Jazz hands: Festival announcing lineup … with music!

Jazz Sudbury Festival is set to reveal its headliners June 3 for the seventh annual celebration of jazz music — and they're doing it with music.

And so, Jazz Sudbury presents an evening of live performances featuring the 2015 Emerging Artists Showcase finalists on June 3 at 6 p.m. at Oscar’s Grill.

The festival's annual online talent search has attracted performers from all parts of Ontario including Ottawa and Toronto, as well as some great representation from local Northern Ontario musicians and singers.

“This has been one of the Showcase’s most successful years to date.” said Allan Walsh, Jazz Sudbury's artistic director. “There were a number of incredibly talented emerging musicians to choose from, and we’re very excited to present the judges choice for top three at this year’s Launch Soirée.”

June 3 promises to be an evening to remember, organizers promise. The Sundance Duo, featuring Zack Martel and Jamie Dupuis, will show their jazz guitar chops. Crowds will also have the opportunity to take in the sumptuous voice of another local finalist, singer-songwriter Martine Fortin.

Rounding out the finalist selection will be the unique melodies of Toronto progressive jazz quartet Dog Leg Dilemma.

This exciting evening will include the much anticipated announcement of the headlining acts that will be featured on the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre stages September 11-12, as well as a lineup of other exciting local and regional performers that will provide entertainment on stage and throughout Downtown Sudbury.

Event tickets are $20 and are available online at jazzsudbury.ca, at Oscar’s Grill or at the Jazz Sudbury Festival office at 96 Larch St., Suite 300.

A pair of Jazz Passes to the September festival will be drawn as a door prize.

Jazz Sudbury is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing performances and activities in the area of music for the purpose of advancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of the arts through festivals, performances and related workshops. Previously named Best New Festival and one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario, Jazz Sudbury has grown to become one of the premier events in the North.