Jazz Saxophonist Grace Kelly! (PRNewsfoto/Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival)
The 20th Anniversary Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival was held August 25, 26, 27, 2017 at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington USA. Called “…the largest festival of its kind in the Northwest…” (ABC TV KATU 2, Portland, OR) the event is recognized by musicians and fans as one of the best music festivals in the Northwest. “We celebrate our 20th Anniversary this year, and we are proud to have survived and thrived for 20 years,” says Artistic Director Michael Kissinger. “We remain true to our mission of producing an outstanding cultural arts event with a focus on featuring world-class jazz musicians, fine art and crafts and great Northwest wines,” he stated. Over the past 20 years the Festival has presented more than 200 bands, 650 fine artists, and numerous award-winning wines. An estimated 150,000 people from 23 U.S. States, Canada and Europe have attended. It is the #1 Cultural Tourism Event in Southwest Washington.
The concert lineup features internationally acclaimed GRAMMY-nominated jazz and blues legends, as well as up-and-coming musicians breaking onto the national scene including: The Rippingtons, one of the most critically acclaimed jazz bands of the past 30 years; 3-time GRAMMY-nominee Ruthie Foster; 8-time Blues Music Award Winner Shemekia Copeland; jazz guitarist Russell Malone called “…an absolute master…” by Downbeat Magazine; jazz saxophonist and rising star Grace Kelly; jazz singer Sara Gazarek; blues guitarist and singer Ronnie Baker Brooks; and blues legend John Mayall, known as the ‘Godfather of British Blues.’
Local and regional bands, as well as high school jazz students are also performing. A salute to American Big Band Jazz will be performed by the 56thUS Army I Corps Jazz Band. More than 20 concerts will be staged during the 3-day Festival.
The Festival features more than 100 wines, including some of the best in the Northwest such as Maryhill Winery & Eola Hills. Attendees can sip a 1-ounce taste or purchase a glass to enjoy with food from local restaurants. Fine Artists from Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho will sell their art such as oil painting, jewelry, wood carving and more. “The Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival is a unique northwest cultural arts event” explains Festival Manager Dr. Maria Manzo. “It is a multi-faceted cultural festival, where people hear great jazz music, enjoy Northwest wine, see beautiful fine art, and become immersed in an eclectic and creative weekend.”
Blankets & low lawn chairs are permitted. Kids age 12 and younger are FREE with paid adults. Wine, Food and Art are purchased separately. Outside food & beverage is NOT permitted. Details are at www.vancouverwinejazz.com
Blues Legend John Mayall – the “Godfather of British Blues” (PRNewsfoto/Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival)