The Wreckhouse International Jazz and Blues Festival announced its lineup this morning in St. John’s, and will feature artists from Canada and around the world.
Headliners include New Orleans jazz performers Soul Rebels Brass Band; Alejandra Ribera, a Toronto-based singer who has been compared to the likes of Tom Waits, Bjork and Edith Piaf — a combination that executive director Sean Panting says audiences won’t want to miss.
Another main act is Shine On: The Universe of John Lennon, an ensemble band which plays its own unique jazz arrangements of music by John Lennon and the Beatles.
“It’s the crème de la crème of Canadian jazz,” Panting says.
Other performers include blues musician Wes Mackey, Brad Jefford Trio, DBLT - Bill Evans Project, Charlie A’Court Band, Bill Brennan, and blues musician Scott Goudie.
Panting says that the theme of this year’s festival is all about fun, and will provide audiences with the chance to see some great live shows at LSPU Hall, Fat Cat Blues Bar, Rocket Bakery, Club One, and Ship Pub.
“This year’s going to be a party,” Panting says.
“We have tributes. We have the sound of New Orleans. We’ve really made the conscious decision to put the focus on fun.”
Above all, Panting hopes that Wreckhouse will introduce jazz and blues music to the masses — especially those who may not be familiar with it.
“We hope to see you all out,” he says.
The festival will run from July 4-7. For more information and to see the full lineup, visit www.wreckhousejazzandblues.com.
