Rebbeck looks to expand JazzFest
Andrea Klassen Medicine Hat News
JazzFest producer Lyle Rebbeck is already sifting through almost 300 proposals from musicians around the globe, all vying to be part of the city’s 14th week-long celebration of music.
Though he’s not naming specific performers yet, it’s likely going to be difficult to top the 2009 festival, which many - including Rebbeck - declared one of Medicine Hat’s best.
"We added some elements this past year that did sort of elevate it to another level,” Rebbeck says.
Last year’s festival was the first to take the JazzFest experience on the road, with Lethbridge getting a handful of weekend shows and music workshops.
Rebbeck says he hopes to expand the Lethbridge component in 2010, with more evening shows and possibly an outdoor concert mirroring the popular Saturday evening show at the Terminal Parkade in Medicine Hat.
"Maybe in another two or three years, there'll be an interest from an organization in Lethbridge to take it on and grow it and make something new,” he adds. “I don't see it as competing. I see it as sharing the expertise we have with another city."
After 13 years, the festival has spread to nearly every corner of the city, from traditional venues like the Esplanade to local bars and the Historic Clay district. Acts are as diverse as the venues, with about 50 artists from around the globe playing a variety of styles.
Audiences grow every year, Rebbeck says. More than 1,000 people attended 2009’s parkade show - its best draw yet - and ticket sales were up at other venues as well.
"In a year when everybody was crying economic woe, and every theatre and ticket outlet I talked to said 'get ready for a tough year because we're all experiencing losses,' we didn't,” he says.
“We think that really says something about how important this festival has become to the city.”
Where Fashion Meets Function
NEWS FILE PHOTO IAN SORENSEN Maraca performs at JazzFest at Medalta Potteries during the 2009 JazzFest.
OFFICE FURNITURE WAREHOUSE
NEWS FILE PHOTO EMMA BENNETT The Robin Nolan Trio performs as part of JazzFest on the Esplanade terrace during the 2009 JazzFest.
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53779300•03/30/10
REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2010 ■ Celebrating our Community — 77
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