The 30th year of the TD International Victoria JazzFest kicks off today and brings some impressive musical talent to Victoria.
In addition to world-class acts at the Royal Theatre, First Met United Church, Hermann’s Jazz Club, Upstairs Cabaret, Club 9ONE9 and elsewhere, find dozens of free performances at Centennial Square, or head for cocktails at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Vista 18 or Harbour Towers Hotel’s The Jazz Room until June 29 for some classy entertainment.
At Royal Theatre:
June 20: Hiromi “The Trio Project” – Japanese composer and pianist Hiromi achieves startling levels of complexity and sophistication with her genre-bending music. With the Brandi Disterheft Quartet. $32.50/$42.50.
June 21: An Evening with Bobby McFerrin, “spirityouall” – The Don’t Worry, Be Happy singer impresses with his soothing vocals and improvisational style. $60.50/$75.50.
June 24: Angelique Kidjo – A vocalist fluent in four languages, this Grammy Award winner is the undisputed queen of African music. $38.50/$48.50.
June 28: An Evening with Cassandra Wilson – Wilson’s modern jazz vocals bring the audience to a near-meditative state, evoking sounds similar to Tracy Chapman. $38.50/$48.50.
First Met United Church:
June 23: Christian McBride and Rudresh Mahanthappa Gamak – McBride’s Out Here show goes deep with its improvized throwbacks to jazz standards anchored in solidly post-bop sounds. $38 (no service charge).
June 24: Phil Dwyer Bridge Quartet, Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet. $38.
June 25: Jill Barber plus Eric St-Laurent Trio – Barber is one of the not-to-miss shows of the festival. Her sultry vibrato should play well at the First Met venue. $38.
Free shows:
Centennial Square, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. varies by day.
First Met United Church, June 21, 11 a.m. Gospel Worship with Kelby MacNayr and Louise Rose.
For a complete schedule and ticket information, check out jazzvictoria.ca or call the Royal and McPherson box office at 250-386-6121.
dpalmer@vicnews.com