JazzFest’s communications director Kristen Binley said the 2022 edition of JazzFest saw a welcome “full-force” return of live music post-COVID, including great turnouts at the new outdoor venues, the Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park and Bullen Park in Esquimalt.
They’ll look to build on that success in 2023.
“For the 40th edition we encourage people to enjoy the live music, food, and cultural events while experiencing the unique atmospheres of Victoria and Bullen Park. Also, consider supporting local musicians and artists in your area.”
This year, the festival has expanded from ten to 11 days of music, featuring more than 300 musicians in 70 performances across 10 stages around the city.
Headliners include Grammy award-winning superband Snarky Puppy, Canadian jazz icon Molly Johnson, kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh, award-winning trumpeter Chris Botti, and genre-bending ensemble BADBADNOTGOOD.
“A highlight at this year’s festival is also our Funk & Soul in the Township series at Bullen Park,” said Binley.
At Funk & Soul in the Township, there will be three evenings of ticketed twin-bill performances running June 29, June 30 and July 2, with artists such as Nik West, LowDown Brass Band, and Jamison Ross.
A package deal for all three nights of the featured evening shows at Bullen Park can be bought for $99.
Free-to-attend performances (featuring an array of musicians) will occur at Bullen Park from Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2.
Attending performances at Bullen Park also has the added benefit of access to JazzFest’s food vendors, open Thursday June 29 at 6:00 p.m. and June 30/July 2 at noon.
“We encourage festival-goers to also check out rising stars such as Mauvey, Mali Obomsawin, Brekky Boy, Brandee Younger, STORRY, Caity Gyorgy, Isaiah Collier, Leon Phal, Ludic, and Katie Tupper,” added Binley.
Binley said the jazz culture in Victoria continues to be a dynamic and ever-evolving genre.
“Musicians continue to push the boundaries of the genre, as seen in the collaborations BADBADNOTGOOD has pursued with popular stars such as Tyler, the Creator, Daniel Caesar, Kendrick Lamar, and Ghostface Killah.
“Lots of artists, including young, up-and-coming ones, are also not afraid to explore traditional jazz and revive more classic roots such as swing and bebop; exemplified by TD JazzFest 2023 vocalist Caity Gyorgy and pianist Emmet Cohen.
“We hope everyone comes away from the 2023 festival inspired, enlightened, and remembering it for years to come as one of the best yet.”
Cost-saving ticket packages are available exclusively through the Victoria Jazz Society Office. JazzFest runs Thursday, June 22 - Sunday, July 2, 2023.
Find out more at jazzvictoria.ca.
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