Downtown Jazz Weekend - June 23 & 24 - Vancouver Art Gallery/Robson
Square
Free to the Public
VANCOUVER, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ - British Columbia's largest arts and
culture presenter and Vancouver's signature festival—the TD Vancouver
International Jazz Festival—is moving downtown!
We are thrilled to announce the relocation of the jazz festival's free
opening weekend—June 23 and 24—to the heart of Vancouver's downtown
core on the historic grounds of the Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson
Square. Building on the incredible legacy of creative visioning,
community celebration and innovative spirit unleashed by the 2010
Olympics, the Festival will create an "arts and music village" on the
site with three live performance stages, family zone with activities
for kids, a community fair, art installations, an artisan and food
market, two outdoor licensed bistros, busker entertainment, free dance
classes and much more.
"Over the last 26 years, the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society has been an
integral part of Vancouver's arts and cultural scene, nurturing and
showcasing the great artistic talents this city has in abundance, on an
international stage. Nowhere is this more apparent than through our
flagship event - the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival - which
has grown into an iconic presentation that is at the heart of BC's busy
summer festival season. We are delighted to situate the festival in
the heart of the city and truly show off this great city and the
incredible music within it, in a manner that is richly deserving," says
Fatima Amarshi, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues
Society.
"The Vancouver Jazz Festival is not only an event that showcases our
beautiful city, our artistic population and our status as a world class
destination, it's also a huge economic generator for the province, "
said Premier Christy Clark. "This exciting move cements Jazz Fest as a
must-see attraction in one of downtown's most vibrant and central
locations."
"The City of Vancouver is proud to once again host this popular, festive
event that draws thousands of locals and visitors alike," said
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "The 27th Annual TD Vancouver
International Jazz Festival not only brings great music to our public
spaces and performance venues, it also reflects how important arts and
culture are to the strength of our local economy and the vibrancy of
our city. We are excited that Downtown Jazz Weekend is a new part of
the Festival this year in a location that is sure to attract thousands
of music fans."
Re-locating from Gastown to the heart of the city is in keeping with the
burgeoning stature of the Festival both locally and internationally. A
world acclaimed event that draws over half a million attendees, the
Festival is also a huge economic driver generating over $35 million in
economic activity for the region annually. By being centrally situated,
the Festival increases its visibility, accessibility and inclusivity
for a wider range of residents and visitors and enhances the city's
position as a major cultural destination.
