Edmonton International Jazz Festival Unveils Exciting June Lineup with Hiromi, Raul Midón, and Shebad
The Edmonton International Jazz Festival has officially announced its star-studded lineup for the upcoming event running from June 19 to 28, 2024. This year's festival promises a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary jazz performances across multiple iconic venues in the city.
Headline Acts and Featured Performers
Japanese piano sensation Hiromi's Sonicwonder will headline the festival on June 26 at the Myer Horowitz Theatre. Known for her dynamic and energetic performances, Hiromi brings a unique blend of jazz tradition and freeform innovation to the stage.
Adding to the excitement, the festival has revealed two new weekend concert series: the JazzClub at Chateau Lacombe and the Starlite Room Series. These additions complement the already impressive roster of artists set to perform throughout the ten-day event.
JazzClub at Chateau Lacombe Series
The JazzClub series at the iconic Chateau Lacombe will feature three notable performances:
- Wednesday, June 24: Blind virtuoso guitarist and singer Raul Midón, celebrated for his smooth folk style, will take the stage. The semi-local global vibes ensemble Montuno West will open the show.
- Thursday, June 25: South Side Chicago saxophonist Isiah Collier headlines with his performance Collier Plays Coltrane, a tribute to the legendary John Coltrane.
- Friday, June 27: Italian-born jazz guitarist Pasquale Grasso will showcase his pianistic approach to finger picking, offering a unique technical display.
Ticket prices for the JazzClub series vary. Raul Midón's show is priced at $68.95 all-in for advance purchases, with an additional $10 charge at the door. Collier and Grasso's performances are $58.65 in advance and $65 at the door, plus applicable fees.
Starlite Room Series Highlights
Over at the legendary Starlite Room, the festival will present two eclectic shows:
- Saturday, June 20: Guelph's indie-soul band Shebad kicks off the series, drawing inspiration from diverse influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to Daft Punk.
- The following weekend: Montreal-based soul, hip hop, and R&B quartet GeminiCrab will deliver a high-energy dance party to close the festival on a lively note.
Both Starlite Room shows start at 7:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $43.20 in advance and $50 or more at the door.
Additional Festival Events and Ticket Information
Beyond the headline acts, the festival includes other marquee events. The closing night features A Swingin' Affair: EJO Meets ESO with Juno-winning jazz singer Caity Gyory. Ticket prices for this event range from $37.38 to $51.76, with a special rate of just $5 for children aged 12 and under.
Early bird pricing for all festival tickets is available until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2024. Tickets can be purchased online at edmontonjazz.com. The festival organizers have also hinted at more shows to be announced at additional venues such as Yardbird and Winspear, encouraging jazz enthusiasts to stay tuned for further updates.
With a diverse lineup that spans genres and styles, the Edmonton International Jazz Festival is set to offer an unforgettable experience for music lovers. From the virtuosic performances of Hiromi and Raul Midón to the soulful sounds of Shebad and GeminiCrab, this year's event promises to celebrate the rich tapestry of jazz in all its forms.
