With their unique sound, combining blues and swing with an intensity and rhythm all their own, the Count Basie Orchestra - winner of 17 Grammy awards - is one of the best known and most successful big bands in history.　 Montreal singing sensation, Nikki Yanofsky, will accompany the Basie Orchestra, showcasing her brilliant scatting and heartfelt renditions of soulful melodies.　 Known to dazzle audiences with her mastery of technically difficult repertoire, Nikki's vocal styling is an ideal complement to the renowned Count Basie Orchestra's signature sound.

Luminato's Director of Programming, Chris Lorway, emphasizes the importance of this performance. "After the success of last year, we felt it was important for Luminato to continue pairing incredible Canadians with artists of international renown. The partnering of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra with the vibrant, up-and-coming Nikki Yanofsky is truly an exciting combination.　 Who knows what they will come up with!"

Opening on June 6th for Nikki and the Basie Orchestra will be the 13-piece East Coast New World Orchestra, a group of musicians from Canada's East Coast led by violinist, vocalist and composer Chris Church.　 The New World Orchestra presents a world-style fusion of classical, jazz, middle-eastern and fiddle music certain to inspire concert-goers to hit the dance floor.

Immediately preceding the phenomenal opening night concert, featuring headliners Nikki Yanofsky and the Count Basie Orchestra, swing dance lessons will be provided to help get concert-goers ready to move to the music.　

Luminato's opening night celebrations mark the kick-off of the new public dance and concert program Light on Your Feet, as Yonge-Dundas Square is transformed into a huge open-air dance hall.　 Prior to each free concert, dance instructors will take the stage to provide the audience with free dance lessons.　 Some of Toronto's best musicians, celebrating the diversity of the city's music scene, will provide the dance soundtrack, animating the square as audiences stretch their legs and dance the night away.