Jazz on the Plaza
Jazz on the Plaza is BPAC’s beloved free summer concert series, transforming our Outdoor Plaza into a lively gathering place for music, community, and warm summer afternoons and evenings in downtown Burlington. Each year, the series showcases outstanding Canadian jazz artists – from rising local talents to internationally celebrated performers – inviting audiences to relax, connect, and experience live music under the open sky. A long-standing tradition at BPAC, Jazz on the Plaza celebrates the power of music to bring people together and animate the heart of our city. Friday August 7 2026 6pm Irene Torres opens the 2026 Jazz on the Plaza with a vibrant blend of jazz, soul, and Afro-Peruvian influences. Born in Lima, Peru and raised in Canada after arriving as a refugee, Torres has become a celebrated voice in Toronto’s diverse music scene. Known for her powerful stage presence and genre-spanning collaborations – from blues and soul with Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils to her latest project Travesía – her music is a soulful journey shaped by culture, storytelling, and rhythm. https://www.irenetorres.com/ 7:15pm Empanadas Ilegales is a six-piece tropical psychedelic ensemble from Vancouver formed by Latin American and Canadian musicians exploring the space between diaspora and homeland. Blending cumbia, salsa and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with surf rock, psychedelia and free-form improvisation, the band creates hypnotic, dance-driven music rooted in tradition and experimentation. Known for their electrifying live shows, Empanadas Ilegales have performed at major festivals including Montreal Jazz Festival, Sled Island, JUNOFest and Calgary Folk Fest, earning a reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting genre-bending Latin ensembles. https://empanadasilegales.com/ Saturday August 8 2026 2pm Waleed Kush Afro-Jazz is a dynamic ensemble inspired by the artists and landscapes that shape its sound, always evolving and in a constant state of becoming. Blending African rhythms with the traditions of American jazz, their music creates a vibrant cultural meeting place rooted in exploration, inclusivity, and accessibility. More than a band, they embody African values of community and shared knowledge, forging meaningful connections with audiences. Through workshops, mentorship, and collective learning, the group – who describe themselves as “humanity practitioners” – use music as a healing art, creating transformative spaces for all who listen. https://www.waleedkush.ca/ 3:15pm Sammy Jackson is a JUNO Award-winning jazz vocalist and songwriter from Niagara whose warm, expressive voice blends jazz, R&B, and pop influences. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s jazz program, her acclaimed EP With You earned the 2021 JUNO for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Jackson performs across Canada’s leading jazz venues and festivals, captivating audiences with intimate storytelling and soulful style. https://www.sammyjackson.com/ 4:30pm Celebrate the legends of jazz with Ori Dagan’s The Grand Voices of Jazz . This vibrant new program pays tribute to the iconic singers who shaped the genre—from the dazzling scat of Ella Fitzgerald to the soulful drama of Billie Holiday and the elegance of Canada’s own Eleanor Collins. With his rich baritone voice, playful improvisation, and outstanding band, Dagan brings these timeless songs to life in a joyful, unforgettable performance. https://www.oridagan.com/ 5:45pm Born on the streets of Toronto in 2017, Big Smoke Brass is a leading voice in the Canadian Brass landscape. Dedicated to fostering community and connecting people through their high-energy music, the band has given hundreds of performances across Canada and released a growing discography of original music & videos. Wherever you may be, Big Smoke Brass is determined to share their love of music with you. https://bigsmokebrass.com/ 7pm JUNO Award–winning pianist, vocalist, and composer Laila Biali brings her radiant artistry to Jazz on the Plaza. Known for her soaring vocals, masterful piano playing, and genre-blending style, Biali seamlessly weaves jazz with pop, soul, and contemporary songwriting. A former musical director for Sting and collaborator with artists such as Chris Botti and Suzanne Vega, she is one of Canada’s most celebrated jazz artists. With captivating stage presence and heartfelt musicianship, Laila Biali delivers a performance that is both sophisticated and deeply soulful. https://lailabiali.com/ Sunday August 9 2026 2pm Dizzy & Fay is the piano-vocal project of Southern Ontario songwriters Mark Lalama and Amanda Walther, blending heartfelt songwriting with timeless jazz sensibility. Their music feels instantly familiar – songs that sound like classics from the very first listen. With acclaimed albums Songbook and Hooked , regular jazz radio play across Canada and the U.S., and captivating onstage chemistry, Dizzy & Fay are quickly winning devoted audiences everywhere they perform. https://dizzyandfay.com/ 3:15pm Kel
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