Artists and audiences praise technical aspects of virtual Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival

The Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival went live during the Labour Day long weekend, and while audiences were not able to be physically present, organizers say the turnout of virtual viewers was high.

Founder Karen Zukas said the average stream was watched by an estimated three to five people each, which means that the total festival attendance this year was between 7,500 to 12,500.

“Quite a few people were sharing it on social media or having a backyard festival,” Zukas said. “People came together to enjoy it as an experience.”

Zukas said the typical retention rate, or how many people stuck with the stream and watched until the very end, for events like these is normally 50 per cent.

“Many people were watching all the way through and we saw 90 per cent retention rate during performances,” Zukas said, describing that number as “superb.”

COVID-19 prevented the festival to celebrate its third year in Fort Langley, forcing organizers to get creative and bring fans a safe and socially distanced option.

The online event had 17 pre-recorded performers, interviews with performers, a virtual artwalk, and two live streamed ticketed events including the All-star Blues Show hosted by Jim Byrnes with Taylor James Band and Tom Lavin & The Legendary Powder Blues, plus Saturday night show with Mimosa and Siobhan Walsh in her tribute to Aretha Franklin.

The biggest note from viewers that Zukas said she received was the high quality production value.

“People said it looked so professional – like a television broadcast – and that was our goal,” Zukas noted.