Originally Published: 2006-07-16

To successfully organize a free jazz festival that has entertained millions of people for 17 years is one serious achievement, one well worth celebrating. While certain entrepreneurs spend mega-millions producing mega-flop musicals (yes, Lord Of The Rings), the more sensible minds behind the Beaches International Jazz Festival achieve success by hosting a genuinely audience-friendly event in lovely surroundings.
Beaches Jazz keeps getting bigger and better. For the fourth year, a Partigras weekend in The Distillery District (July 21-23) serves as a fun warm-up to the main event, running in The Beach from July 27-30. The success of the fest is such that politicians and corporate sponsors are now lining up to get involved. That was shown at the recent opening press conference and luncheon, one that featured speakers from all three levels of government (Maria Minna, Sandra Bussin and Michael Prue). The biggest ovation went to longtime festival artistic director Bill King, thankfully recovered from a recent heart attack.
Festival head Lido Chilelli rightfully termed this "the little festival that grew," prior to King's announcement of this year's lineup. On July 21, Partigras 2006 kicks proceedings off, with music on three stages from 6 to 11 pm. Recommended here is the Tank House Diva Stage, featuring seasoned veteran June Garber, Swing Rosie and Heather Bambrick. Flamboyant violinist Dr. Draw and blues band Fathead entertain on the Trinity Street stage.
On July 22 and 23, the music runs from 11 am to 11 pm. Don't miss the wonderful Roberto Occhipinti Orchestra, American blues guitarist Rusty Zinn, reggae veterans Truth And Rights and jazz/soul singer DK Ibomeka on the Saturday. An excellent Sunday bill includes Amanda Martinez, Tory Cassis, Shakura S'Aida and bluesman David Rotundo.
From July 27-29, many of the city's best jazz, blues and world music groups play Streetfest, held along Queen Street East from 7 to 11 pm. We can recommend blues singer Diana Braithwaite, the city's best rockabilly act, The Royal Crowns, jazzsters Kollage, reggae man Jason Wilson & Tabarruk, '60s r 'n b star Mike McKenna, flamenco guitarist Johannes Linstead, percussion orchestra Samba Squad, blues-rocker Paul James, and Downchild bassist Gary Kendall.

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