Canada's Queen of R&B Soul Jully Black to Star at Markham's 225th Anniversary Celebrations

Plus! Star Search Markham Winner Julia Gartha

MARKHAM, ON – September 18, 2019 – Celebrate Markham’s BIG year with us, as we ring in the City’s 225th anniversary on September 28 at the Markham Museum’s iconic Applefest.

Today, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti revealed an incredible lineup of local, Canadian and cultural performances that guests can expect to see in the evening on the #Markham225 Main Stage, and other exciting features of the one-day event. Admission to Applefest is free this year, in honour of #Markham225.

Performances on the Main Stage will start at 4:05 PM. Feature entertainment will include Juno Award-winning, platinum selling recording artist and Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul Jully Black and Star Search Markham Winner Julia Gartha.

“We are thrilled to welcome these two dynamic and talented artists as we celebrate this milestone anniversary,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Jully and Julia will get the crowd fired up with compelling and memorable performances, and they will be joined on stage by local artists that will capture the essence and stories of who we are as a community.”

Visitors will cap off the night with a stunning Grand Finale Fireworks display that will light up the sky. Markham’s 225th anniversary celebrates the City’s rich history and its vibrant diversity.

“Markham’s early years were defined by the development of agriculture-based industries, and it is fitting that we celebrate the founding of Markham at one of our most iconic agricultural events that celebrates the harvest of the apple,” says Mayor Scarpitti. “Our past, present and future are linked by the stories we share as one, united and diverse community.”

From 10 AM to 4 PM, guests can enjoy the usual “stars” of Applefest, such as access to the Markham Museum’s current exhibitions, Blacksmith Shop, Cider Mill, rides and games, tasty apple treats, and a bunch of family-fun activities on the historic museum grounds.

Feature Entertainment

RSVP to confirm your attendance at Markham’s 225th Anniversary Celebrations at Applefest, and to request an interview.

Visit the Applefest page for entertainment schedule and event information.

PHOTO:

From left to right: Markham Town Crier John Webster, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Charlotte Berczy, John Berczy, Ward 6 Councillor Amanda Collucci and Ward 8 Councillor Isa Lee, unveil the entertainment lineup for this year's Applefest and Markham's 225th anniversary.

From left to right: Markham Museum Director, Cathy Molloy, together with Mayor Frank Scarpitti, John Berczy and wife Charlotte Berczy, welcome everyone to attend this year's Applefest and Markham's anniversary celebrations.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416.671.2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham: Maxine Roy, Advisor, Communications and Media Relations at mroy@markham.ca or 647.200.8718.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 355,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 400 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 210 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy. Markham has received the Excellence Canada Gold Award for Organizational Quality & Healthy Workplace, and multiple heritage and environmental awards.

About Markham Museum: Markham Museum connects the history of Markham to today’s new ‘settlers’ by examining our environment and the tools we use to adapt to our changing world. The 25-acre Museum site offers: exhibits, school programs, public programs and events, private event venues and research facilities. In 2011 the Museum opened a new collection and exhibition hall. Meeting LEED Gold standards, the new building includes a large temporary exhibition hall and a smaller permanent installation called "What is Markham? Discover our Evolving Community" in the south gallery. This exhibit explores the layers of settlement and the resulting changes that Markham has experienced. The Museum is receiving national attention for its unique way of connecting with its community.

About Jully Black: Jully Black is a true Canadian Icon. Named as one of ‘The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever’, (CBC Music) she has been dubbed ‘Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul’ by fans and industry leaders alike. As a platinum selling recording artist, her music career has yielded multiple singles reaching the Top 10 pop, R&B and dance music charts. She has taken home Juno and Gemini Awards, earned innumerable industry accolades and was hand selected to sing for the Queen of England.

About Julia Gartha: Born and raised in Markham, Ontario, Julia Gartha is a pop singer/songwriter who effortlessly captivates her audience with honesty and openness. As a classically trained pianist and vocalist, music quickly became her way of communication. Combining her vocal talent with her piano skills, she began performing, writing music and arranging covers. Breathing in inspiration from artists like Joni Mitchell, Julia Michaels, and James Taylor, Gartha's storytelling skills brings an authentic voice to her sound.