July 7, 2015 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
A popular annual music festival built around jazz and blues music will include new areas of focus alongside music for 2015. This year the TD Jazz and Blues Festival, a multi-day festival on the Island, will expand to feature cultural and culinary products to enhance the festival experience for all visitors.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, along with the Honourable J. Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today announced combined funding of $40,000 to support this year’s TD PEI Jazz and Blues Festival.
The 2015 Festival is exploring new ways to expand its offerings which may include introducing local artisans, craft producers, and culinary products. The festival will also showcase live musical performances by local, national and international artists in Charlottetown.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada is supporting this project with a contribution of $10,000 through ACOA’s Business Development Program and $10,000 from Canadian Heritage.
- The Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, will provide an additional $20,000 to the project.
- The City of Charlottetown is supporting the project with a contribution of $10,000.
- The festival line-up includes, 2015 Juno Award winning Diana Panton on the Jazz Stage, David Wilcox and Matt Minglewood with Sam Moon on the Blues Stage.
- This year’s festival is very diverse and includes a Cuban themed night lead by multi Juno Award winner Jane Bunnett with her band Maqueque.
- Concerts and events will be held at Confederation Landing Park from August 27 to 29. For more information, visit http://www.jazzandblues.ca/.
Quotes:
“Over the years the TD PEI Jazz and Blues Festival has attracted thousands of visitors and with an increased focus on culture in 2015, the festival organizers are promising a memorable tourism experience. Our Government is pleased to support this growing event.”
- The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) and the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
“The TD PEI Jazz and Blues Festival has proven to be an excellent draw for music lovers and a great venue for Island performers to showcase their talents to visitors from all over the world. Our support helps the event attract top name talent and helps ensure a quality production by supporting the festival’s Board of Directors and many volunteers.”
- The Honourable J. Heath MacDonald, PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“There are many reasons that the City of Charlottetown is proud to be part of the TD PEI Jazz and Blues Festival, but one of the biggest is the cultural impact that an event of this nature has on our city. It’s always wonderful to see talent from the region and around the world being showcased in the Capital City for all to enjoy. This event is a great tradition and we thank the organizers for all of the work they put into making it a fantastic event.”
- His Worship Clifford Lee, Mayor of Charlottetown
“The last few years were successful for us but we felt we could be offering more. This year, we are moving back to the tent because it lends itself to the party-type environment we want to establish. The tent allows us to increase our capacity in terms of crowd as well as attractions we can offer outside the tent but still on-site. We have a full package planned for everyone and we look forward to the last weekend of August.”
- Mr. Steve MacEachern, Co-chair, TD Jazz and Blues Festival
Associated Links:
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Katie MacNevin
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-940-0801
Andrew Sprague
PEI Department of Tourism and Culture
902-368-5535
Jennifer Gavin
City of Charlottetown
902-629-4102
