Open air concerts are the epitome of summer and what better way to soak it all in than with the Luis Mario Ochoa Sextet on the Town Square Stage on Friday, June 20 at 7:00pm as part of a series of FREE concerts at Shops at Don Mills during the TD Toronto Jazz Festival. For additional information, please visit www.shopsatdonmills.ca or www.torontojazz.com or call 416-447-6087 ext. 244.

Born in Havana, Cuba in April 6, 1963, Luis Mario’s earliest musical influences came from his father Luis Ochoa Sr. singer, guitarist and founding member of “Trio Voces de Oro”, one of Cuba’s most romantic ensembles. After 13 years of intense studies at some of Havana’s most renowned conservatories, he graduated with an Honors B.A. in classical guitar from the University of Havana’s Institute Superior of Arts (ISA). While most of his extensive learning was in the classical genre, his heart never abandoned his roots in “popular music”. In 1990 Luis Mario moved to Toronto, Canada and formed his band Cimarron, (See-mah-rón, meaning “free spirit”), and three years later recorded their first CD A La Cubana. Being one of the first recordings to emerge from Toronto’s Latin music scene, the album introduced Canadian audiences to the ensemble’s unique sound; tracks from this CD were featured on the TV series Traders. Luis Mario Ochoa Sextet features Hilario Duran (piano), Roberto Riveron (bass) Amhed Mitchel (drums) Luis Orbegoso (perc).

Relax in comfortable Muskoka lounges in the Town Square while enjoying the smooth sounds of jazz. Not only is there an amazing line-up of talented musicians performing for FREE each day, but the TD Jazz Festival will also be invading the entire mall with tons of fun activities and store sales, food sampling, free swag and contests, exclusive discounts with our interactive Jazz Festival app and don't forget to let the jazz musician in you out to play a tune on the hidden piano!