Greg Callsen, aka "Greasy Greg" (left) and Joe Love with the Hi-Strung Downers perform at the Transit Parkade Show during Medicine Hat JazzFest.
"It's very precise, but it's also very intuitive. It's not just recreating what somebody wrote. There's a freedom of expression," said Rebbeck.
After 20 years, Rebbeck remains an integral part of bringing JazzFest to life each June, but he certainly doesn't do it alone. It takes a dedicated core group of around eight people who work year round to ensure the festival continues year after year and then up to 100 volunteers at festival time.
Jennifer Kirkpatrick has been both an employee and a volunteer for the festival over the years. JazzFest provided her with her first summer job, helping put her through university, and today she works part-time as an administrative assistant for the organization.
"I really believe in it. The organization has a lot of heart and really brings people together," she says.
She has fond memories of attending late night shows at the Black Box Theatre in the Cultural Centre and now takes her children down to the bus terminal parkade for a dance party.
Don't think you like jazz? Others believed that too until they actually attended a JazzFest event.
"The response is always, 'well if this is jazz, then I like it'," said Rebbeck.
Don Flaming, past president of the Medicine Hat Jazz
Juno award winner Diana Panton performs on the Esplanade stage as part of Medicine Hat JazzFest.
Victor Lopez (centre) sings as the other members of Papa Mambo provide a Latin back beat during a concert at the Super T Aviation Hangar as part of Medicine Hat JazzFest.
Society, agrees that once people experience jazz live, even those who say they don't like it, can expect a change of heart.
"Live jazz is very different from recorded jazz. It's amazing to see the performers live and how they interact with one another," he said.
The festival is about more than jazz. It's about connecting as a community and there's something for everyone, whether it's sitting at an outdoor patio sipping a coffee while listening to music, dancing with your children at a Latin dance party or getting dressed up and attending an evening concert. Performances are scheduled at the Esplanade specifically for students and the Public Library gets involved by hosting an event.
One of last year's highlights was an airport hangar show by Papa Mambo. But that was one of only 60 events that took place throughout the city over eight days. JazzFest's attendance is more than 6,500 and it features about 150 musicians from around the globe. Some of the same performers who play at jazz festivals in Toronto and New York also play in Medicine Hat and people look forward to hearing both up and comers and seasoned veterans of the industry.
"We really have developed an astute and knowledgeable jazz audience and that's not diminishing; it's growing," said Rebbeck.
www.medicinehatjazzfest.com
No festival can survive on ticket sales alone, he said. Funding for Jazz Fest comes from three levels of government, sponsorship from the business community and donations from individuals.
"We worked hard to build this local grassroots support base. That has been important," he said.
Festival passes go on sale in May and because it's the 20th anniversary, Rebbeck hints that some very exciting things are in the works. ■
To Promote and Enhance Live Music as a Part of our Community and our Heritage
The Medicine Hat & District Live Music Club strives to provide and create experience for local talent, we off er a place for communication, education and experience for people wishing to share music.
Our members share achievement, commitment, dedication and camaraderie. The Live Music Club off ers Scholarships to promote and encourage the musical talents of Medicine Hat and District youth.
All are welcome to attend the OPEN JAM SESSIONS every TUESDAY 7:30P.M. at the ELKS HALL 305 3rd. St. N.W. Med. Hat, AB. T1A 6L1 We welcome people of all ages to attend and enjoy the experience.
Anyone may acquire a membership to the Live Music Club for $12.00/yr. For more information contact Bill desBarres at 403-526-1070
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