Toronto East Rotary Presents

Toronto
BluesFest

BluesFest Headliner
Gene Hardy & Sparkjiver

850 Coxwell Avenue
East York Civic Centre
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Noon – 9 pm

BluesFest Details

Our headliners are Gene Hardy and Sparkjiver (7-9pm). Also scheduled to perform are Left Turn (6-7pm), The Swingin’ Blackjacks (5-6pm), Root Down Trio (4-5pm) and The Blues Miners (3-4pm). We also have the Long & McQuade Youth Stage starting the event (noon-2:15 pm).

It all happens this Saturday, June 22, noon – 9pm at 850 Coxwell Avenue (East York Civic Centre). Rain or shine.

The venue is a short walk or bus ride north from Coxwell subway station. Some paid parking is available and there is also street parking.

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Plan to make a day of it.

Hope you can make it!

Thank you to our Sponsors

The Bands

Headlining the festival are Gene Hardy and Sparkjiver. Gene Hardy, a Canadian multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, has performed with many groups and singers including Michael Buble, Johnny Reid, Barenaked Ladies, and Buffy Sainte Marie. His diverse assortment of styles includes jazz, soul, swing, funk, and blues. Gene continues to travel, perform and record extensively dividing his time between Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria and New Orleans.

Performing 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Rockin’ It Right for over 20 years, The Swingin’ Blackjacks deliver a satisfying blend of Rockabilly and Jumpin’ Blues. Their musical recipe contains a growing number of originals with carefully selected cover tunes, Hi-Octane performances and a love of the music they play.

The trio has appeared throughout Ontario at roots/blues havens including Toronto’s Cadillac Lounge, The Silver Dollar Room, Grossman’s Tavern, and the Dora Keogh Irish Pub. Out of town audiences have enjoyed The Swingin’ Blackjacks at the Lavigne Tavern, Waterloo’s Ethel’s Lounge and Crow Variety & Grill in Collingwood, to name a few.


Performing 5:00 – 6:00 pm

A local Toronto Band, The Blues Miners dig down into the depths of the blues to perform some of the great time-tested blues classics from the 20’s through to 70’s and beyond.

Performing 3:00 – 4:00 pm

The party never stops with these three soulful musicians who perform a mix of vinyl-era Rock ‘n Roll and swinging soul blues with special guest performer Kelley Kavanagh.

Performing 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Well-known blues guitarist Mike Sedgewick, a regular performer at The Black Swan and the Linsmore Tavern, teams up with blues vocalist Juliet Ann. Left Turn promises to bring blues to a new level.

Performing 6:00 – 7:00 pm

FUN FILLED DAY​

A Great Day Of Music & Family Fun!

Toronto East Rotary presents the Toronto Blues Festival! Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Avenue.

It’s going to be a great day for the entire family!

  • FREE music and entertainment
  • Bela Square by DBS Marketplace with great food, shopping, community organizations
  • Kids Fun Zone
  • Face Painting
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Giant lawn games
  • Instrument Petting Zoo
  • Beverage Terrace (must be 19+ years old)

What is Toronto East Rotary?

As a service organization, Toronto East Rotary has been helping improve the lives of many in Toronto East for nearly 60 years. Organizations such as food banks, homeless shelters, youth programs, and family shelters have benefited from the financial support provided by funds raised by Toronto East Rotary. Find out more or learn how to join us at our website.

Become a Vendor in the Bela Square by DBS Developments Marketplace

The Bela Square by DBS Developments Marketplace is an important part of BluesFest. It provides an opportunity for some of our local artisans or businesses to provide the public with an opportunity to display their creations and services. It is also an opportunity for local organizations to engage the public about what they offer to our community. This is a great opportunity for the public to purchase items – whether it be food or that special piece of jewelry – and to get to know our community partners.

If you are interested in participating in the Marketplace at BluesFest and want more information, click here.

You can also download the vendor application form here.

Join The Toronto East Rotary Newsletter.

Keep up to date with BluesFest news and what’s happening in the Toronto East neighbourhood.

Contact Us

Do you have questions about the Toronto BluesFest? Please, send us a note!

Thank you to our Sponsors