the 2021 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, British Columbia’s largest arts and cultural event and the city’s iconic jazz music festival, is celebrating its 35th edition!

From June 25 to July 4, the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society will present a 2021 festival lineup with over 100 paid and FREE virtual events, featuring a diverse lineup of local, national and international jazz artists.

Back after the cancellation of the 2020 festival, this year’s edition builds on the strength of the music scene in British Columbia and Canada. The streaming festival provides a rare opportunity to get to know and hear some of the incredible musicians who live and create in our province and country, including:

• Dee Daniels,
• Dawn Pemberton,
• Jill Barber,
• Khari Wendell McClelland,
• Blue Moon marquee,
• Snotty Nose Rez Kids,
• Playful,
• Peggy Lee Band,
• Suzie Ungerleider,
• Tonye Aganaba,
• and more!

Dawn Pemberton. Photo: TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

In addition to performances from British Columbia’s plethora of talent, there will be live concerts by internationally renowned jazz artists, such as Ravi Coltrane and Fred Hersch, as well as a worldwide jazz spotlight series. from around the world, including a Spotlight on Dutch Jazz recorded live at BIMHuis in Amsterdam, a focus on French and Italian jazz recorded live in Paris, and performances by Constellation in Chicago, Ars Nova in Philadelphia and Birdland in New York.

More than half of the 2021 schedule consists of free online shows, workshops and lectures featuring all kinds of music, so there really is something for everyone at the festival this year. All streams will be available until July 6 at midnight.

In accordance with current public health and safety guidelines, the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival has tentative plans for limited capacity live in-person events. Outdoor events will allow for the in-person participation of 50 audience members. Plans are also underway for limited indoor in-person events, once authorized by provincial health ordinances.

Music unites us even when we are physically apart, and it has the power to turn our feelings of isolation into moments of connection. Hosting a festival of this scale, caliber and variety is a huge achievement, so be sure to tune into this year’s Vancouver International Jazz Festival for what is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience!

To purchase festival tickets and access free performance streams, visit coastjazz.ca.