Jazz fest unveils lineups for free stages
The Lawless Firm is one of the bands confirmed to be playing this year’s Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival, during the two days of free live music and arts (July 25 and 26) in the village. (Special to Langley Advance Times)
In celebration of International Jazz Day April 30, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival announces its return this summer with two days of free live music and arts.
From July 23-26, the sounds of jazz, blues, soul, and fusion will take over the picturesque village of Fort Langley.
The festival is a hybrid event offering two days of free music, art, and culture on July 25 and 26 (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), all this alongside select ticketed performances throughout the four-day festival, explained founder and artistic director Dave Quinn.
“Striking this balance is important and reflects one of the festival’s goals of providing free and accessible programming and delivering world-class performances,” he said.
Last year’s festival drew record-breaking attendance with more than 12,000 attendees – including thousands of people enjoying free programming over the festival weekend.
This year’s free festival weekend kicks off with the popular Mardi Gras Strolling Parade from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, with the infectious energy of a traditional New Orleans-style jazz band making their way from the Fort Langley Farmers Market to the Fort Langley Community Hall where the good vibes and jazz continue throughout the weekend.
The two days of free programming is also a full Canadian lineup – showcasing the incredible local and national talent in our country, Quinn noted.
“We are thrilled to bring the heart of Fort Langley to life with two full days of free, world-class jazz, blues, arts and culture,” he said.
“Our free festival lineup this year reflects a diverse range of talent from the spirited swing of Gypsy Jazz and soulful grooves to a moving Joni Mitchell tribute and powerful Indigenous-jazz fusion. With two outdoor stages and an incredible range of talent, there is truly a discovery waiting for everyone.”
The community hall stage will feature: The Lawless Firm, Elise Boulanger and Band, Ard ‘N Saul, Russell Wallace and Snukwa7, Elisa Thorn, Curbside Collective, Philly Jo Jones Tribute Band, The Royal Sundowners, as well as Every Song is a Little Adventure, A Joni Mitchell Project.
Another highlight of the free weekend is the youth and emerging artist stage, which showcases the next generation of jazz talent in the beautiful gardens of the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station.
This stage also runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 25 and 26, and will feature: Yazmin Karimjee Quartet, Rowan, Wood Land, Bea Lagrisola, Ben Cai Quartet, Four Good Emperors, Luke Young Quartet, and the Quartal Voices.
While offering two free days remains central to the festival’s mission, rising costs and reduced funding have led to changes this year, including relocating the arts and culture zone to the post Office greenspace, at 23277 Mary Ave.
This new location will serve as a hub of creativity, offering a range of exciting and interactive workshops and activities designed to inspire visitors of all ages, said Karen Zukas, executive director for the festival.
“For many people, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is experienced through its free concerts, performances and cultural programming moments that bring neighbours together, invite new audiences into the arts, and make music and creativity accessible to everyone,” Zukas noted.
“Ensuring this public programming continues is essential to the fabric of our community. As costs rise and the funding landscape shifts, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to keep these stages accessible to everyone.”
People can support the future of free music, art, and culture in the region by donating through the Fort Langley Legacy Foundation at fortlangleyjazzfest.com/donate.
More info: www.fortlangleyjazzfest.com.