The 2nd annual Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival, with artistic director Renee Rosnes at the helm, will feature top jazz artists from both Canada and the United States in collaborative, once-in-a-lifetime performances.
The festival runs from Friday, February 15, 2019 through Sunday, February 17, 2019.
Friday, February 15, 2019, 8:00 p.m.
Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra featuring Ingrid Jensen
Venue: Niagara United Mennonite Church, 1775 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
The Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival opens with the JUNO Award-winning Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra, featuring trumpeter Ingrid Jensen.
A highlight of the evening is sure to be the world premiere of Christine Jensen’s composition in tribute to Oscar Peterson, Something In His Smile, commissioned by the Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival.
Saturday, February 16, 2019 – 1:00p.m
Lecture & Performance by Bill Charlap – George Gershwin: The Blues and the American Soul
Venue: Cairns Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, Ontario
“Jazz is the voice of the American soul,” declared George Gershwin in 1926. Acclaimed GRAMMY award-winning pianist Bill Charlap is not only recognized as one of the world’s greatest jazz pianists, he is also a renowned educator and enchanting story-teller. Charlap will discuss and demonstrate the important influence of jazz and the blues in George Gershwin’s music during this free afternoon event.
Saturday, February 16, 2019 – 8:00 p.m.
Singin’ & Swingin’: A Jazz Summit
Joe Lovano, Jeremy Pelt, Niki Haris, Renee Rosnes, Russell Malone, Peter Washington, Lewis Nash
Venue: Partridge Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, Ontario
Sunday February 17, 2019 – 1:00 p.m.
Music with No Borders
Kenny Barron, Kirk MacDonald, Reg Schwager, Neil Swainson, Lewis Nash
Venue: Stratus Vineyards, 2059 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Music with No Borders features an incredible once-in-a-lifetime concert showcasing the exquisite pianism of NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron with top echelon players from both Canada and the United States.
Sunday, February 17, 2019 – 6:30 p.m.
Canadian Jazz Master Awards Gala Dinner
Venue: Stratus Vineyards, 2059 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Under the auspices of the Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival, the annual Canadian Jazz Master Awards (CJMA) was founded to celebrate and honour Canadian jazz musicians of the highest artistic excellence who are deserving of national recognition. Each year two awards are presented, to one living and one past legend of Canadian jazz.
This year’s honourees are two jazz legends. The 2019 Canadian Jazz Master Awards will be presented to clarinetist, composer, and educator Phil Nimmons and to the family of influential trumpeter and composer, Kenny Wheeler.
Ticket Information
Single tickets range from $55-$100. “Under 30” ticket discounts available. Prices exclude HST and service fees. Save up to 20% on tickets with a 3-Day Festival Pass.
Tickets and 3-Day Festival Passes will be available at https://www.opjazzfest.org/tickets/.
About the Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival
The Oscar Peterson International Jazz Festival (OPIJF), one of Canada’s most anticipated winter music events, is named for the internationally renowned Canadian jazz giant. It was created to present the essence of jazz and the sound of swing.
Under the expert guidance of Artistic Director Renee Rosnes and Artistic Producer Kelly Peterson, this annual festival provides a unique opportunity to hear rare combinations of musicians and individual stars, in performance.
The OPIJF is produced by Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts in partnership with The Estate of Oscar Peterson. Celebrate the past, the present, and the future — all at the same time.
Learn more at https://www.opjazzfest.org/