Bringing JazzFest to the people at clubs, pubs and other venues

By Chris Brown on June 20, 2018.

Medicine Hat News

Medicine Hat JazzFest fans know the week of music is not just about the established and up-and-coming visiting musicians that perform on the Esplanade Main Stage or at The Studio Club at the Esplanade. It’s also about bringing the music to the fans at pubs, cafes and other venues throughout the area.

The list seems to grow each year and this year 18 unique venues will host more than 40 performances

Oly’s Alehouse and Eatery has been hosting JazzFest performances for almost a decade. Owner Dale Olson says he enjoys supporting the festival, hosting two or three shows each year.

“I enjoy the music and my patrons enjoy it as well,” he said, adding he sees new faces in the crowd during JazzFest.

Oly’s hosted Dean Smale and the BIG Glorias on Tuesday and has Tucked In Jazz Collective scheduled for Friday evening.

Cafe Verve got on board last year. Owners Betty Jean and Eugene Cleland have long been passionate about coffee and music, making JazzFest one of the highlights of the year.

“We get more people coming in during shows. They (customers) love it,” said Betty Jean Monday as Christian Ferguson and Sam Tripp played just a few feet away. “People come to listen to the music, they’re not talking and chatting away.”

Jack Collier will play there today from 12:30-1:30 p.m., and Rick Lett is scheduled for 12:30-2 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

For years Heartwood Cafe wanted to host performances but the venue just wasn’t right. Now on North Railway, Heartwood will host RBC Jazz Trio today from noon-1:45 p.m.

“We like live music and want to support the local culture,” said owner Meghan Bidinger, who is impressed by the many options around the city for live jazz this week. “I think it’s cool that everyone hosts the musicians and lots of people are asking us who our musicians are and when they’re playing.”