Wednesday, May 9, 2012

City Gets 'Jazzier' in 2012

The signs of summer are coming and what better way to start it off than with an exciting announcement from the city's biggest summer music festival.  The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is kicking off its 27th annual event in a new location at the heart of Vancouver - in the Robson Square and Vancouver Art Gallery district made famous by the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.  The move from its previous Gastown location to is unfortunate news for the historic district and local businesses, but wider spaces and a more central location will mean better accessibility and open space for the average festival-goer.

This is another great aspect of Vancouver; its able to host festivals that draw large crowds from all over the country to a central downtown location easy and convenient for both locals and tourists. The safe and efficient transportation system allows flows of people to easily come and go from the downtown core.  With access to hundreds of restaurants, shops and lounges that are lively on any given night, this city makes a perfect host for these types of events. Not to mention, a great backdrop of the mountains helps take in the smooth sounds of jazz just a little easier.

The 2012 event kicks off June 22nd and runs until July 1st at various venues throughout the city.  With artists like the sounds of George Benson and the Avett Brothers, this year is looking to be one of the festival's biggest yet.

For full schedules and line-ups, visit Vancouver International Jazz Festival's official website for details.