The Downtown Markham Music Festival has expanded to include live music at a number of restaurants on Saturdays throughout July and August, adding to the already strong lineup of artists appearing at Origin Square.

“It’s a great way to get businesses in Downtown Markham involved with the community, and for the community to get more familiar with local businesses,” says Christina Butterfield, who oversees communications in the development. “The businesses in Downtown Markham were extremely excited about the opportunity to play a bigger role in the event and to make their spaces available.”

All performances at the DTM Music Festival are free to the public.

With the expansion, there will now be live music every Saturday throughout July and August in Downtown Markham following the July 5-7 Markham Rotary Ribfest. The festival will wrap up with a food and craft beer festival on September 14.

The DTM Music Festival kicks off on July 13 with jazz performances by The Vintage Souls at Draco in the Toronto Marriott Markham from 8-11pm and Jocelyn Barth at Go For Tea from 9pm to midnight.

On July 20, Costa Sorrento will host Italian singer Perri Priolo from 8-11pm, while Top 40/R&B singer Raquel Rayner will be at Milestones from 7-10pm.

Miles Finlayson will bring his unique brand of jazz to Terre Rouge on July 27 from 7:30 to 10:30pm, with Hunnywell expected to perform at Go For Tea from 9-11pm.

On August 24, the festival highlight is the Summer Jam at the Pride of Canada Carousel with hip hop band T.Dot Bangerz and DJ M4RS from 8:30 to 11:30 pm. The event is 19+ and will feature a bar, food, and retro video games! Attendees can then head to Milestones for for an afterparty.

Check out the full schedule below for band and venue information to set your plans early. Then join us every Saturday to enjoy the sweet sounds of summer at the Downtown Markham Music Festival!

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DTM Music Festival: Schedule

Saturday, July 13

The Vintage Souls	8pm to 11pm	Draco @ Toronto Marriott Markham	170 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Jazz
Jocelyn Barth	9pm to midnight	Go For Tea	179 Enterprise Blvd #13	Genre: Jazz

Saturday, July 20

Perri Priolo	8pm to 11pm	Costa Sorrento	179 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Italian
Raquel Rayner	7pm to 10pm	Milestones	169 Enterprise Blvd Unit L109	Genre: Top 40/R&B

Saturday, July 27

Hunnywell	9pm to 11pm	Go For Tea	179 Enterprise Blvd #13	Genre: Jazz
Miles Finlayson	7:30pm to 10:30pm	Terre Rouge	162 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Jazz

Saturday, August 3

Youth Showcase Concert	2pm to 5pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Assorted
Nick Maclean Quartet	4pm to 7pm	Lucullus	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Jazz
Soukustek	6pm to 8:30pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Caribbean
Los Moralitos	9pm to 11pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Latin

Saturday, August 10

Youth Showcase Concert	2pm to 5pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Assorted
Kristian Fourier	3pm to 6pm	Poke Guys	8110 Birchmount Rd #10	Genre: R&B/Hip Hop
Henoc Senay	6pm to 8:30pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: R&B, Latin and Funk
The Classy Wrecks	9pm to 11pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Ska Rocksteady

Saturday, August 17

Youth Showcase Concert	2pm to 5pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Assorted
Blind Rust	6pm to 8:30pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Classic Rock
Cat Bernardi	8 to 11pm	Costa Sorrento	179 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Jazz
BMC Organ Trio	9pm to 12am	Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse	170 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Jazz
Turning Point	9pm to 11pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Rock, Pop and Jazz

Saturday, August 24

Youth Showcase Concert	2pm to 5pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Assorted
Chura	5pm to 8pm	Kiu	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Japanese
Matata 6	6pm to 8:30pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Soul-World-Folk
T.Dot Bangerz Brass and DJ M4RS	8:30pm to 11:30pm	Pride of Canada Carousel	8080 Birchmount Rd	Genre: Jazz/Hip-Hop
The Stephen Stanley Band	9pm to 11pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Alt. Rock

