Medicine Hat JazzFest announces virtual lineup

Last fall JazzFest organizers decided there would be a festival in 2021 and planned a festival they could deliver no matter the status of the virus or the public health restrictions.

The week-long festival from July 21-27 will be virtual and free as a gift to the community during these trying times. Donations will be gratefully accepted.

The performances will be streamed over Zoom. Organizers say it gives them the flexibility of allowing audience and artist interaction, as well as segments that just focus on the great music.

There will be concerts, dance parties, workshops and even salsa dance lessons.

But Rebbeck does have a plan for in-person shows if restrictions are loosened in the next three weeks.

“I’ve been in conversations with local musicians. At this point with this short of a time period we pretty much would be forced to doing things like working together with local clubs and pubs who are set up and also hungry for action and for customers,” he explains. “And so it seems like a real natural part and the clubs and pubs has always been a real strong part of our festival and an important part.”

JazzFest regular Wil Campa will headline the final night of the festival. He’ll play at club in Havana, Cuba. Earlier in the day, salsa dance lessons will take place, which Rebbeck says are appropriate for beginners and advanced dancers.

“So we’re hoping that evening maybe we’ll see some tv sets out on the backyards of people, in the living rooms and get as close as we can right now to having a dance party.”

The Jeremy Ledbetter Trio and Carol Welsman are among those performing earlier in the week.

Find more information on the lineup, schedule and tickets at medicinehatjazzfest.ca.

by Chris Brown

Medicine Hat JazzFest announces virtual lineup

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