Annual September Kensington Market

JAZZ

FESTIVAL

Tom and Jaymz Bee picking a new jacket during the Kensington Market Jazz Festival at Tom’s Place.

Jazz Festival Organizer Molly Johnson

You know, in Kensington Market we all move to a different beat. We can never agree on anything! The only thing I have ever seen this market agree on is the wonderful Jazz Festival that took place right here in Kensington Market from September 16th – 18th.

My good friend Molly Johnson did an exceptional job putting together this festival.

She did more work in four months organizing this event than most do in a lifetime! And, was gracious enough to perform with Mike Downes and Robi Botos for our free Piano Concert series right here in our store for the Friday night launch.

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome one and all into our store to enjoy the music. And the musicians were top notch.

Kensington Market has always been a hub for artists and musicians in Toronto. Last year we lost one of our pioneers of jazz, Archie Alleyne. Archie was an accomplished musician and set the gold standard for Jazz in our community. He was also a good customer and a fine, fine gentlemen.

Molly Johnson with Mike Downes and Robi Botos perform for a full house at Tom’s Place to kick off the Jazz Festival.

I was touched to see Archie’s picture featured on the festival t- shirt, the proceeds of which will go towards his scholarship fund.

Photo Courtesy of: facebook.com/kensingtonjazz/photos

And, in a moment of joy and inspiration during the last day of the festival, I announced that I will also be starting a scholarship fund to help some of these fine and talented musicians that I have seen and met over the years.

Like music, fashion is an outlet for personal style and expression. During the festival, our store was full with music lovers – standing room only!

Our wonderful and knowledgable staff, some who have been with us for over 20 years, were looking sharp and ready to make sure our customers found exactly what they were looking for: A high quality suit for an unbeatable price.

Jean-Marie Mauger and Patrick Duncan
of Tom’s Place

Now is the time to JAZZ UP your fall wardrobe! And, when I think of jazz I think about the stylish men who really brought fashion to the forefront back in the 1920s. The post WWI Jazz Age was an important time for men’s fashion.

Photo Courtesy of Tom’s Place

There was an edgier outlook on life and it showed in the way men dressed. Why not have some fun? It’s fantastic to see how some of our most loyal, but typically conservative customers are starting to embrace the edgier look.

Fall fashion is all about looking cool. And with the cooler temperatures the heavier fabrics like wool and tweed are a must for keeping warm.

In the store, we have a lot of fun with accessories like scarfs hats and pocket squares to jazz up the look.

Whether it’s a wool fedora or a cashmere scarf (or both) fall is the perfect time to dress up your outerwear.

Fall fashion is also about colour.

Don’t be afraid to add some colour to your wardrobe! A splash of plum or a hit of mauve can make your outfit sing. Just because it’s grey outside doesn’t mean you have to dress that way!

Photo Courtesy of Tom’s Place

Many of our customers have a hard time with colour, or are nervous about buying a suit that is not your typical navy blue, black or grey.

Have some fun! And with our unbeatable prices, you can afford to be adventurous.

Photo Courtesy of Tom’s Place

It may only be October, but the holiday season is just around the corner.

We have some beautiful new merchandise from Italy, perfect for a formal gala or a special night out on the town.

Want to add some personality to your look? A small but significant collection of Italian silk bowties is something every man should have in their wardrobe. As the old saying goes, “it’s all in the details”.

Tom Mihalik of Tom’s Place

About Tom:

A leading retailer of designer men’s suits and accessories in Toronto’s Kensington Market since 1958. Tom’s Place offers brand name men’s wear and business apparel at below retail prices.

Tom’s Place is unique. You’ll get a friendly welcome from the owner, Tom Mihalik, and helpful service from his knowledgeable sales staff and tailors. Please come in and see us!

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