Fort Langley jazz fest expands blue show to 2 nights

Langley Advance Times
Saturday, January 17, 2026    
Roxanne Hooper

It’s still more than five months out before the annual Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival takes over the village, and literally thousands converge for four days packed with music and arts.  

But organizers, led by festival executive director Karen Zukas, have already been toiling behind the scenes for months – getting ready for this year’s festival, which runs July 23 to 26.  

One of the festival’s more popular events has been the Cool Blues Show, a one-night show that sold out last year and received favourable reviews.  “Do not miss the Cool Blues Show. The venue is the perfect size, the musical line up is fabulous, and the energy and atmosphere are amazing,” one fan shared with organizers.  

Based on positive feedback, this year event planners are expanding the Cool Blues Show, “offering two nights of the best blues music around,” on both the Friday and Saturday nights, Zukas said.  She also confirmed headliners for both nights at the Fort Langley Park. 

One will be the musical duo of Annika Chambers Paul DesLauriers performing on the Friday night, then Honeybear, The Band taking to the stage on night two.  

While the outdoor show features a total of eight bands over the two nights, a beer garden, wine and whisky tasting, games, food trucks, a vendors market, and VIP experiences, the big draw will be these headliners.  

Chambers DesLauriers is an internationally acclaimed duo delivering soul-blues magic that has captivated audiences across three continents with Chambers’ powerhouse vocals and DesLauarier’s award-wining guitar work.  

Honeybear is a Vancouver’based vintage soul, blues, and roots quartet that recently exploded onto the music scene and making waves across the country.  

“We’re stoked,” Zukas said.  “Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or just love great live music, this is an outdoor blues festival you want to catch.”  

Other jazz fest headliner and event announcements are expected in the weeks and months to come.  Since its inception in 2018, the festival has grown from a one-day event into a four-day celebration featuring both free and ticketed performances. Programming now includes youth and emerging artists, national, regional, and local performers, visual arts, Indigenous cultural demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.  

“More than 15,000 people joined us over four unforgettable days, making 2025 our most successful year yet, with record attendance, sold-out concerts, and vibrant free programming throughout the village,” said Zukas, predicting bigger things for 2026.  

“We’re tuning up for our most exciting festival yet… with spectacular performances, big announcements, and creative surprises on the way.”