Parkade show always a hit at JazzFest

By Mo Cranker on June 23, 2018.

mcranker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker

Medicine Hat’s 22nd JazzFest is coming to a close this weekend, but there’s still plenty to do, says producer Lyle Rebbeck.

Saturday and Sunday feature a number of paid and free events for Hatters to attend, including one of the event’s trademark shows.

“The show on top of the Parkade is something people look forward to every year,” said Rebbeck. “For a lot of people that is their JazzFest experience.

“Last year we had 1,200 to 1,500 people up there, and we know a lot of people start getting there an hour early at 5:30 p.m., so we always suggest that people come a bit early for good seats and to dress for the weather.”

Rebbeck says the Parkade building allows for a unique viewing experience.

“We always have people dancing up there — it’s always a good time,” he said. “The way the building is built, with the way it is slanted, allows people at the back to still have a really good view. People that attend every year have the seats they like, and we’ll have Tim Hortons handing out some drinks there as well.”

The Parkade show kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and features T Riley and the Bourbon Rebels as well as the Punch Drunk Cabaret.

The final show of the festival takes place 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Medicine Hat Brewing Company, and will showcase Ann Vriend.

“She has such an amazing voice,” said Rebbeck. “She’s been coming to Medicine Hat for quite some time and she’s doing well with her music career.

“She’s got this Aretha Franklin-like voice that is just so powerful, and we’re very excited to be partnering with one of our new breweries this year, in the Medicine Hat Brewing Company.

“This is a thank-you show for volunteers, so they get first grabs on tickets.”

For more information go to medicinehatjazzfest.com

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