Saturday, August 31

Youth Showcase Concert	2pm to 5pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Assorted
Chura	5pm to 8pm	Kiu	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Japanese
Mimi O’Bonsawin	6pm to 8:30pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Pop
Bernadette Connors	9pm to 11pm	Origin Square	169 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Pop
Rob Christian	9pm to 11pm	Go For Tea	179 Enterprise Blvd #13	Genre: Jazz
Sly Why	10pm to 1am	Good Catch	179 Enterprise Blvd	Genre: Experimental/Hip-Hop

(NOTE: Schedule and performers may change without notice due to availability)

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DTM Music Festival: Performer Bios

	THE VINTAGE SOULS – July 13 @ Draco 8-11pm The Vintage Souls, lead by front woman Leah Canali, is a pop/jazz band that draws its influence from Post Modern Jukebox, Lakestreet Dive and the fusion of modern songs with traditional arrangements. A transport to Toronto via Boston, Leah has toured the world singing with her unique blend of soul, jazz, pop and just a touch of theatre. Leah and the band first came to prominence via YouTube when her soulful remakes of pop covers caught the eye of RuPaul himself and their first cover video (for RuPaul’s Sissy that Walk) went viral.
	JOCELYN BARTH – July 13 @ Go For Tea 9-midnight Jocelyn Barth is one of Canada’s most exciting emerging vocalists. As a jazz singer, Jocelyn is known for her emotional expressiveness and sensitivity. She delivers a lyric with intention, depth and authenticity while maintaining the playfulness of phrasing that comes from her instinctively instrumentalist-like approach to singing. She sang on the soundtrack for the award-winning feature film The Witch and has performed and recorded with Canadian music icon Jane Siberry and Inuk throatsinging dynamo Tanya Tagaq.
	PERRI PRIOLO – July 20 @ Costa Sorrento 8-11pm Born and raised in Toronto to Italian parents, Perri Priolo had dreams of singing on the big stage as a young girl and her exposure to many different genres in a household filled with music ranging from opera to the latest hits on the radio, her love and passion for music excelled. Priolo’s song choices are songs that she loves from all genres in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
	RAQUEL RAYNER – July 20 @ Milestones 7-10pm Raquel is an active singer and songwriter with compositions that focus particularly in Rhythm and Blues. She has recorded and performed for several public events including the Olympic theme song, I Believe with Nikki Yanofsky for the Canada Vancouver 2010 Olympics. She has also performed in the choir for the The Russell Peters Christmas Special, studied popular voice with Liberty Silver, performed in the Royal Conversvatory of Music Festival and has been classically trained by vocal coach Kim Briggs.
	MILES FINLAYSON – July 27 @ Terre Rouge 7:30-10:30pm Miles Finlayson is a jazz, r&b, and rock guitarist who forged a deep connection to music at an early age, and continues to develop and strengthen it to this day. After picking up the guitar in high school, he began enthusiastically pursuing the means to express his own truth through sound and music. It is to this calling which Miles continuously answers with each new musical endeavour.
	SOUKUSTEK – August 3 @ Origin Square 4-7pm SOUKUSTEK is a project that was born under the watchful eye of the Caribbean sea surrounded by the magical city of Cartagena de Indias Colombia. It is a combination of the dreams, joys and experiences lived by each of us,fed by our connection with Africa and all the rhythms of the Caribbean. Claro Torres, master guitarist from Baru island in the Caribbean coast of Colombia provides the inspiration. Tury Morey is the guitarist/producer who connects it all.
	NICK MACLEAN QUARTET – August 3 @ Lucullus 4-7pm This contemplative and often thrilling quartet’s explorations of modern, original repertoire is led by a fast-rising star in Toronto’s jazz piano community, 26 year old Nick Maclean. Formed in 2016, Maclean’s foursome delivers jazz between the two poles of thoughtful introspection and powerhouse conveyance, taking influences from Herbie Hancock’s primordial 1960’s Blue Note era recordings, while paying tribute to some of the greatest improvisers in jazz history.
