The Brantford International Jazz Festival, starting Friday night and ending Sunday, was a complete success, according to the event’s art director, Frank DiFelice. “I am really happy with the way things turned out and I am already looking forward to next year.”
The Brantford International Jazz Festival has been taking over Harmony Square for 6-years now, showcasing the talent of many young and local artists as well as a few well-established groups.
This year included performances by groups such as the Toronto Jazz Orchestra, The Canadian Jazz Quartet, Johnny Nixon and Manhattan Transfer.
“I’m really happy about having Manhattan [Transfer] ,” said DiFelice. “Having them really was welcome.”
Local groups included The Rob Santos Quartet and the Brantford Collegiate Institute Jazz Band featuring Avery Kadish.
The whole event benefits the local community socially, economically and musically, said DiFelice.
“The Brantford International Jazz Festival is an incredible event for the City of Brantford,” said Brantford mayor Chris Friel. ” This past weekend demonstrated the thriving cultural scene which exists in our city and realized such positive benefits for downtown business.
The entertainment; the crowds – the experience in its entirety – is a perfect example of the exciting, homegrown events this City has to offer.”
When asked if there are plans for another Jazz Festival next year, DiFelice replied, “Absolutely! The date is already set – September 19, 20, 21 – 2014.”
