprano voice and unique style that draws on indie rock, folk, bossa nova, and jazz-pop.
Visit ottawajazzfestival.com for the full line-up.
Festival Passes are on sale at ottawajazzfestival.com/tickets, by phone at 613-241-2633 and in person at the Festival Box Office at 602-294 Albert St. and at Compact Music 785 Bank St, (613) 233-8922 or 206 Bank St, (613) 688-2693 and The Record Centre, 1099 Wellington St W, (613) 695-4577
- GOLD PASSES – $327
BRONZE PASSES – $199 - YOUTH PASSES (25 and under) – $99
- Single Day Tickets range from $37 – $87 (ticket includes the 6:30 Great Canadian Jazz Series, the 7:30pm Tartan Homes Stage, the 8:30 Concerts Under the Stars Series at the TekSavvy Main Stage and the OLG After Dark Series).
- Platinum seating is designated and guaranteed uncovered seating in the first few rows in front of the TekSavvy Main Stage.
- New! The Platinum Pack – $172 – Patrons have the opportunity to choose any three shows for Platinum Seating for one low price, based on availability..
- New! The Corporate Pack – $352 – An excellent value for companies to acknowledge clients and employees! This pack includes 10 Single Day Tickets valid for any one of the outdoor concerts at the 10-ticketed days of the Festival. Platinum seating not included in this offer.
