Show must go on(line) for popular jazz festival
TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival moves online with livestreaming and pre-recorded shows
Several concerts and music festivals have been forced online in the wake of the COVID -19 pandemic, including the TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival, which has carried on a tradition of delighting the city’s jazz lovers for more than 40 years.
The tradition continues this summer, albeit in a different format than previous versions. Blending pre-recorded and livestreaming events from empty venues, this year’s edition will feature online performances each weekend through July 31.
While jazz lovers might not be able to savour the sunshine in Capital Plaza or relish the music in the cosy confines of the Yardbird Suite this year, the online format allows them to enjoy the music from the comfort of their own home.
The Jazz Festival was originally scheduled to take place at assorted venues around the city from June 19-28.
After those plans were derailed by social distancing restrictions, the festival kicked off in an online format last weekend with a slate of performers including American pianist Emmet Cohen, local funk connoisseurs Funkford Family, British pianist Andrew Glover, legendary singer Sheila Jordan, American guitarist Julian Lage, B.c.-born jazz trumpeter Bria Skonberg and American singer Veronica Swift.
“Thank you to the hundreds of viewers who spent time with us, and to the many talented people on screen, and behind the scenes, who helped bring you our online experience,” said Jazz Festival artistic director and producer Kent Sangster, who has headed up the festival since 2007.
“This event celebrates the city’s talent, history, and love of jazz through a summer festival. For 2020 we had to get creative and we thank everyone for their words of encouragement, for sharing their talent, and supporting us on this new adventure.”
In addition to free performances, the Jazz Festival also features interviews with the musicians and
Sangster, helping take viewers behind the scenes and sounds of Edmonton’s annual jazz celebration.
“We are not only showcasing the music of some of the best artists in jazz today we are also providing our audiences a unique opportunity to hear them talk about their music and themselves,” said Sangster.
This weekend’s performances include cellist and composer Christine Hanson, livestreaming from Werkstatt Edmonton on Saturday at 8 p.m.
After completing her classical training at the University of Alberta, Hanson enrolled in jazz studies at Macewan University. In 2006, she won CBC’S Galaxie Award for Best New Artist at Junofest.
On Sunday at 7 p.m., the Jazz
Festival unveils a pre-recorded performance from the Yardbird Suite by A Touch of Cole.
The new musical project features vocalist Shelley Jones, guitarist Wes Yaciuk and bassist Wes Caswell combining to showcase the music of Natalie and Nat King Cole.
The trio will also perform tunes from jazz legends including Peggy
Lee, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday.
“We miss working with our festival crews and our volunteers and celebrating our successes with them as well as with our sponsors and partners,” the Jazz Festival organization said in a statement. “It is the support throughout the years of these amazing members of our jazz festival family that have helped us build our festival to what it is today.”
The Edmonton International Jazz Festival marked its 40th year in 2019, featuring artists including the Audrey Ochoa Trio, Dave Babcock Quartet, Derek Wiens Group, Jacob Collier, Joshua Redman Quartet and Montuno West.
While this year’s festival has a new approach, it also features a couple of new twists. Jazz Moments blends improvised performances with an original piece of artwork from local visual artists. And rather than requesting donations for the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society, the 2020 version includes a new campaign aimed at helping a handful of community charities.
The inaugural Community Charity Initiative encourages viewers to learn more about the work done by the Edmonton Food Bank, Africa Centre project The Come Up, the United Way of Alberta Capital Region and WIN House, and contribute to each charitable cause. The Jazz Festival will be matching community support with a gift of $500 to each of the four charities.
“Music has the power to unite us. It brings us together and connects us. The last few months have been challenging for everyone, and I know many have listened to artists that provide comfort, reassurance, and positivity,” said Robert Ghazal, TD’S senior vice-president of retail banking, Prairie Region.
“TD is very proud to be a part of the Edmonton International Jazz Festival and the creative digital experience this year. While we may not be able to gather in person, we can all be together through our shared love of music and community.”