Liza J. Lee | WBN News Vancouver | June 9, 2025

📘 Description

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival, now in its 40th year, is set to bring the city alive with the sounds of jazz from June 20 to July 1, 2025. Organized by the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society, this festival is a testament to the power of music, community, and artistic passion.

📌 At A Glance

  • Dates: June 20 – July 1, 2025
  • Venues: Multiple locations across Vancouver, including Downtown Georgia Street Stage, Granville Island, and Performance Works.
  • Headliners: Grammy-winning bassist Richard Bona and world-class guitarist Bill Frisell.
  • Free & Ticketed Events: A mix of free outdoor concerts and ticketed performances.
  • Legacy: Celebrating 40 years of jazz excellence in Vancouver.

🔍 What Is It?

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is one of Canada’s premier jazz events, featuring local and international artists across multiple venues. Since its founding in 1985, the festival has grown into a cultural cornerstone, attracting jazz lovers from around the world. 

The festival grew out of a local jazz scene that centered on Vancouver Co-op Radio (CFRO-FM), a community radio station, in the early 1980s. The Pacific Jazz and Blues Association was formed in 1984 and hosted the Pacific Jazz and Blues Festival. By 1986, the jazz festival name became the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society, which secured corporate sponsorship, and partnered with Expo 86 to produce the first annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Its mission is to connect, transform, inspire and nurture artists and audiences through the joy, passion, and power of jazz.

Today, Coastal Jazz ranks as one of BC’s largest not-for-profit music presenters producing the annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival as well as presenting local, national, and international artists throughout the year. Along with music presentation, Coastal Jazz has a long-standing commitment to music education, presenting the Sounds of Youth stage performances, mentorship through the Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra, workshops by local and international artists, and more.

💡 Why It Benefits Vancouver

This festival is more than just music—it’s a catalyst for cultural exchange, supporting local artists and bringing global talent to Vancouver. It also boosts the local economy, drawing thousands of visitors to the city.

Over 12 days, the jazz festival will have more than 150 performances and events, including free shows with diverse programming on various stages. New this year is the Bentall Centre Happy Hour Series on the Dunsmuir Patio at Bentall Centre. Every afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. from June 23 to July 27, the festival is hosting free concerts in Downtown Vancouver.

🛡️ Trust, Safety, and Organization

The Coastal Jazz & Blues Society, a not-for-profit arts organization, ensures the festival remains accessible, diverse, and community-driven.

🌍 Broader Impact

Beyond Vancouver, the festival contributes to the global jazz scene, fostering collaborations between artists and introducing audiences to new and experimental sounds.

🧩 Signature Liza J. Lee – Contributor, WBN News | Follow Me on X

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