Summer Vancouver Jazz Festival

Posted by Lori Henry Jul 1, 2008

One of my favourite things to do in the summer in Vancouver is hang out at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. David Lam Park hosts free concerts (just outside the Roundhouse Community Centre) and is the best venue, where I join everyone to lie on the grass and enjoy the musicians on stage.

Crowds of thousands gather with their towels, picnics, umbrellas and lawn chairs to groove with the musicians. The first weekend is usually held in Gastown and at Victory Square on the edge of downtown Vancouver. Although fun, the David Lam Park location beats Gastown. There’s no comparison to sitting near the water, with a breeze blowing through, and listening to jazz.

Every year I ride my bike from Main Street, which takes me down Ontario Street, past Science World, and along the waterfront until I hit David Lam Park. Every year it seems to get busier, but the scenery is still invigorating. It’s a glorious ride, although the trip home is all up hill :)

This weekend, I caught Duane Andrews, who played Newfoundland-style jazz and folk music: lovely tunes for relaxing. My favourite, though, was Zapato Negro, a mix of musicians from Cuba, Venezuela and Vancouver. Their music has an Afro-Caribbean, Latin and classic jazz mix, perfect for dancing away the hot summer day…