Beaches International Jazz Festival

What could be more appropriate in Toronto -- the "City of Neighbourhoods" -- than the most neighbourly of jazz festivals? This 10-day free event in the lakeside "Beach" area -- this year from July 15 to 24 -- is staged in several different parks, as well as along a two-kilometre stretch of Queen St. About 1,000 artists are slated to appear, ranging from local talents to international stars like Kal David and Duke Robillard. The community feel is enhanced by a vibrant workshop and lecture series geared toward both professional musicians and fans, along with a "Jazz in Motion" photo exhibit.