The Victoria International Jazz Fest, a cornerstone of Vancouver Island’s summer, has been swinging for 40 years. At the heart of this jazz journey is Darryl Marr.
Darryl’s love for jazz ignited in his early teens, influenced by an uncle. This passion turned into a lifelong commitment and inspired by a friend’s jazz festival in Edmonton, he decided to bring the same vibe to Victoria.
The jazz festival started as a free performance in Beacon Hill Park. From these humble beginnings, the TD Victoria International Jazz Fest has evolved into a 10-day celebration featuring over 250 musicians and more than 60 performances. The festival now includes R&B, soul, world music, and roots music.
“We know there are people that don’t like too many notes in their music,” says Darryl. “Our program includes incredible artists you wouldn’t normally classify as jazz. This year, Booker T. Jones brings his 11-member band for the Stax Records Revue.”
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Other marquee performers include 10-time Grammy winners Take Six and dynamic vocalist Veronica Swift, who blends jazz with rock, soul, classical, and more. Also on the lineup is La Lom, a Latin guitar-driven trio from L.A.
For traditional and modern jazz lovers, the festival highlights Canadian and emerging artists, including local talent Owen Chow. “Focusing on emerging artists has always been my thing,” says Darryl. “Wynton Marsalis was once an emerging artist for Victoria and the world.”
With 40 years behind him, Darryl has no plans of stopping. “I’m going to continue as long as I’m enjoying it. I enjoy the music so much.
WHAT: TD Victoria International JazzFest
WHEN: June 21-30, 2024
WHERE: Multiple venues in Victoria, including Bullen Park, Cameron Bandshell at Beacon Hill Park, Archie Browning Sports Centre, Fathom Lounge at Hotel Grand Pacific, Hermann’s Jazz Club, McPherson Playhouse, Royal Theatre, and Wicket Hall at Strathcona Hotel
PRICE: Varies by event (Free to $95.50), with weekend passes available
TICKETS: TD Victoria International JazzFest
Featured Performances:
- Booker T’s Stax Revue at The Royal Theatre
- Cory Henry, LA LOM, and Lakecia Benjamin with Attila Fias Trio at Wicket Hall
- Audrey Ochoa and Laura Anglade Quartet at Hermann’s Jazz Club
- Bellbird and Konrad Agnas Quartet at Hermann’s Jazz Club
- Eliana Cuevas & Jeremy Ledbetter at Hermann’s Jazz Club
- Veronica Swift at McPherson Playhouse
- Hilario Duran Trio at Hermann’s Jazz Club
- Take 6 and Morgan James at The Royal Theatre
- Scott Hamilton with Triology at Hermann’s Jazz Club
- Marc Atkinson Trio featuring Becky Prokova at Hermann’s Jazz Club
- Ulysses Owens Jr. & Generation Y at Wicket Hall
- Free performances at Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park
Additional acts include:
- Ziggy Alberts
- Morgan James
- Busty & The Bass
- Blue Moon Marquee
- Five Alarm Funk
- Sunny Jain’s Wild West East
For more details, visit Victoria Jazz Society
Steve Grebanier
