June 22-July,1 2012
For many, myself included, the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival marks the start of summer. It brings musical talent from around the globe to great local venues, including my personal favorite, the outdoor David Lam Park. This year will also see the festival move from Gastown, uptown to Robson Square. The festival kicks off with a free weekend of activities, June 23 and 24.
The number of shows and performances may seem overwhelming. One of the best approaches is to us the online guide at
http://www.coastaljazz.ca/. This allows you to search by artist, genre or date. The date option is great if you are not familiar with the performers. My regular trick is to check dates that work and then check out the group on iTunes. There are also 17 free songs to download on the festival’s site.
If you want a short cut, I’ll share with you some of my top picks for this years festival:
Headwater
June 23, 2012, 1:30pm
Robson Stage
FREE
This Vancouver band is part of this years Peak Performance Project. Can’t wait to check them out live!
No Sinner
June 24, 2012, 5:15pm
Georgia Stage
FREE
This Vancouver band is creating lots of buzz, all of it warranted. The band combines blues, rock and soul. http://nosinner.bandcamp.com/
The Avett Brothers
June 26, 2012, 7:00pm
Orpheum
Folk/ pop. These brothers are solid song-writers and give a fun and upbeat performance. http://www.theavettbrothers.com/us/splash
Kid Koala
June 27, 2012, 7:15pm and 9:45pm, and June 28, 2012, 7:15pm
Granville Island Performance Works
$25+SC
Canadian turntable artist and multi instrumentalist brings his graphic novel “Space Cadet” to life. You can expect music, mixed media installations and headphones for everyone participating.
Wintermitts
July 1, 2012 5:00pm and 6:00pm
Granville Island Ron Basford Park Stage
FREE
Trumpets and accordions… need I say more. Truly Canadian, they sing in both French and English. http://wintermitts.com/
The Boom Booms
July 1, 2012, 8:45 pm
David Lam Park
FREE
These guys just make you want to dance. Part of the 2011 Peak Performance Project, the band really made a mark in the local music scene. http://theboombooms.com/tour/
Mark your calendars. Get your festival gear ready. See you at the shows.
Lindsay Walsh
