TD WINNIPEG INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2013 LINEUP!

A world-class lineup of artists is set to perform at the 2013 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. From June 13-23, downtown Winnipeg will come alive with music performed by the best local, national and international artists.

Headliners George Benson, New Orleans legends Preservation Hall Jazz Band and soul diva Bettye LaVette are among the nearly 100 performers announced today.

Last month, The Roots were announced as the first of this year’s Theatre Series acts, and the response by local music fans has been unparalleled. The series -which takes place at the Centennial Concert Hall, The Burton Cummings Theatre and the West End Cultural Centre – is rounded out with performances by British saxophonist Courtney Pine, saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Gamak, Chicago pianist Patricia Barber and vocalist Jane Monheit.

“I really feel there’s something for everyone this year,” says Executive Producer Paul Nolin. “We’ve been able to strike a balance between cutting edge and familiar favourites.”

Jazz Winnipeg is thrilled to once again have TD Bank Group as title sponsor of the festival. A generous community partner since 2003, TD Bank Group has broadened its commitment to this vital cultural event and helped Jazz Winnipeg to secure its place as an artistic leader in Winnipeg.

“As the Bank of Music, we are proud to sponsor the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival,” said Anne Taylor, District Vice President, TD Canada Trust.  “We are thrilled to share our love of music by bringing this world-class festival to music fans in Winnipeg.”

VIEW THE COMPLETE 2013 LINEUP HERE

CLUB SERIES
This year, five of the Club Series venues are within a two-block radius of Old Market Square, making it easier than ever for club-hopping festival-goers to experience more music. Dubbed the JAZZ DISTRICT, the five venues – the King’s Head Pub, the Winnipeg Free Press News Café, the Rachel Browne Theatre, Cinematheque and the new Cube Lounge – feature a diverse showcase of local and touring artists.

The Cube Lounge is a brand new initiative to sustain the festival atmosphere in the neighbourhood through the week. Taking place over the second weekend of the festival, Old Market Square will be transformed into an open-air lounge, complete with cabaret style seating directly in front of the “Cube Stage.” Here, audiences can partake in a beverage in a relaxed setting while enjoying the music of Quincy Davis, Big Jay Harrison, Janice Finlay, or Winnipeg’s newest jazz wunderkind, Devon Gillingham.

Cinematheque is the festival’s newest venue. Along with the Winnipeg Free Press News Café and the Rachel Browne Theatre, the venue features sets by some of Winnipeg’s top singers and instrumentalists, as well as nationally established artists like Gypsophilia, Royal Wood, Coral Egan and the Curtis Macdonald Trio.

Rounding out the Jazz District is the King’s Head Pub, where a powerhouse lineup of international blues acts are scheduled to perform, including Suzie Vinnick & Treasa Levasseur, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and San Francisco’s Joe Louis Walker.

The Club Series will also host a fantastic roster of local roots acts at Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club, including Nathan Music Co., Sol James, Adam Young and Red Moon Road.

Over the years, the Pyramid Cabaret has become synonymous with the jazz festival. This year, some of today’s hippest young acts will take to the stage, including California funk orchestra Orgone, taste-making DJ Peanut Butter Wolf, internet buzz band BADBADNOTGOOD, futuristic sound-smith The Gaslamp Killer, soul crooner Lee Fields & The Expressions, Ottawa rockers Hollerado, and a special DJ set by The Roots’ Questlove. As well, each night at the Pyramid will culminate with a late-night dance party hosted by some of Winnipeg’s favourite DJs.

OPENING WEEKEND
As always, the festival kicks off with four days of free music in Old Market Square. Thousands of music fans are expected in the Exchange District for Opening Weekend, June 13-16. Thursday night in the park features jazz and soul; Friday highlights Latin jazz; Saturday features some of Winnipeg’s most popular indie rock talent as well as Toronto’s Maylee Todd; and Sunday brings the funk with Orgone and the always-popular Moses Mayes.

JAZZ FOR LUNCH
The very popular lunch hour concert series features free concerts in Old Market Square from June 14-22 with outstanding artists such as Victor Lopez & Son Urbano, Steve Kirby, Treasa Levasseur, Gypsophilia, Coral Egan and Helen White.

TD JAZZ LABS
The TD Jazz Labs take place at the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts this year. Sponsored by TD Bank Group and supported by Manitoba Music and Canadian Heritage, these free workshops are led by festival artists and cover a wide range of musical perspectives. Starting with a session led by saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, the series features talks with guitarist Suzie Vinnick, gospel group The Sojourners and bluesmen The Reverend J. Peyton and Joe Louis Walker.

TICKETS
Tickets for the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival go on sale Thursday, April 18 at 10 AM.

FRIENDS OF JAZZ WINNIPEG
Members of the Friends of Jazz Winnipeg donor program can take advantage of front-of-the-line access to Theatre Series shows. Friends can purchase tickets starting Tuesday, April 16 – two days before the general public. Complete details are available at jazzwinnipeg.com or by calling 204-989-4656.

TICKETS FOR KIDS PROGRAM
After a successful inaugural year, the Tickets For Kids program is back again. We’re inviting Winnipeggers to purchase tickets for community youth groups who could not otherwise afford them. Working in partnership with the Youth Agencies Alliance, the festival will reserve seats in select Theatre Series concerts for youth groups so that they can experience world-class live music. Call 204-989-4656 for more details.