Oh noes! The day before I bought a pass!

The two-day Drip Audio showcase and the Budos Band set probably would've been among the best shows this year. Here's hoping another promoter jumps in and manages to salvage some of the bookings...

i know nothing about the specifics of this sad turn of events, but experience says ...
TOTAL FUCKIN BULLSHIT!!!!!...hey board, YOU gotta know before now that its not financially viable ,if that is the case and its not just a power play????.... but frankly there have been rumblings out there for a while, and indicators... like the cheap cheesy festival guide, and the taking of regular shows around town and slapping the "jazz fest" banner on them, as if more events made for a "better " jazz fest.... GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER JAZZ FEST BOARD!!! in future be more/ or less involved in the organisation and operation .one or the other, you know which it should be if its gonna work. which ever it was you screwed up this time... we ALL want it to work and we all want it to be...JUST ABOUT THE MUSIC AND THE ARTISTS!!!!!

Jazz is not dead…just between lives

As the Calgary jazz community and music fans find themselves in this very unfortunate, and in some ways, baffling situation, it is counter productive to blame lack of culture or poor support for the arts as the reason for the demise of the Calgary Jazz Festival. The sentiment that Calgary is a redneck town where the majority of its inhabitants are only interested in big oil and Budweiser fueled hootenannys is further exacerbated by the apathy of would be 'supporters' who rarely attend cultural events in the first place.
That being said however, the jazz community must adopt a fresh approach that will attract a broader audience. More public funding would be very helpful, but it isn't the issue. In terms of demographic; if cities such as Saskatoon, and Medicine Hat can run a successful festival there is no reason why Calgary can't. The success of a festival is commensurate with the overall creative and strategic vision of the organization. Proper structure, and management is needed in order to ensure such a vision can be realized while maintaining accountability, and adhering to standards as a non-profit organization.
There is a vibrant artistic community in this city, and we are very fortunate to have many extremely talented and innovative musicians among us. A well run festival, jazz or otherwise, is vital to introducing local artists to a bigger audience.
I am very hopeful that this an be the starting point for a new jazz festival that will not only establish Calgary as a desirable destination for internationally renowned artists, but also turn the tide of negative cultural stereotyping.

The Jazz Must Go On...

The Calgary Jazz Festival is gone, but the spirit is still alive.

The complete "alternative" schedule is posted on kerfmusic. Please check it out and support the music of Jazz, the venues and the artists.

http://www.kerfmusic.com/thejazzmustgoon

The Jazz Must Go On.

The Budos will not be defeated!

Beat Niq has booked The Budos Band for two shows this Sunday at 7PM and 10PM. One of the best live bands in North America. $20 rush seating.

Bring extra pants, as they're sure to blow yours off.

Good luck with that.