Two free days of music at Fort Langley Jazz Fest
Published Sunday, July 26, 2026
By Dan Ferguson
Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival opened with a New Orleans style parade. (Dan Ferguson/Langley Advance Times)
Tuba player Steve Toren came in from North Vancouver to help open the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival on Saturday with a New Orleans-style strolling parade through town.
It was far the first festival for Toren, 71, who enjoys playing with the RazzMaJAzz ensemble led by Dave Quinn, co-founder and artistic director of the annual celebration of music and art.
“I’ve just known Dave for a long time,” Toren said.
“He always has great players with him. I’m lucky to be able to play with them.”
Murrayville resident Petrina Arnason was back for her fifth parade in full Mardis Gras mode, wearing a glittery mask, beads and feather boas.
“Obviously, we’re not in New Orleans, but the Mardi Gras can be anywhere,” Arnason explained.
“It’s good to have the opportunity just to be able to get together with the community and get dressed up. Because I know a lot of people love this parade.”
Before the parade got underway, artistic director Quinn took a few moments to run through the long list of well-know performers appearing at the festival. There were many.
“This is a big name thing,” Quinn commented.
After the parade that began at the public market arrived at the historic community hall, Quinn welcomed visitors to the two stages, the main one outside the hall, and the stage for young and emerging artists outside the heritage CN station.
“So check out the village,” Quinn said. “There’s lots going on.”
Don’t worry about rain, he said.
“We have this beautiful tent here [at the hall]. You can get underneath and watch the show. Please don’t let the weather stop you because you’re not going to melt. Nobody melts in the rain.”
It was the ninth year of the annual festival, and Quinn has big plans for the 10th anniversary next year.
“It’s going to be even bigger” Quinn said. “We’re going to expand it.”
In addition to all the music on stage, the weekend offered other art and cultural experiences for all ages, strolling bands and pop-up performances, plus free art, music and cultural workshops.