Star-studded lineup coming to 27th Medicine Hat JazzFest

By KENDALL KING on May 12, 2023.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

Jazz stars from near and far will soon gather in the Gas City for the 27th annual Medicine Hat JazzFest.

Running this year from June 20-25, the festival offers attendees an opportunity to watch live performances by some of jazz’s best-known artists, as well as explore the different sub-genres of jazz music, all within their local community.

With a focus on accessibility, the festival will take place at various locations throughout the city and will include both public and ticketed performances by new and returning artists.

Headliners include two-time Juno Award winner Caity Gyrogy, who will lead a free afternoon workshop, as well as an evening performance alongside jazz group he Ostara Project; Juno Award winning group the Florian Hoefner Trio; Grammy nominated vocalist and singer-songwriter Malika Tirolien; and festival favourite, Juno nominated Latin band Mazacote.

Local artists will also be performing throughout the festival at a variety of locations.

Festival executive/artistic director Lyle Rebbeck is excited to once again welcome community members to the festival, and says he is confident they will enjoy the experience, no matter what performance they choose to attend.

“Over 27 years, I’ve seen this festival evolve into an event that really brings people together (by) presenting top-quality music, while emphasizing the fun and community-building power of music,” said Rebbeck. “So, our vision for the festival is that we (continue bringing community together) in any way we possibly can, and keep putting smiles on people’s faces.”

Approximately 4,000 people attended 2022 JazzFest, and Rebbeck hopes to grow that number this year.

“(This year’s) festival has kind of been re-imagined, in a way. We’ve got new things in different venues,” said Rebbeck. “So, I would love to see us maybe connecting with people who we hadn’t necessarily before.”

A full festival lineup is available on medicinehatjazzfest.com.

Tickets and passes for the festival may be purchased online at tixx.ca.

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