THE 2024 FESTIVAL
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse musical line-up, fun activities for the entire family, workshops and cultural expressions - and this year will be no exception.
This year, many activities and performances will occur in the center of the Village, meaning attendees get even more opportunities to experience everything the Festival offers.
By bringing every aspect of our dynamic event closer together, the Festival is reimagining its approach to epic experiences in music, art, culture and community. It will be the same wonderful experience that we’ve always provided, with a free, diverse program of great music, art and culture, the addition of more free workshops for all ages and fantastic headliner ticketed events.
Check out the highlights!
Thursday, July 25: A Tribute to Duke Ellington with the Fred Stride Jazz Orchestra!
Fred Stride will lead his 16-piece Jazz Orchestra with a dedication to authentically performing the music of the one and only, Duke Ellington. Please note that tickets for this event will be limited due to the size of the venue.
Friday, July 26: The Cool Blues Show; an annual highpoint of Jazz Fest!
Presented by The Georgia Straight
The first night of Festival fun will kick off with the Cool Blues Show at the Fort Langley Community Park and showcase some of the biggest names in blues music, including the following headliners:
• Tom Lavin & The Legendary Powder Blues Band
• Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
• Miss Emily
• Silent Partners, in a tribute to B.B. King,
• Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
The Cool Blues Show won't just be a treat for the ears. Prepare for a symphony of flavours from a lineup of food trucks, beer garden, fun games, a captivating art installation, artisan vendors, and more!
Tickets available here:
Saturday night: Jake and Elwood’s Blues Brother Revue!
If you're a Blues Brothers’ fan, you won't want to miss Jake and Elwood's Blues Brother Revue show featuring a smokin’ showband, high-voltage dance routines, top-notch vocals, and hilarious skits. Bring your fedora and sunglasses for a non-stop, high-octane tribute to the Blues Brothers and be ready for great music and dancing at the Fort Langley Community Hall Ballroom.
Sunday, July 28: Jazz AWE finale!
The 2024 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival will once again close with a Jazz AWE (Alternative Worship Experience) at the United Churches of Langley, providing a musical twist to the Sunday church experience in which live jazz music is woven into readings, reflection, and conversations. Hosted by Rev. Sophia Ducey.
This by-donation performance will feature the Maureen Washington Quartet. Maureen Washington is one of Vancouver Island’s most sought-after vocalists. Her rich tones and captivating emotions have cultivated large audiences with her styling that encompasses the soul of Etta James, Carmen McRae, and the modernity of Holly Cole. And yet she remains a voice of her own. Registration is required due to limited seating.
Saturday & Sunday, July 27 & 28: A free lineup of diverse performances, bountiful activities, and engaging workshops!
A series of FREE festival performances and activities will begin with the traditional Mardi Gras Strolling Parade led by RazzMaJazz Ensemble on Saturday, July 27 from 9:30 - 10:00 am from the Fort Langley Farmers Market to the Fort Langley Community Hall! Once at the community hall, check out the Indigenous PowWow drumming, dancing, and singing that follows the festival’s opening remarks.
From there, an incredible line-up of free performances will take place all day until 4 pm on two outdoor stages in front of the Fort Langley Community Hall:
The Conwest Stage will act as a primary performance area where festivalgoers can experience everything from Latin jazz and vocal jazz to big band and more, including,
The Rising Spirit Stage will showcase talented Indigenous performers and emerging young musicians, including the winners of this year's Rising Star Jazz Awards. Attendees can check out incredible acts like James Vickars, a 14-year-old Indigenous blues sensation from Vancouver Island, up and coming Indigenous singer-songwriter, Hayley Wallis the family-based drum group Wild Rivers Singers and Dancers, Norine Braun, a Canadian Indigenous singer/songwriter and more!
Jazz Fest-goers can also look forward to the rest of the free programming…
The strolling Vijay Brass Band, BC’s premier Punjabi band will be making its way around the village on the Saturday and Sunday of the event - playing an energetic blend of Bollywood tunes, Punjabi pop, and traditional Indian music. With a wide repertoire of songs and unmatched professionalism, the Vijay Brass Band offers the most authentic and entertaining Punjabi Band experience in Western Canada.
Art Market: Peruse the talented artwork at this year's art vendor market! Their impressive wares will be available for sale, so pick your favourites to take home as Festival souvenirs! Centrally located on Mary Street across from the main stages.
Kidz Zone: The perfect place for the youngest artists and musicians to soak in activities curated just for them! Located across from the Art Market on Mary Street.
Workshops and demonstrations: Awaken your creativity and imagination with free art, music, and cultural activities for people of all ages and abilities! Check out the drum circle, watercolour and acrylic painting workshops, instrument workshops, and Indigenous culture workshops, Located at the Workshop Tents on Mary Street and at St. George’s Anglican Church.
Jazz Fest is not only a treat for the ears. Prepare for a symphony of flavours Meander the Village to explore local cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops. Or check out the Lion's Club BBQ in front of the Community Hall all day Saturday and Sunday!
Even more great music is in store leading up to the Festival!
Check out free concerts with the Festival’s new Youth Concert Series Showcase, happening every Sunday from May 26th until July 14th from 1 - 3pm in the gardens of the Fort Langley Historic CNR Station. Read about the Series here