Fort Langley jazz expanding with call out for more musicians

The second annual village jazz and arts festival is on the books for July 26 to 28, 2019.

Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is expanding to two days of free jazz and blues music, and more musicians will be needed.

The second annual festival is now accepting applications from local jazz and blues bands interested in performing between July 26 and 28, 2019, announced Karen Zukas, executive director of the festival.

Festival organizers are expanding the festival next year to feature two full days of free live jazz and blues music on July 27 and 28, she explained.

That is in addition to a few ticketed-only events such as an outdoor blues show kicking off the festival on Friday night, a big band swing dance on the Saturday evening, and a gospel soul choir concert to wrap-up the festival on Sunday night.

“The first annual 2018 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival was a huge success, attracting thousands of people who took in in top local jazz acts on two outdoor stages, jazz busker performances throughout the community, a Motown community dance, an artwalk featuring 13 local art galleries and studios, and music and art workshops and demonstrations,” Zukas said, saying the festival is expanding after the positive feedback received from festival attendees, sponsors, and local merchants.

“We heard loud and clear that people want more evening performances, a longer festival over several days and headliner acts.” said the festival artistic director Dave Quinn.

Quinn, along with a music committee of local jazz musicians and music educators, will be accepting applications from professional groups until Dec. 31, and from youth performers and rising talent until March 15.

Online application form can be found here.

“We are looking forward to creating a diverse music line-up at next year’s festival that features local, B.C., and Canadian acts from all genres of jazz music,” said Quinn, a founder of the festival and professional jazz musician.

One of the festival mandates is to provide performance opportunities for youth and rising talent, he explained.

“We will once again be featuring youth and emerging talent at pop-up street performance locations throughout the festival.”

Alongside the music, the festival will again feature free art demonstrations and activities, a family music and art area, a history of jazz exhibit, and a jazz education workshop.

For more information about the festival visit www.fortlangleyjazzfest.com.

Article originally published at the Langley Advance.