Fort Langley jazz festival boosts offering of free, family friendly entertainment

Organizers of the Odlum Brown Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival say this summer’s festival will offer “extensive free programming” in a bid to get more people out to the annual entertainment event.

“Bringing a festival experience, with exceptional artists and the joys and rewards of extraordinary musical performances with as many people as possible in a very special setting is at the heart of the Fort Langley Jazz and Arts Festival,” Dave Quinn, the festival co-founder and artistic director, said in a news release.

“This year we are proud to have the most expansive and inclusive programming ever, and we are excited to welcome music and art fans with an air of festivity and celebration open to all.”

Offering a return to “full in-person programming” following amended online and hybrid offerings amid the pandemic, the festival will offering ticketed shows and free community events, including a Kid Zone, during its run from July 21-24.

Entertainment will be presented across six community stages throughout Fort Langley, according to the release, with a free shuttle planned to ferry festival-goers on Saturday and Sunday.

Slated to offer “a diverse range of world-class jazz acts from straight ahead jazz and blues bands to big band, latin, swing, gospel and more,” according to the release, the full festival lineup will be announced on International Jazz Day, April 30. For more information, visit Fortlangleyjazzfest.com.