Unveiling the 2024 Youth Concert Showcase Series Line-Up

A Summer of Free Concerts, Art and History in Fort Langley

Picture yourself lounging on a lawn chair or blanket, surrounded by the lush greenery of the heritage gardens, local art and rich history all around you…as you take in the sounds of up-and-coming local jazz bands and the creativity of local artists.Welcome to the new 2024 Youth Concert Showcase Series by the Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival! 

This experience is yours to have every Sunday afternoon from 1-3 pm, from May 26 to July 14, 2024. Join us for a unique experience of live music, art and history all in one place in the picturesque gardens of the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station in Fort Langley, operated by the Langley Heritage Society. 

Not only are the concerts free, you can peruse local art exhibits and take guided tours of the restored CNR train station, which dates back to 1915! 

The Youth Concert Showcase Series isn't just about entertainment—it’s about providing opportunities to young and emerging jazz musicians. The Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival is committed to creating spaces for local youth to showcase their talent, connect with new fans, and advance their skills in jazz. 

Presented by the Tony Quo Vadis Foundation, in partnership with the Langley Heritage Society, this new series is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians. We are grateful for the support of these partners, whose contributions are instrumental in making these experiences possible for young artists.

“The festival has been championing youth initiatives since our inaugural event in 2018, and we're thrilled to continue offering these opportunities to nurture and support the next generation of musicians,” says Dave Quinn, Festival Co-Founder and Artistic Director. “Through the Youth Concert Showcase Series, we're creating a platform for young and emerging jazz musicians to shine.”

Back in February, we put out a call to secondary and post-secondary jazz musicians and bands to perform in this 8-week series. The line-up (featured below) is made up of successful applicants who not only get the chance to perform, they will also be featured in Festival marketing and communications initiatives (like this blog!), receive a professional video of one song from their concert, be compensated for their performance and gain valuable performance experience. 

Youth Concert Showcase Series Line-up 

May 26: Fort Langley Fine Arts School Junior & Senior Jazz Ensembles
June 2: Max Holmes Quintet
June 9: Gordy Li’s SMURF Quartet
June 16: Ben Wayne Kyle Trio
June 23: James Vickers Band
June 30: JO49 = Jazz Orchestra of the 49th Parallel
July 7: Ruthie Ha Quartet
July 14: Trading Fours

Learn more about the Series, and about each of the bands and artists here → https://www.fortlangleyjazzfest.com/youth-concert-series

Then join us this summer for an unforgettable experience!