Toronto's Beaches International Jazz Festival takes place virtually this month

The Beaches International Jazz Festival, scheduled to have over 300 artists, will be streaming from home as the event is going virtual this year.

The festival will be in its 32nd year, and runs for nine days, from July 17 to 26, in support of the Michael Garron Hospital.

This decision was made to move online at the direction of the City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health and local officials in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The safety and well-being of our attendees, volunteers, staff and community remain our top priority and as such, we are choosing to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19,” the festival said in a release.

The festival brings together residents, businesses and tourists from all over the world.

Although things will run a little differently this year, you will still be able to enjoy the showcase of talent barrier-free. This remains the goal of the festival along with supporting and featuring emerging and well-known local and international artists.

The festival will be free of charge and will also run free virtual workshops, masterclasses, and interactive “Listen and Learn” sessions with artists and industry leaders.

It will be streamed online over the festival’s website, Youtube, and Facebook.

Performances will also be archived on all platforms once the festival is finished.

“During these uncertain times, the Beaches International Jazz Festival acknowledges the undue hardship faced by musicians. The Festival’s decision to go virtual supports our performers, while also providing them with the opportunity to reach larger audiences,” Beaches International Jazz Festival said.

“In times like these, where we may feel more alone than ever, our hope is to bring a little bit of life, fun and happiness to homes throughout the GTA and beyond. While we may not be celebrating and enjoying the Festival together physically, we will still be brought together by the power of music.