2025 Impact Report
A Unique Cultural Anchor in the Fraser Valley
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival serves the Fraser Valley regional community, an area with no other dedicated jazz or blues festival. This unique role allows residents and visitors to experience world-class jazz, blues, and cultural programming south of the Fraser River, set within the historic and vibrant village of Fort Langley.
Over the years, the festival has grown into one of the Fraser Valley’s most anticipated cultural events, drawing thousands of locals and visitors each summer. In recognition of its impact, the festival was proud to be named a finalist for the 2024 Langley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards and was recognized as one of the Top 25 Festivals in British Columbia in 2025 by the Vancouver Sun.
Rooted in Community, Collaboration, and Place
The festival is deeply rooted in collaboration. We partner with members of the BC Music Festival Collective for programming and worked closely this year with the Langley Arts Council, the Fraser Valley Potters Guild and the Neighbourhood Art Studio to deliver visual arts experiences.
Central to our work is meaningful collaboration with Indigenous nations and knowledge keepers, including the Kwantlen, Katzie, and Matsqui Nations. Through performances, demonstrations, storytelling, and workshops, Indigenous voices and perspectives are honoured, fostering dialogue, learning, and connection.
Heritage and community partnerships further strengthen the Festival’s impact. The Langley Heritage Society, Fort Langley Community Hall, and Fort Langley Lion’s Club generously provide venues free of charge, enabling us to animate historic spaces with live music. The Langley Heritage Society and Fort Langley Community Hall also sponsor scholarships for our Rising Jazz Star Awards, supporting emerging youth artists.
From Humble Beginnings to a Four-Day Celebration
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.
Our Purpose
Mission
To inspire the discovery and celebration of unforgettable music and art experiences that unite artists and audiences.
Vision
To be a financially sustainable music and arts festival destination that embraces artistic excellence, innovation, exploration, collaboration, and community.
Objectives
Make live jazz music and visual art accessible to local residents, British Columbians, and visitors
Provide performance opportunities for musicians, youth talent, emerging artists, and visual artists
Contribute to the cultural diversity of Fort Langley
Enhance Fort Langley’s tradition of music, art, cultural awareness, and fun for all ages
Leadership and Support
The festival is driven by a volunteer board of civic, business, and artistic leaders who recognized the opportunity to create a signature community event uniting music, art, and culture in a beautiful historic setting.
Built from the ground up, the festival enjoys strong support from business associations, arts and community groups, small businesses, residents, and all levels of government.
2025 Festival Highlights
Record Crowds, World-Class Music, and Community Spirit
The 2025 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival wrapped with record-breaking attendance, sold-out concerts, and four unforgettable days of music, art, and celebration in one of British Columbia’s most historic villages.
An estimated 15,000 people attended over the four-day Festival. Audiences enjoyed everything from premium headline concerts to two full days of free, accessible programming, including live music, art workshops, and Indigenous cultural showcases across three outdoor stages.
Across post-Festival surveys and informal feedback, one message was consistent: audiences praised the diverse, high-calibre programming, welcoming atmosphere, and the dedication of 125+ volunteers, crew, and staff who together created a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Celebrating Local Art Through Festival Branding
In 2025, the festival proudly featured artwork by renowned local artist Richard McDiarmid across all marketing materials. His work—described as “inducing the sound concept into the visual”—captured the rhythm and spirit of jazz while elevating the festival’s visual identity.
Festival Ticketed Highlights
Big Band Concerts: A Swinging Start, Thursday, July 24
The festival opened with two sold-out Big Band concerts by the Vancouver Legacy Jazz Orchestra (VLJO). Under the direction of Fred Stride and Michael Kim, the 16-piece ensemble transported audiences to the golden age of jazz with works honouring legends such as Bill Holman, Count Basie, Thad Jones, Rob McConnell, and Bob Florence.
The afternoon matinee featured engaging storytelling from Fred Stride, whose deep knowledge and 36-year teaching career at UBC brought added depth and historical context to the performance.
That evening, the concert transformed into a joyful swing dance party, with Rock Step Swing Dance leading eager dancers. Jazz vocalist Tom Arntzen joined the orchestra for classic Sinatra favourites, bringing the dance floor to life and setting the tone for a vibrant Festival weekend.
Cool Blues Show: Canada’s Blues on Display, Friday, July 25
Friday night’s Cool Blues Show, the only dedicated blues event in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley—featured an all-Canadian lineup and drew large crowds to the outdoor venue. Festival-goers danced the night away while enjoying gourmet food trucks, the Expedia Cruises (North Langley) beer garden, Freybe beer garden seating area, Angry Otter Liquor whisky tastings, artisan and non-profit vendors, and a games zone.
Elevated Audience Experiences at the Cool Blues Show
In 2025, the Cool Blues Show also introduced elevated audience experiences that enhanced engagement and on-site enjoyment while supporting the festival’s financial sustainability. VIP and Super VIP ticketed areas provided dedicated viewing spaces, comfortable seating, and premium amenities, allowing attendees to enjoy the performances in a more intimate and relaxed setting. These options appealed to both dedicated music fans and first-time visitors seeking a premium festival experience.
