The 20th annual Pender Harbour Jazz Festival, Sept. 16 to 18, features a smorgasbord of jazz genres from early jazz, 1910 to 1930, to gypsy, to Afro-Cuban to swing, to bebop and more.
Festival producer Carole Rubin announces a change in the line-up: the Hugh Fraser Trio is unable to perform Saturday and the Campbell Ryga Quartet will be appearing instead. The renowned Ryga is a Vancouver based alto and soprano saxophonist, jazz educator and recording musician. He has earned numerous awards including three Juno awards and a Grammy nomination. You can hear him perform on the Michael Buble recording of Crazy Love.
Saturday’s Jazzapalooza features Juno-nominated Jaclyn Guillou and her orchestra with a tribute to Dinah Washington, This Bitter Earth. The Ryga Quartet and the Afro-Cuban sounds of Kutapira fill out the afternoon. Watch for free events from the Madeira Minstrels near the community hall and the Wanda Nowicki Quartet at John Henry’s Marina.
Headliners are Canadian jazz icons Bill Coon and Oliver Gannon with Two Much Guitar.
Sunday morning a new tradition starts: Gospel Hour with the Sojourners, a cappella.
Sunday’s Jazzapalooza features the Jen Hodge All Stars with early jazz, Brad Turner Quartet, Maureen Washington and the Marc Atkinson Trio. Garden Bay Pub has Doc Fingers as usual, and the other private venues are featuring local jazz musicians.
Persephone is serving craft beer and catering is by FirstNation BannockStation, as well as the delicious fare from all the local eateries.
“Don’t wait until the last moment to get your tickets,” Rubin said. All Festival information and tickets are at www.phjazz.ca
