Tracey Savein brings an incredible eye (of the lens) capturing special moments in time. Because as the saying goes – A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any kind of photography, as I see it, is all about capturing motion and emotion. Whether the subject is raucous and rockin’ or the location is silent and still, if you can transport the viewer into a moment in time with an image and relay the energy of that moment, well, there’s your photograph – Tracey Savein

Mike Scott, The Waterboys - September 11th @ The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto

Mike Scott, lead singer-songwriter of The Waterboys winds and weaves wondrously through the band’s forty years of folk-punk, rock, r n’ b and Celtic soul for a stuffed house at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto

On September 20, 2025, the Kensington Market Jazz Festival (KMJF) marks a milestone moment: its 10th anniversary. Since its inception in 2016, the festival has become one of Toronto’s most beloved cultural events, bringing together world-class musicians, passionate audiences, and the vibrant spirit of Kensington Market. For a decade, KMJF has embodied the principle “Better, Not Bigger,” delivering intimate performances that celebrate jazz in its purest, most community-driven form.

Founded by acclaimed singer-songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.O.C., (with Genevieve Marentette, Ori Dagan, and community volunteers), KMJF was built on the vision of showcasing Toronto’s rich jazz culture while nurturing community connection. “I started KMJF to showcase the cultural tapestry of our market,” says Johnson. “Your support makes this celebration possible.” As a registered charity since 2021, the festival remains artist-driven, volunteer-powered, and deeply committed to Kensington Market’s legacy as a cultural hub.

Cue the scatted syllables and snapping fingers: The Kensington Market Jazz Festival is returning to the streets of Toronto the weekend of Sept. 27-29, 2024. And when it arrives, it won’t be as just a revered local tradition, but the embodiment of an enduring vision. This ninth edition of the annual salute to all that jazz will make good on legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.O.C.’s ongoing, dogged determination to fill the city’s beloved heritage district with the sounds and sensations of musical excellence—and to do it better each and every time.

youtube.com/channel/UCSlJBByVP0JA-8x2_IFrwzA

Last year’s KMJF saw more than 200 world-class players and vocal stylists taking the stage for a whopping 92 performances, in a best-yet showcase of the rich diversity of Canadian jazz. The 2024 schedule is poised to top even that landmark success, with a stunning assemblage of talent delivering a shot of musical adrenaline straight into the vibrant heart of Toronto.

Cue the scatted syllables and snapping fingers: The Kensington Market Jazz Festival is returning to the streets of Toronto the weekend of Sept. 27-29, 2024. And when it arrives, it won’t be as just a revered local tradition, but the embodiment of an enduring vision. This ninth edition of the annual salute to all that jazz will make good on legendary singer-songwriter and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.O.C.’s ongoing, dogged determination to fill the city’s beloved heritage district with the sounds and sensations of musical excellence—and to do it better each and every time.

youtube.com/channel/UCSlJBByVP0JA-8x2_IFrwzA

Last year’s KMJF saw more than 200 world-class players and vocal stylists taking the stage for a whopping 92 performances, in a best-yet showcase of the rich diversity of Canadian jazz. The 2024 schedule is poised to top even that landmark success, with a stunning assemblage of talent delivering a shot of musical adrenaline straight into the vibrant heart of Toronto.

Standby for artist announcement and details on times of performances!

Mark your calendars and get ready to swing into a world of mesmerizing melodies and soulful rhythms at the much anticipated Kensington Market Jazz Festival. Returning to the heart of Toronto's eclectic Kensington Market, this year's festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of jazz in all its vibrant forms.

Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or just looking to groove to some captivating tunes, the Kensington Market Jazz Festival has something for everyone.

Born and raised in Kensington Market, founder, organizer, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Molly Johnson O.C., has been proud to showcase hundreds of established musicians on the Toronto jazz scene since the festival’s start in 2017, in one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods, in the heart of Toronto's heritage district. Over the last seven events, KMJF has presented hundreds of concerts featuring hundreds of Toronto’s jazz musicians, in local venues and with the help of over 150 volunteers.

 The highly anticipated Kensington Market Jazz Festival (KMJF) returns this year for the 7th year of performances, boasting an incredible lineup. Since its inception, the can’t-miss festival has brought the biggest names in jazz music and up-and-coming superstars to Toronto in a series of ticketed and curated busking shows.

The KMJF will return to in-person entertainment Oct. 1-2 in Toronto’s vibrant neighbourhood of art, vintage shops and multicultural cuisine, a designated National Historic Site of Canada.

Created and helmed by award-winning jazz vocalist Molly Johnson, KMJF will kick off at Tom’s Place (190 Baldwin St), the hub of the festival’s solo piano series, hosted by Holly Nimmons. The other participating venues include Tapestry (formerly Poetry Jazz Café), Handlebar, Supermarket and Pamenar with seven shows each per day. There are also Pay-What-You-Can shows in Bellevue Square Park on Saturday and Sunday from 1-2:30pm and 4-5:30pm.

The weekend concerts run from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. The media invite and details to the festival’s kickoff is below.