Fort Langley hopes to become a hub of busking talent during the new Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival next month – that is, if event organizers have their way.
It’s an opportunity for youth musicians and emerging talent to play throughout the village on Saturday, July 28, said Karen Zukas, the event’s executive director.
The festival will select between 12 and 14 groups to perform throughout the day at six busker performance areas located around the historic village.
“The festival will provide a unique opportunity for these groups to perform alongside professional jazz musicians at a jazz festival,” Zukas said.
But the educational or mentoring benefits don’t end there, she elaborated.
Participants will also have an opportunity to participate in a free jazz education workshop and jam with professional musicians and music educators on Sunday, July 29.
Jazz busker performance applications are now open on the festival website.
“One of the key objectives of the inaugural Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival is to support and celebrate the many aspiring young jazz musicians,” Zukas said.
Along with youth busker performance opportunities, the festival line-up includes up-and-coming Delta artist Julia Copeman-Haynes, performing with the Miles Black quartet.