Countdown to 40th Halifax Jazz Festival begins, music and mentorship programs announced

Universal Soul will perform at the Halifax Jazz Festival. (Source: CTV News Atlantic)

The TD Halifax Jazz Festival (HJF) launched the countdown to its 40-year anniversary season this week.

On Tuesday, organizers announced the full scheduling for the festival as well as new initiatives and expanded programming.

The HJF is set to take place from July 7 to 12 on the Halifax waterfront and venues across the city.

This year, there will be expanded free music programming and a Big Band Commission celebrating four decades of music in the city, according to a news release from HJF.

The free waterfront programming will include three early evening stages, running daily from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Big Band Commission will bring together musicians from across the region, to be directed by composer James Shaw, who has also performed at the HJF.

“This commission is an opportunity to reflect on the people, places, and musical traditions that have shaped Halifax’s jazz community over the past forty years,” Shaw says in the news release.

“The suite moves through different chapters of that story — from historic connections to Africville and Duke Ellington, to the influence of mentors like Don Palmer and Jerry Granelli, and ultimately toward the new voices and collaborations that represent the future of the music here.”

Organizers also announced a guided mentorship program for emerging industry professionals. It will connect those interested with HJF artistic director Andrew Jackson and executive director Tenille Goodspeed.

“This anniversary year is an opportunity to celebrate the artists, volunteers, partners and audiences who have built this festival together,” says Goodspeed.

“Expanding our free programming and investing in mentorship ensures that the next generation of music lovers and industry leaders can continue that legacy.”

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