The International Jazz Festival (EJFS) takes place annually in Edmonton over the course of 10 days. During this event, the city becomes a gathering place for the world’s best jazz performers. As they play their musical compositions, attendees experience genuine aesthetic pleasure. More on edmontonski.
The History of the EJFS Team and Festival
The tradition of Edmonton’s summer jazz festival dates back to 1980. At that time, the main annual event in the city was Jazz City, which brought jazz to Edmonton’s residents for 25 years.
In the fall of 2005, Jazz City ceased operations permanently. In response, a group of like-minded individuals, including musicians and business owners, came together to create a new festival, EJFS. This initiative provided talented individuals with a unique opportunity to learn from the best musicians.
The founders set out with the goal of establishing a festival that would feature more than 60 captivating performances every year. Additionally, they aimed to popularize jazz, nurture emerging talent, and cultivate a deep appreciation for this music genre among the public.
The group worked diligently to form a strong team. Initially, the society was led by Kent Sangster. Over the next five years, the founders of the festival society continued to grow their vision. They provided valuable experiences for middle school students, instilled a love for jazz, founded the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra and a jazz big band, and achieved charitable organization status.
Key Principles of the EJFS
The festival is designed to make jazz music accessible to as many people as possible. To achieve this goal, the festival showcases a wide variety of jazz genres, featuring internationally renowned stars as well as young, talented performers.
Unlike many other music festivals, where virtually all musicians are welcomed, the Edmonton International Jazz Festival exclusively features jazz artists. In addition to traditional performances, many musicians offer jazz masterclasses aimed at educating local musicians. Through these masterclasses, everyone has the opportunity to learn valuable and interesting information about jazz.
It’s worth noting that the festival doesn’t have a permanent location. Instead, performances are spread throughout Edmonton. Common venues include the Winspear Centre, The Yardbird Suite, Triffo Theatre, Varscona Theatre, Starlite Room, Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, and Bellamy’s Lounge at Chateau Lacombe Hotel. Each venue is dedicated to a specific music genre. Larger concert halls host renowned performers, while smaller jazz clubs spotlight local artists.
The Development of the Festival
In 2006, the Jazz Festival Society sought financial support from the Edmonton Arts Council, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and local business owners. Each supporter contributed to the festival’s growth. That same year, the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra was launched. This orchestra comprised 18 local musicians who excel at composing, arranging, and performing songs while introducing people to jazz.
By 2007, the jazz festival EJFS had gained international status. Over the years, the festival has pursued two main goals: to gather the best jazz musicians from around the world to perform in Edmonton and to attract investors’ attention to young, up-and-coming musicians.
Building on its success year after year, EJFS has managed to bring in globally renowned and iconic jazz performers. The festival’s growth is a result of the tireless efforts of its members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners.
A Festival Full of Life
Every year, the venues hosting the festival are filled with attendees eager to experience the event and enjoy the legendary music. This festival has become an essential part of Edmonton’s cultural life, offering people the chance to immerse themselves in the unique world of jazz.