The 27th annual TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival is MOVING DOWNTOWN!

Downtown Jazz Weekend - June 23 & 24 - Vancouver Art Gallery/Robson Square
Free to the Public

VANCOUVER, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ - British Columbia's largest arts and culture presenter and Vancouver's signature festival—the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival—is moving downtown!

We are thrilled to announce the relocation of the jazz festival's free opening weekend—June 23 and 24—to the heart of Vancouver's downtown core on the historic grounds of the Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square. Building on the incredible legacy of creative visioning, community celebration and innovative spirit unleashed by the 2010 Olympics, the Festival will create an "arts and music village" on the site with three live performance stages, family zone with activities for kids, a community fair, art installations, an artisan and food market, two outdoor licensed bistros, busker entertainment, free dance classes and much more. 

"Over the last 26 years, the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society has been an integral part of Vancouver's arts and cultural scene, nurturing and showcasing the great artistic talents this city has in abundance, on an international stage.  Nowhere is this more apparent than through our flagship event - the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival - which has grown into an iconic presentation that is at the heart of BC's busy summer festival season.  We are delighted to situate the festival in the heart of the city and truly show off this great city and the incredible music within it, in a manner that is richly deserving," says Fatima Amarshi, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society.

"The Vancouver Jazz Festival is not only an event that showcases our beautiful city, our artistic population and our status as a world class destination, it's also a huge economic generator for the province, " said Premier Christy Clark. "This exciting move cements Jazz Fest as a must-see attraction in one of downtown's most vibrant and central locations."

"The City of Vancouver is proud to once again host this popular, festive event that draws thousands of locals and visitors alike," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "The 27th Annual TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival not only brings great music to our public spaces and performance venues, it also reflects how important arts and culture are to the strength of our local economy and the vibrancy of our city. We are excited that Downtown Jazz Weekend is a new part of the Festival this year in a location that is sure to attract thousands of music fans."

Re-locating from Gastown to the heart of the city is in keeping with the burgeoning stature of the Festival both locally and internationally. A world acclaimed event that draws over half a million attendees, the Festival is also a huge economic driver generating over $35 million in economic activity for the region annually. By being centrally situated, the Festival increases its visibility, accessibility and inclusivity for a wider range of residents and visitors and enhances the city's position as a major cultural destination.

The 27th annual TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival runs from June 22 - July 1, 2012. Tickets may be purchased at www.northerntickets.com or by calling 604 569-1144 or at Box Office at 918 Granville.