Sixty musicians and groups will perform at a variety of venues across the city for the annual Lethbridge Jazz Festival from June 15 to 18. The festival offers music catering to all tastes, including swing, funk, jazz standards, blues, salsa, Dixieland, and gospel.
“Months of planning are almost over and we are really excited about what the festival has to offer this year,” Lethbridge Jazz Society president Josh Davies said. “Over the past five years, the festival has grown significantly, with a great mix of performances by internationally and nationally known artists as well as local emerging artists.”
The combination of local performers and special guests opens the festival on June 15 at 7:30 p.m. with the Gospel Jazz Concert. The event features the Sweet Inspiration Gospel Choir comprised of community singers performing under the direction of guest conductor and soloist, Dee Daniels. Daniels is an international jazz, blues, gospel and symphony pop singer, with an astounding four-octave vocal range.
On June 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Starlight Lounge will appear at the Lethbridge Lodge. Patterned after an old-fashioned radio show, the performance features a hard-swinging big band jazz orchestra made up of musicians from Lethbridge, Calgary and Medicine Hat. The production is directed by Fran Rude.
Friday’s mainstage performance features the internationally renowned trumpet player Jens Lindemann, along with jazz pianist Tommy Banks, performing their Legacy Live program. The live recording of Legacy Live was nominated for Instrumental Album of the Year at the 2016 Juno Awards.
Well-known Calgary jazz crooner Tim Tamashiro will take to the stage on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.
“With the Friday and Saturday mainstage performances being held in the wonderfully intimate setting of the Sterndale Bennett Theatre, seats are limited, so people are encouraged to get their tickets early,” Davies said.
Late night performances starting at 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights are planned. Back by popular demand, Queen of the Swamp Blues singer Kat Danser, an Edmonton-based guitar slinger, songsmith, and blazing vocalist, returns to the Owl Acoustic Lounge on Friday, June 17.
On Saturday, June 18, Sue Foley and her band perform at The Slice. Sue Foley, one of the finest blues and roots artists performing today, holds the record for the most Maple Blues Awards with 17 to her credit. She has also has earned three Trophees de Blues de France.
For complete festival details and tickets got to lethbridgejazz.com. Tickets are also available at the music Court in the Park Place Mall.
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