2 minute read
Prince Edward County Jazz Festival
By Andy Sparling
For the 19th consecutive year, the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival will turn the County into a jazz lover’s heaven for a whole week between August 13 to 18.
Against all odds, this “little festival that could” has staged no fewer than 125 main stage performances by some of North America’s most in-demand artists: a list that includes multiple Grammy and Juno winners and nominees. That’s a total of 18 weeks of world-class cultural artistry—right here in our very own neighbourhood.
Aug 13-18 tickets on salenow!
pecjazz.org
Five-time JUNO winner Jane Bunnett and Maqueque (pro: Mah-kay-kay) will provide a spicy bite of contemporary jazz
But what are the odds against it? First, no nearby major urban markets to draw audiences. Second, no government grants; this is strictly a pay-as-you-go operation, courtesy of an impressively devoted group of sponsors and volunteers. Lastly, this is a stubbornly “all-jazz-all-thetime” festival, still resisting the urge to sweeten its marketability with performances in other musical genres.
This summer’s main stage shows are a lively mix of contemporary and traditional; fresh and wide-ranging performances involving current Juno and Grammy winners and nominees, big bands and small, new faces, and a pivotal year when transcendent albums shook jazz to its foundations.
The all-star cast of performers is simply Canada’s best and includes: five-time Juno winner and Grammy nominee Jane Bunnett and the spicy Cuban rhythms of Maqueque (pro: Mah-kay-kay); a brand new celebration of the year 1959, when Miles, Mingus, Brubeck and Coltrane changed everything; the Brian Barlow Big Band shining a light on Oscar Peterson’s Canadiana Suite and on Duke Ellington’s music at the Newport Jazz Festival.
The featured artist this year is Vancouver-based bassist Jodi Proznick, who will present her 2019 Juno-nominated album Sun Songs on the main stage. Like many others, she loves performing in the County.
“It’s an amazing week of music in one of the most beautiful parts of the country,” says Proznick. “I am thrilled to be back performing again and excited to share my Sun Songs project with the wonderful PEC festival audience.”
The festival likes to bring back its Rising Young Star award winners as festival performers as part of Jodi Proznick, Bassist
its commitment to the development of a new generation of jazz stars. Last year’s winner, Emily Steinwall, has a return engagement, as does singer/pianist Hannah Barstow of Napanee, who will be showcased in a satellite performance with the Belleville-based Commodores Orchestra.
Visit pecjazz.org for more information. Tickets at theregenttheatre.org