A highlight of the evening was the Angry Otter Whisky Tasting, which offered participants the opportunity to purchase and sample a curated selection of Canadian whiskies while learning directly from a J.P. Wiser’s brand expert. This guided tasting added an educational and experiential element to the festival, deepened partnerships with Canadian beverage brands, and created a memorable, value-added experience that complemented the live blues programming.
Cool Blues Show Games Zone: Playful Engagement for All Ages
Presented by Macdonald Realty in partnership with Knotty Games Rentals, the Games Zone added a welcoming and interactive element to the Cool Blues Show. Featuring beautifully handcrafted outdoor games, the space encouraged social connection and reinforced the festival’s inclusive, community-focused atmosphere.
Sold-Out Headliner: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, Saturday, July 25
Saturday night’s sold-out tribute to Aretha Franklin filled the Fort Langley Community Hall ballroom. Featuring powerhouse vocalist Siobhan Walsh, the high-energy performance celebrated the Queen of Soul and energized audiences from first note to last dance.
Sponsored by Wave 98.3, the concert reinforced the festival’s reputation for delivering premium, financially sustainable programming in an intimate community setting.
Free Two-Day Outdoor Festival, July 25 and 26
On Saturday and Sunday of the four-day festival, the Village of Fort Langley came alive with music across three free outdoor stages along with roaming performances over the weekend by groups such as Bloco Energia and the Vijay Brass Band energized audiences throughout the Village. In total, 22 local bands performed during the free weekend, ensuring accessibility for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
A Joyful Opening: Mardi Gras Parade and Indigenous Welcome
The free outdoor Festival weekend began on Saturday with one of the Festival’s most beloved traditions, the Mardi Gras Strolling Parade. Led by the energetic RazzMaJazz Ensemble, the parade invited community participation as musicians and festival-goers made their way from the Fort Langley Farmers Market through the Village to the front of the Fort Langley Community Hall. Families, locals and visitors joined in along the route, transforming the Village streets into a joyful, spontaneous celebration of music.
Upon arrival at the Community Hall, the Festival officially opened with welcoming remarks, followed by a meaningful Indigenous welcome and blessing offered by a Kwantlen First Nation Elder. This moment grounded the festival in respect, gratitude, and connection to place, acknowledging the traditional territory on which the festival takes place and setting a tone of inclusion, cultural awareness, and community unity for the weekend ahead.
Together, the parade and opening ceremony created an inviting and celebratory start to the free festival, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility, community participation, and respectful cultural engagement.
Arts & Culture Zone: Creativity and Cultural Exchange
Supported by Wesbuild, the Arts & Culture Zone became a vibrant hub for hands-on creativity and cultural learning over the two-day free festival. Free activities included acrylic painting, watercolour workshops, children’s art activities, face painting for kids, and Mehndi art workshops, creating an inclusive, multi-generational space.
Indigenous programming was central to the Arts & Culture Zone, featuring Indigenous flute performances, storytelling, traditional plant knowledge sharing, Eagle Dance and wood-carving demonstrations and performances by the Williams Family Dancers.
The family-friendly area also included interactive demonstrations by the Fraser Valley Potters Guild and a dedicated Arts & Culture Stage, sponsored by Mutual Fire Insurance and Valiant Insurance Brokers Inc.
Sunday’s Soulful Finale: Reflection, Wellness, and Community
Sunday marked a gentle and meaningful close to the 2025 Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival, beginning with a new wellness offering that invited the community to slow down and connect. A relaxing Sunday morning yoga session, presented by local fitness facility Inspire Fitness, welcomed festival-goers of all ages and experience levels. Set to the beautiful, calming sounds of a Spanish guitar and flute duo, the session created a peaceful, immersive atmosphere that blended music, movement, and mindfulness. This addition expanded the festival’s definition of cultural engagement, introduced a restorative way to experience live music, and strengthened connections with local community partners.
After a day of performances on three outdoor stages, the festival concluded with its beloved Gospel Jazz Alternative Worship Experience (AWE) at St. Andrew’s Chapel, presented in partnership with the United Churches of Langley. Led by Reverend Sophi Ducey with the Darlene Cooper Trio, this soulful gathering brought artists and audiences together in reflection and celebration, an enduring tradition that continues to resonate deeply with the community and provides a heartfelt conclusion to the festival weekend.
Amplifying Youth Voices
Supporting young musicians and artists has been a priority since the festival’s inception. Over time, youth engagement has expanded to include paid performance opportunities, scholarships, mentorship, and employment pathways.
“One of the Festival’s core values is diversity,” says Artistic Director Dave Quinn.
“We want to continue encouraging participation from a wide range of young artists, community builders, and visionaries.”
Youth Concert Series
Originally launched in 2024, the Youth Concert Series Showcase returned in 2025 with expanded programming and ten performances. Held in collaboration with the Langley Heritage Society, the series provided paid performance opportunities for emerging jazz artists in a welcoming, community-oriented setting.
