Markham Jazz Festival, October 03, 2022 – The TD Markham Jazz Festival is pleased to announce that our new Artistic Director is long-time musician, composer, bandleader, recording artist and publicist Ernesto Cervini. Ernesto starts in this role October 1, 2022.
Ernesto is a multi-award-winning drummer who leads Turboprop and the Ernesto Cervini Quartet as well as frequently playing and touring with other groups. In addition to his wealth of experience as a renowned performing artist, he has taught music at the University of Toronto and Humber College, and runs Orange Grove Publicity, the top jazz publicity firm in Canada.
To the TD Markham Jazz Festival, Ernesto also brings programming experience, having hired acts for The Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre and the Cherry St. Restaurant, among others. His diverse skills give him a sound knowledge of the art and business of jazz: what goes on behind the scenes and how to effectively organize, negotiate, market and promote a festival’s musical program.
In Ernesto’s words, “My goal as Artistic Director will be to continue to bring incredible musicianship and entertainment to Markham during the festival and the consequent, year-round performances as well as continuing to grow audiences and increase community engagement. The Markham Jazz Festival has always ‘punched above its weight.’ I plan to continue that trend by bringing exciting, world-class talent to the festival on a yearly basis.”
As Artistic Director, Ernesto’s primary responsibility is for the selection and management of the overall artistic programming for the jazz festival weekend and various related events throughout the year. He succeeds Sarah Kim Turnbull, who after six successful years in the position of AD, has moved on to other pursuits.
The Board of Directors of the TDMJF is looking forward to a most exciting 2022-2023 season under the programming leadership of Mr. Cervini!
Linda Briggs, Chair, TD Markham Jazz Festival
For information – 416-200-4306
The TD Markham Jazz Festival is a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to enrich cultural life in the region by bringing emerging and established jazz artists to Markham for all to enjoy. Established in 1998, the festival draws more than 25,000 residents and visitors to the streets of Unionville during the third weekend in August. Local and international artists deliver over 30 open-air performances during the weekend as well as in selected “hot spots” and at a ticketed opening-night concert. During the year, the festival hosts “Hot Spot Concerts” at selected venues in Markham. TD Canada Trust became its title sponsor in 2014.
