You are not going to want to miss this if you are a lover of jazz. The Toronto Jazz Festival has just announced the addition of eight headline concerts to be presented as part of its 39th season, June 19-28. Cassandra Wilson, Isaiah Collier, DOMi & JD Beck, The Dip, Kassa Overall, Sullivan Fortner, Mei Semones and Gentiane MG join the previously announced Emilie-Claire Barlow, Kokoroko, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder and Ibrahim Maalouf on a growing list of world-class performances – celebrating the Festival’s 39 years as one of Canada’s premiere destinations for internationally-acclaimed jazz.
“This new slate of artists builds on the history and legacy of jazz, and demonstrates the diverse global and musical influences which continue to shape the music,” says Josh Grossman, Artistic Director. “The lineup reflects Toronto’s position as an international city – and showcases the diverse voices which are driving jazz as an art form into the future.”
Following a sold out performance with a local rhythm section in Toronto last fall, saxophonist Isaiah Collier – hailed by DownBeat Magazine as “The Next Sax Giant” – returns with his own band to perform “Collier Plays Coltrane”, a special celebration of John Coltrane’s centennial, June 22 at Hugh’s Room Live.
That same night, the always unpredictable duo DOMi & JD Beck bring their “goofy magic” to Danforth Music Hall. On display will be the characteristic harmonic complexity, rhythmic shiftiness, and speed which have earned them fans around the world – plus a spot on Anderson Paak’s record label.
June 24 will prove to be a busy night, with three very different performances lined up:
At Koerner Hall, NEA Jazz Master vocalist Cassandra Wilson celebrates the 30th anniversary of her critically acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning album New Moon Daughter. Joining Wilson are some the musicians who appeared on the original album including local guitar hero Kevin Breit, plus special guests including harmonica player Grégoire Maret. Co-presented with The Royal Conservatory.
in June, 2026.
At Danforth Music Hall, The Dip brings its vintage sound, powered by a three-piece horn section, which harkens back to earlier soul and funk influences while hinting at jazz foundations – a formula which landed their 2022 release Sticking With It at #1 on the Billboard Current R&B Albums Chart.
And at Jazz Bistro, Montreal-based pianist and composer Gentiane MG brings her award-winning trio to perform music from her recently released album Can You Hear the Birds? Co-presented with Jazz Bistro.
On June 26 & 27 at The Rex Hotel, Grammy-nominated jazz artist, drummer, emcee, singer and producer Kassa Overall performs his unique blend of jazz, hip-hop and avant-garde experimentation, demonstrating why he’s been called “one of modern jazz music’s most audacious futurists” by Pitchfork. Co-presented with The Rex Hotel.
On June 28, pianist Sullivan Fortner – who recently took home the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album – will perform two special solo piano shows at Jazz Bistro (co-presented with Jazz Bistro); while guitarist and singer-songwriter Mei Semones brings her evocative blend of jazz, bossa nova and math-y indie rock to The Mod Club – complete with sweeping strings, virtuosic guitar-playing and heartfelt lyrics sung in both English and Japanese.
The full program for the 39th Toronto Jazz Festival, including additional Canadian and international headliners plus a full roster of free outdoor events throughout Yorkville and the downtown core, will be announced later this spring.
Tickets for Cassandra Wilson are on sale now. Select Jazz Fest donor presales start March 4, with public on-sale starting March 6. Tickets and information are available at torontojazz.com.
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