The TD Toronto Jazz Fest is heading back to the Yorkville neighbourhood this summer for a new and improved music festival featuring big name concerts and a full slate of free outdoor programming.

Headlining the event this year is none other than jazz great and all-around music icon Herbie Hancock who will play a concert on June 29 at Meridian Hall.

There is also a big party planned for Queen’s Park on June 24 and 25 with free concerts from festival headliners such as Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Ashanti, Toronto’s own Grammy Award-winning jazz fusion group, BADBADNOTGOOD, Scarborough rhythm and blues rising star, Loony, and the first woman to win the Juno Award for Best Rap Album, Haviah Mighty.

“The TD Toronto Jazz Festival has always been a celebration of the diversity and richness of jazz and jazz-related music, so we’re especially excited about this year’s lineup,” says Josh Grossman, the festival’s artistic director. “We invite music fans from at home and abroad to join us and experience some of the best musicians from Toronto, across Canada and around the world.”

In addition to 100+ free live performances, other top artists with concerts at this year’s festival include Grammy Award-winning jazz and funk collective Snarky Puppy, Melody Gardot and Avishai Cohen, and the Festival debut of Afro-Cuban rockstar Cimafunk.

And check out new “late night jam” festival location at the venerable Pilot Tavern, which has a history steeped in some very fine jazz. Here, festival-goers will be able to check out local and visiting artists in a more intimate and informal setting.

For more information on the TD Toronto Jazz Fest, tickets, and schedule of events visit torontojazz.com.