Entertainment at the Festival
This is what it's all about, after all. Music in every form. Whether your tastes run to jazz, bluegrass, rock n roll, bigband, classical, world or country, you'll find something to enjoy. And there's lots, just for kids.
Already confirmed for this year are:
Abba Gold Live
Unique to North America and possibly the world, ABBA Gold - The Definitive ABBA Experience is a completely live (no backing vocal tracks or instrumental sequencing of any kind) re-creation of ABBA's concerts in the late 70's - early 80's. This 10 piece show and its members have performed to sold-out audiences in cities all around the world...including Las Vegas, Atlantic City, gala events for Royalty, Ambassadors and Heads Of State, and larger Casino Showrooms throughout the United States. Click to see more about ABBA Gold Live.
Markham Concert Band
The Band will be performing their 31st concert season. You can expect an extra special variety of music, contemporary pieces, marches, show tunes, light classics and, occasionally, a little jazz - the kind of music that appeals to any audience. Special guest performers are featured at many of the concerts.
The Markham Concert Band was formed in 1978, and with over 65 members, it is one of the largest community bands in Canada! Band members include young and old from many fields of endeavour. All brought together with one purpose in mind - to serve the community with the best in concert band music.
The Marion Drexler Band
Rhythm and Blues, Blues, Rock, Pop, Country and Gospel influences abound. They always have a lot of fun and encourage their audiences to get in on it.
It's early days yet. As more entertainers are confirmed we will start replacing last year's information with 2010.
Entertainment from the 2009 Festival
The Bluesers
Over the past 5 years the Band has had the opportunity to play at various outdoor festivals and events including the Windsor Blues Fest, Burlington Jazz and Blues Fest, Oakville Midnight Madness, Oakville Jazz Fest ( at Prime Time venue ), Dundas Cactus Festival, Port Dover Friday the 13th , Parti Gras at the Distillery District (in Toronto ), Empire Sandy Blues Cruise as well as benefit and charity events including cancer benefits and various smaller local venues.
The band is made up of Chris Cotton on guitar, Mike Cotton Jr. on drums, John Cotton on bass and Mike Branton on guitar & vocals.
Project Phoenix
Toronto's premier dance, funk and R&B band. Honouring the greats of old school dance and funk, balanced with funky contemporary grooves.
They deliver a show that will flood your senses with a fullness that only a ten-piece band can. Funky rhythms, tight horns and powerful vocals drive the desire to party as Project Phoenix radiates its heat.
Project Phoenix is the party!
Uptown Swing Band
From Ain't Misbehavin' to You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You, Uptown Swing Band covers the entire Swing Era and beyond.
The Grayceful Daddies
Swingin' Blues and Jazz, Good 'ol Rock'n'Roll. Great musicians, great sounds, great reasons why audiences get such a kick out of a date with The Grayceful Daddies. The Daddies cherry pick the most enduring songs from the blues, jazz, and rock branches of the roots music tree, songs that put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. On a swinging bed of bass drums and keyboards, they serve up savoury sax lines and the sharpest guitar licks this side of anywhere. A distinctive group of singers ensure a sound for everyone's taste, from Tom Waits to Muddy Waters to Aretha Franklin. But what audiences say they most adore about The Grayceful Daddies is the joy they take in what they do. It's about good times my friends. Let 'em roll.
Cobra Kings
Talented musicians coming together with varied musical tastes. Their many years of performing covers at bars, clubs, pubs, festivals, corporate and private functions, have kept the Cobra Kings one of the most premier in-demand bands around. Now, with the upcoming release of their first original CD, which is a mixture of catchy & memorable songs from popular genres such as: R&B, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Blues & Rock, the Cobra Kings have made a giant step forward as an original recording act.
fortysomething
fortysomething's Alan Kennedy and Harry James have been working on their harmonies since they met in high school, almost 30 years ago.
From gigs in local coffee shops to opening for Brian Roman at Roy Thompson Hall, fortysomething's reputation for recreating the sensibilities of the Everly Brothers, the Beatles and a great sound of their own, has a growing contingent of fans who show up anywhere the lads end up playing. "Their sound is so right, you can't help but come away feeling great."
Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Morgan Park
Just for the kids, fun for three days at Morgan Park. To find out more, click here.
