SASKATOON, March 28, 2008 - The people of Saskatchewan will enjoy a diverse and vibrant musical program at the the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival this summer, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada. This music festival o offers audiences an opportunity to experience a diversity of musical genres, including blues, world, soul, funk, gospel, and improvised music.
Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin) announced the funding today on behal f of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages.
Funding of $80,000 will help the organization offer a diverse program at the 2008 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, which takes place from June 20 to 29. For more than 20 years, this festival has been a province-wide celebration of jazz and related music styles. It encourages youth participation and community involvement through outreach programs across the province, such as a jaz z education program for high school students, Jazzapolooza, the Groove Series, master classes, and feature concerts in five special care homes. Events will be held again this year in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, and North Battleford.
"T his music festival provides the people of Saskatchewan with culturally rich artistic experiences and avenues for artistic development," said Minister Verner. "I commend the staff and volunteers for their tremendous efforts to ensure the continue d success of the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival."
"World-class events such as this festival enrich the cultural vitality, economy, and quality of life of our province," said Mr. Vellacott. "This investment demonstrates our Government's commitment to providing access to the arts for all Canadians."
"The funding provided will enable the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival to expand its presentations of world-class live jazz and related musical style s at one of Western Canada's largest jazz festivals. The Festival draws people from all across Saskatchewan as well as visitors from around North America," said Lyle Bolen, President of the Festival. "We are grateful to Canadian Heritage for con tinuing to support this initiative and for recognizing the Festival's community engagement, artistic diversity, and strong growth, as well as the many economic benefits it delivers to Saskatchewan, including its major contribution to building a vibrant cu ltural community in the province."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the Arts Presentation Canada program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program gives Canadians increased access to the diversity and richness of Canada's culture through professional arts festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and other artistic experiences.
Information:
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Offi ce of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
819 997-7788
Edna Mackey
Administrative Assistant
Ottawa Office of the
Member of Parliament
(Saskatoon-Wanuskewin)
613 992- 1899
Angela Cassie
A/Director of Communications and Executive Services
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
204 983-4367
