Lakefield Jazz Festival returns with another season of summer music
Alan Black and the Steady Band, Barbra Lica, Ron Marenger, Coldjack and others on roster
For the 20th summer, the Lakefield Jazz, Art and Craft Festival is returning for a day of music by the Otonabee river at Isabel Morris Park. The festival will take place on July 7, beginning at 10 a.m. and running until 10 p.m.
Music is always the focus at the Lakefield Jazz Festival, and this year’s lineup of six acts provides an eclectic and entertaining collection of artists.
“I can’t say enough about all of the performers, they’re fantastic,” said Verne Hope, co-ordinator for the festival and long-time local musician. Hope has been involved for 18 summers.
“I was a performer originally, and as it goes, eventually I was asked to help out and really get involved,” said Hope.
Opening the festival is the Ron Marenger Big Band at 11:20 a.m. The 20-piece ensemble delivers a timeless brass filled sound, with a full rhythm section, trumpets, trombones and saxophones.
Each of the sets during the festival are around 90 minutes long, with a bit of leeway if an act runs long while improvising.
Barbra Lica will take to the stage in the early afternoon at 1:10 p.m. Lica’s soft, airy vocals and upbeat melodies are a perfect summertime sound.
“She’s unbelievably fresh, a summer breeze person,” said Hope.
Mark Kelso and the Jazz Exiles bring their jazz-funk fusion to Isabel Morris park at 3 p.m and at 4:50 p.m there will be an injection of western swing into the festival with a set by the Double Cuts.
Local favourites Alan Black and the Steady Band will play at 6:40 p.m. and the festival will close with the jazz-funk inspired Coldjack at 8:30 p.m.
Admission to the jazz festival has been raised for 2018 but remains reasonable at $8 per person, Hope said, and kids under 12 are free.
“We don’t want anyone to miss out,” said Hope, adding that the jazz festival has always been a community event and while they had to slightly raise admission costs, they wanted to keep is affordable so that everyone can attend.
In addition to live music throughout the day, there will be an art and crafts market featuring local exhibitors, and restauranteurs from Peterborough County.
To celebrate the 20th annual Lakefield Jazz Festival, there is also the Lakefield Jazz Tour on June 23 in Cenotaph Park.
A full list of details for both events can be found at: lakefieldjazzfest.ca