The Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association, aka NIJFA, is delighted to see its many achievements being applauded in and around the Island communities.
Support from the business community by way of sponsorships and in-kind contributions continues to increase as more and more people realize the positive impact live music events have on the socio-economic fabric of a region.
As NIJFA gears up for its 2023 Festival held every mid-September, the Board of Directors is already busy planning the educational show for the fall, plus they have their sights on the spring of 2024 with another exciting jazz themed event.
NIJFA’s target audience is as diverse as jazz music genres. This year’s September 15 to 17 festival has 13 free concerts daily in the Old City Quarter for every age group and musical taste. The 6 evening events around the downtown core are presented for not just the jazz enthusiast, but also for the local musicians who are given a place to join in the spirit of collaboration, what jazz music is all about!
The education component is offered to emerging musicians by way of a Masterclass Workshop with the Festival headliner. This year it is Nanaimo sax phenom Connor Stewart coming home with this New Orleans bandmates. The educational workshop is followed by an invitation extended to the students to jam with more professional musicians on the public Wesley Street Stage at the end of the day.
NIJFA partners with several fine venues including the Port Theatre, The Vault, The Courtyard by Marriott, The Modern Café and the Nanaimo BAR, provide the space while NIJFA provides the entertainment. A win-win situation.
Funding partners are the bloodline of any not-for-profit organization. The infusion of private contributions, City, Provincial and Federal dollars combined with community sponsorships and member donations, are all greatly appreciated and valued.
With a mandate to hire within the local and international jazz community, spotlight up-and-coming local artists, and increase its audience appeal, the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association is proud to hosts myriad events throughout the calendar year. Co-productions with other community Presenters are significant and NIJFA offers promotional support by way of newsletter and website calendar mentions.
The Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association is honoured to be the recipient of the BC Touring Council’s 2023 Festival of the Year Award.
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