Medicine Hat Jazz Fest lineup and launch announced

With Canadian jazz-funk innovators Shuffle Demons and a number acts set to perform including acclaimed New York City trumpeter/vocalist Benny Benack III with pianist Anthony D’Alessandro.

The Cheryl Fisher Quintet returns for another year with the local jazz vocalist.

Award winning dutch jazz vocalist Henk Kraaaijeveld will be making his first performance in Canada.

Free daily workshops and jam sessions will take place on the front lawn of the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre throughout.

The new artistic director Kodi Hutchinson said he’s incredibly excited to help shape the next chapter of such a meaningful event.

“This year’s lineup is a vibrant mix of global artists, Alberta talent, and community driven programming that reflects both tradition and innovation,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said there are a couple unique features added to Jazz Fest this year.

The Super T Aviation Hagar Dance Party will be expanded to a six hour event with five different bands, and food trucks on site on Saturday, June 21 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“The earlier part will be starting off actually with another new item we have for the festival, which is our youth jazz intensive,” Hutchinson said.

“What we’ve done is put together a youth camp. So for two days, young musicians from Alberta, across Alberta can come and work with some world class faculty, some of the artists touring through the festival, doing workshops and sessions,” he added.

“That’ll culminate in an opening performance at the hangar dance party.”

Year 29 of Jazzfest runs from June 12 to June 22.

Tickets are now available through tixx.ca with a festival pass allowing access to all events at $150.

A full lineup can be viewed at medicinehatjazzfest.com.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat Jazz Fest lineup and launch announced

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