Although this year’s online edition of the TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival wraps up on August 20, that will only mark the halfway point of a jazz-filled weekend set to happen in venues across the city, free of charge.
Running from August 19 – 22, Jazz Around Town is the latest initiative from the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society and the long-awaited return of live jazz in Edmonton. The brand new initiative will be spread out across seven outdoor locations across the city, including familiar spots like the Common, Starlite Room and Blue Chair Cafe, as well as new and unexpected venues like La Cité Francophone, the Root 107 pop-up, the Backyard and Snow Valley Ski Hill. Venues will be host to over 20 different local and international jazz acts, including names like Audrey Ochoa, Good Information, Brett Miles and Olga Osipova.
“Because jazz musicians have been out of work for quite a while, we’re trying to do our part,” says Kent Sangster, executive director and artistic producer of the TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival. “Jazz Around Town lets us get outside in places where music is already being presented — for the most part — because in addition to helping musicians, we’re trying to also assist and help the music venues that have been hit hard by the pandemic.”
In an effort to make Jazz Around Town as accessible as possible, the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society has also ensured that the initiative remains completely free, both for audiences and venues.
“What’s important to know about this initiative is that these bands are paid fully by the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society and provided to these music venues at no charge,” Sangster adds. “So we’re pretty proud of that.”
Schedules for Jazz Around Town, as well as additional details about the initiative, can be accessed through the Edmonton Jazz Festival’s website. COVID-19 restrictions will be at the discretion of venues.