Concerts took place in the garden area at the historic Fort Langley CNR Station, beginning two weeks before the festival and continuing throughout Festival weekend. Audiences enjoyed live music, local art exhibits, and guided tours of the heritage train station.
Special thanks to the Tony Quo Vadis Foundation, Langley Community Music School and Langley Heritage Society for making this initiative possible.
Rising Jazz Star Awards
Since 2019, the festival’s Rising Jazz Star Awards have recognized exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding jazz performance skills and aspire to professional careers.
Each award (secondary school and post-secondary) includes a $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society and the Langley Heritage Society. In 2025, award recipients were proudly featured on the new Youth Stage, supported by the Tony Quo Vadis Foundation and the Langley Community Music School.
Canada Summer Jobs: Investing in Youth Leadership
In 2025, three Canada Summer Jobs students played critical roles in festival delivery, supporting special events, volunteer coordination, and community engagement.
Their contributions enhanced operations, strengthened connections with artists and volunteers, and ensured a welcoming experience for thousands of attendees, while providing the students with hands-on experience in event management and arts administration.
We gratefully acknowledge the Government of Canada for supporting youth employment through the Canada Summer Jobs Program.
Economic and Community Impact
The 2025 Festival celebrated Canadian talent while delivering significant economic benefits, generating an estimated $1.5 million in local economic activity.
2025 Festival Support
4 funding agencies
3 Canada Summer Jobs students
26 contractors
125 volunteers
19 cash sponsors
25 in-kind sponsors
5 media partners
Sponsors: Essential Partners
The festival is made possible through the generous support of businesses and organizations that believe in the power of arts and culture to strengthen communities.
We gratefully acknowledge our 2025 Presenting Sponsors—Conwest Developments, Lorval Developments, and the Tony Quo Vadis Foundation—along with our Supporting, Supplier, Media, and In-Kind Sponsors whose contributions enhance accessibility, programming, and community impact.
Volunteers: The Heart of the Festival
More than 125 volunteers contributed over 5,000 hours, with 80% returning, a remarkable testament to community pride and engagement.
Volunteers supported every aspect of the festival and were consistently highlighted in audience feedback as a defining part of the festival’s welcoming atmosphere.
Measuring Impact: Audience Feedback
Each year, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival gathers feedback from attendees, artists, volunteers, and community members through post-Festival surveys. This feedback provides valuable insight into audience experiences, program quality, accessibility, and community impact. The responses summarized below reflect what resonated most with attendees in 2025 and help guide future planning, ensuring the festival continues to respond to community needs while delivering high-quality, inclusive, and engaging arts and cultural experiences.
What People Say: Comments from Attendees
“It was a fabulous festival. Talented musicians and artists. Amazing youth talent. Enjoyed and learned so much from the First Nation presentation and performances”
“I love the Ft. Langley Jazz Fest and Blues show. I have been attending for years and will never miss a year, because it keeps getting better and better. Wonderful talent and so many free events in a family friendly environment.”
“I love attending the free day with its music, setting, and organization which makes everything amazing! There's so much to see, listen and do at the time and Fort Langley is a lively attractive tourist town!”
“I always go by myself and have no problem meeting new people and enjoying myself. The volunteers are always friendly and helpful.”
"Thoroughly enjoyed it! Will be coming from Edmonton next year to attend!!"
"Really enjoyed the Arts experience culture workshops. Especially Mehndi and the acrylic painting. First time we have been in Fort Langley and we're very impressed. Well done!"
“Terrific festival - the music, the venues and the volunteers are outstanding!”
“Look forward to the Fort Langley Jazz Festival every year. The big band concert is fantastic and we really enjoyed the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday morning.”
"We thoroughly enjoy this event. The staff and volunteers are exceptional, the grounds are clean and we dance barefoot."
"Loved having the Lions Club barbecue food and also the private advertised tents that had giveaways to the public"
"Volunteers were fantastic. Weather beautiful and all venues were within walking distance."
"It is always so much fun, listening to bands I was not aware of before. The environment is safe, calm, surrounded by others who are enjoying themselves. it’s close to home, and traffic and parking is manageable. It is within my budget."
“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.”
When asked what they love about the festival, survey respondents said:
I love the festival because….
“it fills the village with incredible music, inspiring art, and a joyful energy that brings people together. It's a truly unique celebration where world-class talent meets small-town charm”
“the venue is fabulous, the staff super friendly and always have a super music line up. Can't wait til next year!”
“It's a great way for people to get to know the community and experience different forms of music in a fun and welcoming setting. There are lots of activities to appeal to different demographics.”
“of the great music on a warm summer evening, dancing on the grass and the happy positive atmosphere.”
“because the whole town feels alive with music, art, and energy.”
Looking Ahead
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is more than a weekend of music—it is a catalyst for cultural vitality, economic growth, and community connection. With the continued support of funders, sponsors, volunteers, artists, and audiences, we look forward to building on this momentum and deepening our impact in the years to come.
Thank you for being part of our festival community - we can’t wait to share what’s next.