What's Happening in Regina, SK…

For the 16th year running, the Regina Jazz Society will get its annual JazzFest underway tomorrow.

The Saskatchewan capital may not be the first place one associates with jazz, but over the course of the week it will feature international stars and over 150 local musicians. Many of these performances will be free to attend on stages throughout the city. Accessible events like this, often promoted through tools like poster printing, social media and flyer printing, are essential for building a culture that supports jazz and other musical styles outside the mainstream.

The festival’s major headliners include hard-bop pianist Benny Green, the Brubeck brothers, sons of the jazz legend Dave Brubeck, and Grammy award winner Larnell Lewis. Local musicians will also be featured, such as high school and college bands and party favourites like The New Montagues, best known for their jazz covers of pop and rock hits. The University of Regina, Le Bistro, Bushwalker Pub, The Exchange, and the Double Tree Hotel will all host concerts.

JazzFest will have its opening ceremonies tomorrow morning with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at City Square Plaza, although the party will not really start until Green’s show at the University that night. The festivities will conclude on Sunday with a Father’s Day ‘Jazz Brunch’ featuring the Regina Jazz Orchestra, including acclaimed trumpeter Gary Guthman, followed by the afternoon headline show featuring Lewis and the Brubecks.