	LOS MORALITOS – August 3 @ Origin Square 9-11pm The band was founded by Richard Morales in Markham, Ontario in the summer 2012, at the Markham Village Music Festival. The band plays danceable rhythms like salsa and cumbia without the use of trumpets or heavy percussion artillery of the large Latin bands. The result is a funky electric tropical sound that engages crows to dance and have a good time. Their first independent single named City of Friends was a song dedicated to the City Markham and the Pan Am Games of Toronto 2015. Los Moralitos are working in a full album named “The Prophets”. The full recording will be released under the Cartagena’s Boys Publishing Corp record label, a not-for-profit organization that uses the royalties to finance the construction of water projects in South America.
	KRISTIAN FOURIER – August 10 @ Poke Guys 3-6pm Kristian Fourier is a pianist and composer whose work has taken him across the globe. In 2018, he performed for Prime Minister Trudeau in the Swiss Alps, with Pulitzer and Grammy winner Caroline Shaw at the Banff Centre for the Arts, premiered Against the Grain Opera’s “orphee+” in Toronto (which won 5 Dora Awards), toured with Cirque du Soleil, and performed at various festivals including TIFF, Luminato and Pride. In summer 2018, he returned to the Banff Centre as Guest Lecturer, performing “orphee+” again to a sold out audience, and was a Guest Artist in New York at GakkoNYC.
	HENOC SENAY – August 10 @ Origin Square 6-8:30pm A recent Humber College music graduate, Hénoc Senay is a unique and dynamic performer that brings energy and excitement to any stage. A self-proclaimed multi genera performer, Hénoc has had the opportunity of showcasing his talents through a wide variety of music such as R&B, jazz, Latin and funk. Using his ecliptic musical influences, Hénoc enjoys projecting new vision to the familiar, creating a signature sound that is all his own. Currently, Hénoc can be found as front man of the progressive metal band Immantrus and his own project HOUSE of KNOCK. He will soon be releasing his debut EP, “Love Drive”.
	THE CLASSY WRECKS – August 10 @ Origin Square 9-11pm The Classy Wrecks are a Ska Rocksteady band from Toronto. The band was formed in 2016 and can be described as an upbeat, fun and poppy dance band. The band has spent the last year touring Ontario playing everything from small towns to large cities. The Classy Wrecks were quick to release their first EP “Songs for the Extinct” featuring their songs Too Old To Party and Hey Girl, which were played on radio stations internationally. In 2017, the band signed with Trouble Town Records and is currently recording its debut album, “Bedrock-Steady.”
	BLIND RUST – August 17 @ Origin Square 6-8:30pm A classic rock cover band that sports a female and male lead singer. The band is headed by Richie Sorbet who also has written his own music and lyrics, and released one CD. Vicky, the female vocalist, has auditioned for the TV show ‘The Launch’ and is currently waiting to hear from them. Blind Rust is a 5-piece band that plays a wide range of classic hits and have performed at various functions in the GTA including, Mud Hero’s, Golf Tournaments, corporate events, private parties and some local bars.
	CAT BERNARDI – August 17 @ Costa Sorrento 8-11pm Cat Bernardi is a jazz vocalist, composer, band leader and arranger. She performs a wide array of jazz standards from the American song book, as well as her own original music. Cat Bernardi has performed at many of Toronto’s most popular Jazz venues such as the Jazz Bistro, Chalker’s Bistro and Gate 403, to name a few. She has also performed in many esteemed festivals such as the Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival, Scarborough Town Jazz Festival, Hamilton’s Steel City Jazz Festival and Toronto’s Canadian Music Week.
	BMC ORGAN TRIO – August 17 @ Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 9-midnight The BMC Organ Trio brings you the classic sounds of the organ trio with all its bluesy, groovy, soulful and swinging goodness. The trio plays a wide range of material spanning many decades from the classic tunes of Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery to fresh adaptations of pop and soul tunes, from brand-new originals to beautiful under-played standards from the American Songbook.
