Jay Douglas lights up Markham Jazz Festival

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Destination Markham proudly announces the return of the wildly popular Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest for its third year, and this year the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to be part of all that Jazz!

Building on the success of the sold-out 2023 and 2024 editions, this year’s series held true to their promise of more memorable evenings celebrating the vibrant culinary and musical culture of the City of Markham. Six events were planned from late January to March 2025, and whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, or simply love good food and great company, Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is your perfect escape from the ordinary. I only had to venture just north of Toronto’s downtown core to discover why Markham is rapidly becoming one of the GTA’s premier culinary and cultural destinations.

“Markham’s Jazzlicious WinterFest welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience Markham’s unique dining scene, while listening to world-class musicians,” says the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is investing in unique experiences that showcase all that southern Ontario has to offer, driving tourism and strengthening local economies.”

“Markham’s Jazzlicious WinterFest welcomes locals and visitors alike to experience Markham’s unique dining scene.”

Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest is produced by Destination Markham Corporation in collaboration with the Markham Jazz Festival, and in partnership with Cosmo Music, Flato Markham Theatre, JAZZ.FM91 radio and, with funding provided by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Experience Ontario and Central Counties Tourism.

“We’re thrilled to see Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest continue to grow,” says Andrew Baldwin, Executive Director, Destination Markham Corporation. “This festival represents everything that makes Markham unique – the intersection of culinary excellence and cultural richness. We are proud to create a platform that draws visitors and spotlights Markham as a premier destination for unforgettable experiences.”

The 2025 edition of the Markham Jazzlicious WinterFest featured six musical and culinary pairings at signature venues across the city. Guests were treated to a night of delicious meals prepared by some of Markham’s top chefs and live jazz performances by some of Canada’s brightest stars.

As I was looking through the series, I saw a familiar name. I noted under Series 5: March 4^th-8^th, three-time JUNO Award nominee Jay Douglas All Star Band would be playing at Rouge River Brewing Company.

Watching Jay Douglas take the stage at the Markham Jazz Festival was an absolute thrill. His energy was infectious, and he had the entire audience captivated from the moment he stepped into the spotlight. You could just feel the warmth and charisma radiating from him. It was clear he knows how to connect with a crowd, and I couldn’t help but think those cruise ship days definitely honed his dynamic stage presence.

It was truly a moment of pride to see someone from our community shine so brightly. The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was there to represent, and we were overjoyed to support such a talented artist. Jay Douglas delivered a performance that was both powerful and heartfelt, reminding us of the rich culture that makes our community so special.

Rouge River Brewing Company took the experience to another level with their innovative beer and food pairing. As someone who isn’t typically a stout enthusiast, I was blown away by how perfectly they matched their robust brews with their artisanal pizzas. Brewery Owner and Head Brewer Jordan Mills, along with Pizza Chef Jezza, crafted culinary delights that were simply irresistible. The pairing was a revelation.

From the electrifying performance of Jay Douglas to the mouthwatering creations of Rouge River Brewing, this event was a celebration of talent, community, and the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean. It’s truly amazing how you can find a little piece of the Caribbean in every corner of this city. The Markham Jazz Festival, coupled with Rouge River Brewing’s offerings, was a testament to the diverse and thriving cultural scene we’re fortunate to have. I left feeling energized, inspired, and completely satisfied. What an incredible night!