June 14-20, 2010

By Ken Pickering

Mostly Other People Do the Killing (MOPDtK)

The INNOVATION PASS!!! At it’s core, the festival’s artistic vision is in many ways exemplified by the Innovation and Eclectic series (at the Roundhouse and the Ironworks) and in order to make this music accessible to as many music freaks as possible; from hard core aficionados to listeners that are just interested in hearing some new music, we’ve designed a lovely pass – and it’s one of the festival’s very best DEALS: THE INNOVATION PASS – and it only costs $100 –  (click here for info about tickets) With the Innovation Pass, (space permitting) you can attend up to 28 gigs at the Roundhouse (evening concerts) and 2 shows a night at the Ironworks. Available through: COASTAL JAZZ BOX OFFICE – visit @ 295 W- 7th Avenue or phone 604.872.5200 or 1.888.438.5200 toll free in N. America. If you’re interested in hearing some of the most exciting cutting edge projects on the global jazz/improv tip – this is the pass to scoop up right now! Many of the coolest projects in the festival will take place at the Roundhouse and Ironworks. The Roundhouse Performance Centre is a 250 seat theatre located off of Yaletown and the Ironworks is just off Main St on Alexander and possesses a bit more of a coffee house / funkified indie bar sort of vibe and accommodates 150 people. One of our faves – the Ironworks is always a great musicians hang… the late night venue of choice for many of the city’s hipsters that gravitate to an edgy late night program that often veers into avant / improvised territory. The early sets (8pm) generally (though not always) tend to lean towards a more traditional jazz /vocal / latin sound (with an authentic swing feel) that features many of the top jazz musicians in Vancouver. The Roundhouse program will feature a cross section of the most important artists on the international scene – with musicians from UK, USA, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Korea, China, Australia, Netherlands, Brazil that are not often visiting Vancouver. Some of Canada’s best are squarely in the mix as well. Opening night, June 25th - the world premiere of Barry Guy / Michel Gagné “Fixed Fragmented Fluid” – an evening of music designed by Barry Guy (with an all star improv cast) and live “real time” animation by one of the major figures in that world. Globe Unity (first visit to Canada), Schlippenbach Trio with Evan Parker and Paul Lovens, Celso Machado, Mario Pavone, The Wide Alley, Dupont T, Brandi Disterheft, Youn Sun Nah, Brad Turner Trio, Eric Boeren 4tet with Han Bennink, MOPDtK and Julian Lage are all at the Roundhouse. 8 evenings of world class creative music. The Ironworks will rock with an “international meets Canada” feel that will hold surprises every night. A partial list includes: Mikko Innanen (Finland), Paul Plimley/Barry Guy/ Lucas Niggli (Cdn/UK/Switz), Gord Grdina Trio w. Fredrik Ljungkvist (Cdn/Sweden), Campbell Ryga (Cdn), Michael Moore Quintet (USA/Netherlands/Cdn), Inhabitants (Cdn), Peggy Lee’s Film in Music (Cdn), Lori Freedman with Stefan Smulovitz and Viviane Houle (Montreal/BC), Michael Zilber and Harris Eisenstadt’s “Canada Day” from Brooklyn. Please check the schedule for dates and details about the artists. Click here to access the Roundhouse Innovation Series page. Click here to access the Ironworks Eclectic Series page.

June 15, 2010 ... Posted by Ken Pickering

Coastal Jazz Team in front of the Roundhouse Every Day is Canada Day    Torsten Muller and Ken Pickering at the Roundhouse

Jazz at the Roundhouse Among aficionados, it’s well known that there is no other major urban jazz festival in North America that takes on the level of artistic risk that is the lifeblood of the VIJF. Pushing the envelope is our raison d’etre and at the core of our creative vision. Without a doubt, Jazz at the Roundhouse (located at Pacific / Drake, takes place on July 3rd and 4th) is one of our favourite components of the festival and might very well be the most gratifying series in the festival that we (Rainbow and I) are blessed to work on. There are many reasons that we really consider it to be a very special final weekend. Above all, it’s unique and it’s free - there is no other “free to the public” program (that we know about) anywhere that is as ambitious and innovative as our ‘Jazz at the Roundhouse’ multi-stage weekend. We really mix it up with a variety of options. Our program is a multi stage model (2 indoor @ RH - 1 outdoor at David Lam Park - 1 workshop stage @ RH) that includes international collaborations, intercultural explorations, traditional jazz and improvised music as well as the aforementioned workshops that are designed to inform an audience that might not be familiar with jazz or improvise music; all presented in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that serves the artist and audience well. Our openness to young, dynamic and energetic artists is essential in growing the scene; bringing new and enthusiastic audiences into the festival mix. The feeling at David Lam Park and the Roundhouse is characterized by a celebratory and adventurous vibe that finds audiences making new discoveries around every corner – we think of Jazz at the Roundhouse as our gift to the city of Vancouver. Click on the link to see the lineup: Upcoming Concerts by Series at Coastal Jazz Of course there are many many highlights over the two day program – ranging from innovative improvisors Torsten Muller and Frank Gratkowski, TD High School Jazz Intensive with the always wonderful Nicole Mitchell, to charismatic Cuban songstress Deborah Ledon, Brazilian choro with Gostosinho, avant big band Hard Rubber Orchestra, the ambient improv trance of Norway’s Huntsville and the classic jazz stylings of Jodi Proznick, the muscular tenors of Chet Doxas, Michael Zilber and André Leroux or the tasty Gullviva – with fresh arrangements of the legendary Swedish saxophonist Lars Gullin and Tommy Babin’s new band. Here are some interesting links to check out.