Jazz at Burnaby's Shadbolt Centre Highlights Versatility in Music

A spectacular weekend of jazz is on the horizon at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby, offering a rich medley of performances by local, national, and international artists. This event is not just a concert series but a comprehensive festival that invites jazz aficionados to enjoy a range of styles and talents.

The Jazz at the Bolt Festival

The festival, known as Jazz at the Bolt, will commence on February 17th and 18th, from 11:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. at the Shadbolt Centre located at 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby. The event was conceived by Cory Weeds, a local jazz musician and Grammy award-winning head of Cellar Music Group. He envisioned a weekend festivity that would unite a vast spectrum of jazz talents in Burnaby's Shadbolt Centre, a venue known for its versatile spaces.

What to Expect at the Festival

The festival lineup promises an exciting mix, including American saxophonist Dayna Stephens and the emergent Iranian-Canadian vocalist Saba Amrei, whose unique sound blends traditional Persian music with Western jazz influences. In collaboration with Tim Reinert and Infidels Jazz, the event will also showcase special-themed performances by local legends such as clarinetist François Houle, oud/guitar player Gordon Grdina, and drummer Kenton Loewen interpreting the compositions of South African jazz pioneers.

Over the course of the weekend, attendees will have the opportunity to explore 30 distinct performances. Jazz at the Bolt not only presents renowned artists from big cities like New York but also puts a spotlight on Burnaby's homegrown talents, all within an affordable ticket range for a full weekend experience.

Amid the talent is Saba Amrei, a Capilano University-trained vocalist whose presence in Vancouver's jazz scene is growing. Her current band features exceptional local musicians including Ali Razmi on tar and setar, bassist James Meger, and Kenton Loewen on drums. Their focus on blending pre-revolution Iranian music with contemporary Western elements has garnered significant attention and accolades.

The festival, with its diversity of performances and interaction with musicians hailing from various backgrounds, is a unique platform for cultural exchange and musical innovation. It's an exciting time not just for jazz fans but for the wider community, celebrating the universality of music and Burnaby's cultural vibrancy.

music, festival, culture