TD P.E.I. Jazz & Blues Festival’s 15th anniversary is June 26-30, a celebration featuring 140 musicians in multiple venues in Charlottetown with the main stage under the large tent on Confederation Landing.
“We have extended our festival to begin on June 26 with a special screening of the film ‘Rumble’. This will be a joint presentation of Film P.E.I. and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy presented at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall. The documentary film traces the impact of Indigenous peoples in music that influenced jazz, blues, folk and rock ’n’ roll,” says Jim Power, president and chairman of the festival board.
The screening will be open to the public for a small donation to attend featuring guest speakers from the Indigenous community.
Music programming begins June 27 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Charlottetown with the annual Doug Riley Concert. Grahame Rhodes, the “Doug Riley Artist” for the 2019, will be showcased with an all-star jazz lineup.
Each evening in the festival tent will have a theme. On June 28, Jimmy Rankin and his band, will perform, along with Erin Costello and her lineup of musicians and Summer and Bray from North Carolina.
June 29 will highlight the best of Women in Music with Catherine MacLellan performing a special tribute to Aretha Franklin with an all-star Island band.
Saturday afternoon will present free-for-all-ages programming featuring community and youth performances and the Charlottetown Jazz Ensemble.
On June 30, there will be an afternoon of Indigenous art, music and culture beginning at noon presented by the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of P.E.I. Over two dozen Indigenous artisans, traditional storytelling and music will be featured.
The festival closes Sunday evening with a blues showcase presenting Earle & Coffin, Garrett Mason and closing with Myles Goodwyn & Friends of the Blues.
Each evening will also feature late night dance parties and jazz.
At a glance:
Stay connected at www.jazzandblues.ca for details and follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PEIJazzAndBlues.
