In the wake of news of other festival cancellations, The Vancouver International Jazz Festival, is planning its 38th edition to make a return to stages around the city. From Friday, June 23 to Sunday, July 2, Coastal Jazz & Blues Society is offering a selection of 140+ free and ticketed performances, kicking off with free Downtown Jazz concert outside the Vancouver Art Gallery and closing Canada Day long weekend at venues around Granville Island.
Ticketed events already announced and on sale include performances by Sun Ra Arkestra, performing live as part of Granville Island Jazz on June 24 at Performance Works, marking a return to the live-stage after 10 years. GRAMMY-winning vocalist Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, Shahzad Ismaily performing as their new project Love in Exile on June 26 and American Jazz quartet The Bad Plus on June 27 planned for the Vancouver Playhouse. GRAMMY award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti, takes the Queen Elizabeth Stage on June 28, at 7:30pm, followed by a performance by two-time GRAMMY award-winning instrumental band BADBADNOTGOOD on June 29, 2023, at 7:30pm. More performances will be announced in the weeks to come.
Like other festivals and event producers, the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society has had to continually adapt in the face of challenges since the start of the pandemic. This year, the organization has had to consider rising site infrastructure and artist touring costs, as well as a previous title sponsor relationship coming to a close in 2022 due to changing priorities. As a result, this year, Coastal Jazz has opted for a smaller, more sustainable festival.
“This year will look a little different for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival,” says Nina Horvath, Coastal Jazz & Blues Society Executive Director. “But what stays the same is our festival programming. We’re working hard to bring local, Canadian and International artists to Vancouver, introducing some new music and hosting past favourites. We’re announcing new shows and schedules over the next few months, and we encourage you all to come out and support live music.”
Tickets for Sun Ra Arkestra go on sale to the public today March 16th with other performances already on sale now at coastaljazz.ca
