Come August 15-20, the County will be swinging! Prince Edward County’s always-popular Jazz Festival is back for its 23rd year, featuring a new Creative Director and a stellar, award-winning, not-to-be missed lineup.

Colleen Allen is the new Creative Director, filling the very big shoes of its founding CD, drummer Brian Barlow.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play at the PEC Jazz Festival several times under my own name, as well as with Brian Barlow’s Big Band,” said an excited Allen.

“Brian is such an incredible musician, arranger and visionary, honouring the tradition of jazz, as well as skillfully moving the dial forward. Concerts with him are some of my most treasured musical experiences with great musicians, skilled arrangements and compelling artistic direction.”

Marc Jordan. (PEC Jazz Fest)

Mr. Barlow resigned in January. John Puddy, Chairman of the festival, said that he will be greatly missed. “We can’t thank Brian enough for his two-plus-decades spearheading the PEC Jazz Festival. His commitment and contribution over the years are greatly appreciated.”

In addition to performing and working with Barlow, Allen’s past experience sets her up for success as the new creative leader of the County’s largest festival.

“I’m a musician (saxophones/woodwinds) and an improviser,” said Ms. Allen. “My years as a resident artist at Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto – creating, curating and collaborating with other artists and musicians – helped prepare me for this role.”

While Ms. Allen has her own distinct style and ideas for the future of the showcase, she won’t stray far from its roots, as is evidenced by this year’s dynamic lineup of musical talent.

“My approach to curating the festival this year is to continue with Brian’s vision for a robust, diverse, celebration of jazz, featuring the best-of-the-best talent in Canada and abroad – as well as creating opportunities to showcase the wealth of local talent in PEC,” said Ms. Allen.

Ms. Allen herself will appear this year as a member of the Marc Jordan Quintet at the St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church.

After nearly half a century of success in the music business, singer Marc Jordan is no stranger to bright lights and big cities, but he has a special feeling for the rural. “I spent maybe the happiest three years of my life living in Bowmanville when I was five going on eight. So I’m no stranger to small town Canada,” he said.

About playing in a church, Mr. Jordan spoke of scaling the performance to the space, “sticking to basics,” and “serving the lyric.” He also noted that this smaller band, which does not have the stringed instruments of his recent records, will have more space for jazz solos.

Todd Marcus. (PEC Jazz Fest)

Mr. Jordan’s songs tell stories, which, he stressed, are found everywhere. As much as he has big city style, he’s committed to the Canadian small town. “I just think there is something magical when you fly across Canada, especially at night. You see things, little necklaces on the ground in the night, and these towns where lives are lived and loved and lost. It’s breathtaking to me. It’s not like America at all.” He says he is “thrilled” to be coming to Picton.

Judging by this year’s offerings, Allen is off to a great start, procuring, along with Mr. Jordan, jazz stars such as JUNO-award-winning headliners Caity Gyorgy, Hilario and Duran (with Adis Rodriquez); JUNO nominee, Alison Young; the uber energetic and crowd-pleasing Big Smoke Brass; inventive clarinetists Virginia MacDonald and Todd Marcus, and more.

Gyorgy – pronounced George – won Vocal Jazz Album of the Year the past two years at the Junos and will be making her first appearance: “I’m really looking forward to singing at the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival this summer! This will be my debut performance which makes me even more excited to bring my quartet and play music from my recent JUNO award-winning album, Featuring. I can’t wait!”

Tickets for all shows are going fast. Please visit pecjazz.org for more information.