	TURNING POINT – August 17 @ Origin Square 9-11pm Formed in the late 80’s, Turning Point specializes in rock and roll, pop and light jazz numbers presented in a highly polished performance. The core of the band is five professional musicians featuring a female lead singer, rich harmonies, guitar, bass, keyboards and drums.
	CHURA – August 24 and August 31 @ Kiu 5-8 pm Chura is a duo from Okinawa in Japan, singing and playing Okinawan traditional instromental “Sanshin”.
	MATATA 6 – August 24 @ Origin Square 6-8:30pm Matata 6’S music celebrates diversity. The Toronto band originally formed for the love of original music and to showcase the cultural mosaic in Canada. The band members are Guatemalam, Metis, Jamaican, Congolese, and Italian. Their music is mixture of soul-world-folk with Afro influences. Their songs have a groovy beat and catchy melodies, which focus on storytelling. In 2017, Matata 6 became the official ambassadors of The Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund, in continuing to unite encourage, empower, and promote self expression.
	T.DOT BANGERZ BRASS – August 24 @ Pride of Canada Carousel 8:30-11:30pm Bringing together 3 of Toronto’s hottest young MCs and a hurricane-force brass section, Bangerz Brass has gone from playing the streets to selling out clubs in less than 2 years. Their shows – filled with dance-offs, MC battles, singalongs and even mosh pits – have made them the city’s favourite party band. They have become so synonymous with live music in Toronto that the city’s own tourism magazine will feature them on the cover of their 2019 issue. It won’t be long before the world knows.
	THE STEPHEN STANLEY BAND – August 24 @ Origin Square 9-11pm Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Stephen Stanley is best known from his many years as a founding member, lead guitarist and vocalist with the vibrant alternative rock band The Lowest of the Low. After many hits, years of touring and sharing the stage with the likes of Billy Bragg, Bob Mould, The Violent Femmes, The Jayhawks and Lloyd Cole, a gold record for “Shakespeare My Butt,” Stanley is back on the music scene with his own band, The Stephen Stanley Band, and an internationally acclaimed record “Jimmy & The Moon,” produced by Hugh Christopher Brown.
	MIMI O’BONSAWIN – August 31 @ Origin Square 6-8:30pm If you can embrace the grace and power of Northern Ontario landscapes, you will feel the music of Mimi O’Bonsawin. She epitomizes the power, scenery and the beauty of its waters through her music, all the while yielding to her rich and warm French Canadian and Abenakis heritages. Her musical creations flow through a centre of love with the intention to give back and spread awareness. Her newest record. “Trillium,” seeks to be compelling and intimate follow-up to her two previous albums and is a collection of acoustic songs.
	BERNADETTE CONNORS BAND – August 31 @ Origin Square 9-11pm Born on June 28, 1988 in Keswick, ON Canada, Bernadette Connors was raised in a family of musicians. She was drawn to singing and performing at an early age and has made many attempts to create bands and artistic projects along the way. Using her experiences to her advantage, Bernadette has now arrived to a sound that showcases her expressive vocal range, and emotionally intellectual lyrics. Her song “Where’s My Heart” made it onto Canadian radio in 2012 being picked up by over 40 radio stations across Canada. Her song “Hello Again” was used in the “W” Networks series “Tessa and Scott” in February 2014. In 2016 Bernadette released two independent singles I’m Good and Burn For Me. Her most recent release is “Don’t Forget About Faith,” released in March 2019.
	ROB CHRISTIAN – August 31 @ Go For Tea 9-11pm Rob Christian is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, (piano, sax, flute). He started out studying classical and jazz, and honed his skills over the last 10 years refining his abilities as a musician. Up until now, he has been known primarily as a jazz instrumentalist. More recently, Rob has been exploring other musical genres as a singer and songwriter. His own style has emerged as a fusion of pop, jazz, R&B and soul.
	SLY WHY – August 31 @ Good Catch 10pm-1am Sly Why is an Alternative Hip-Hop Trio from Toronto, creating a unique blend of Jazz, Rap, and Improvisation, and Experimental music. Sly Why has been performing and releasing music since 2014. They’re most recent EP “impediments” focuses on different approaches to experimentation with unconventional rhythms, abstract lyricism, and dense harmony.