SUBMITTED PHOTO JazzFest's signature concert takes place Saturday event at the downtown bus terminal parkade. This is a free show for the family and features the return of steam punkers Punch Drunk Cabaret from Edmonton and Medicine Hat's own Hip Katz. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
@medhatjazz
JazzFest hits the weekend and the busiest days of the festival. The offerings range from free to ticketed, family to late night, dance party to jam session. There is so much going on, there is something every minute of the day from noon until after midnight for the next two days.
The sidewalk in front of Tim Hortons downtown, besides being quintessentially Canadian, has seen some amazing talent over the years. This year is no exception. Calgary’s Steve Pineo is known throughout the province and across the country as being a talented, diverse and thoroughly entertaining performer. His music has been covered by the likes of Paul Brandt and Prairie Oyster. He appears at JazzFest with Cedric Blary and Paul Wells. They perform Friday and Saturday at noon in front of the Tim Hortons downtown. No charge. The Esplanade lobby serves as a backup for these performances.
Gypsy Jazz artist Quinn Bachand brings his band Brishen to the terrace of the Esplanade in a show that begins at 2 p.m. The Studio Theatre is a backup. This young man has packed a lot into his career already, playing with the likes of Ashley MacIsaac and Natalie MacMaster. The music he brings to JazzFest comes from early swing music and is the perfect match for the terrace! Quinn will also lead the annual jazz jam that takes place Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Esplanade studio theatre. This is free for anyone to watch, and open to any musician to participate. Bring your jazz charts or use the books provided. This is a time to try out those tunes you’ve been working on, along with other musicians.
Friday evening sees one of the most popular performers in the history of JazzFest as Michael Kaeshammer takes the stage at the Esplanade Theatre. Michael brings an energy and a personable connection to his performances like few others. With boogie-woogie piano as his staple, Michael has just returned from New Orleans where he recorded with the likes of Cyril Neville, Colin James and Randy Bachman. Later Friday night, Montreal’s Benjamin Deschamps performs with his quartet No-Codes in the intimate setting of the Esplanade lobby. This venue has become a favourite with many, as the audience is seated around the performers, close enough to see every movement and hear every nuance. Joining saxophonist Deschamps is Frank Lozano on tenor saxophone, Sebastien Pellerin on bass and Louis-Vincent Hamel on drums.
Saturday sees the festival’s signature concert at the downtown bus terminal parkade. This is a free show for the family and features the return of steam punkers Punch Drunk Cabaret from Edmonton and Medicine Hat’s own Hip Katz. This is a dance party. Bring your lawn chairs. There will be food and drink available for purchase. This show runs on the top level with an amazing view of the downtown and city with the ground floor serving as a back-up.
Finishing off Saturday night is the group Bellflower from Montreal, performing at Stir Studio (767 Sixth St. SW) beginning at 9:30 p.m. This band’s music falls between jazz and alternative music and their live performances are unforgettable experiences. Opening for Bellflower is local group 3 West featuring Rhys Parks, Tyler Casat and Abdeil Castillo Guardian.
Earls has music both Friday and Saturday, with the Tyler Hornby Trio featuring Mallory Chipman on Friday, and Ann Vriend Saturday.
JazzFest wraps up Sunday evening at Skinny’s Smoke House (2771 Box Springs Blvd. NW) and features the incomparable Ann Vriend. This is a party. Volunteers are admitted at no charge, as are JazzFest pass holders. The public can make reservations, or show up at the door at 7 p.m. to purchase any remaining seats.
Tickets for all shows are available through all Esplanade ticket outlets. Full details are available at medicinehatjazzfest.com.
It’s June! It’s JazzFest. The weekend is brimming with opportunities and experiences. Are you going?
Lyle Rebbeck is executive producer of JazzFest.
