Jazz music knows no boundaries. Created from experience, thoughts, and wisdom of performers, this genre of music is a vehicle of expression for both musicians and dancers alike. For 26 years, the streets of downtown Oakville celebrated the distinct sound, richness, and diversity of jazz music over a weekend festival called the Oakville Jazz Festival. The free event showcased hundreds of local and international musicians until it was canceled in 2016.
To fill the void created by the ending of the festival, a small but dedicated group of volunteers created West End Jazz. This year-round dinner theatre style event brings high-quality music to the region once a month from February to November. The 2017 and 2018 season had an unqualified success thanks to the public, the artists, and the community.
The jazz artists and the community were vital to getting a project of this magnitude off the ground. Many of the artists offered to perform in the initial seasons for well below their regular fees, while the Town of Oakville, Public Library, the BIA, and local merchants provided tremendous support and publicity for the event.
The 2019 season opener, held on February 16, was another great success and dedicated to one of the giants of jazz, Louis Armstrong. Since he was inseparable to Ella Fitzgerald, they added a “sprinkle” of Ella.
West End Jazz is thrilled to announce upcoming shows:
March 9, “Two great composers” A tribute to Duke Ellington and George Gershwin
Link to ticket purchase: https://oakville.snapd.com/events/view/1223115
April 27, “Here’s to Life” Remembering Miss Shirley Horn
Link to ticket purchase: https://oakville.snapd.com/events/view/1216681
May 25, “The very best of Broadway” A big band show with a large cast.
Link to ticket purchase: https://oakville.snapd.com/events/view/1228254
West End Jazz has fast become regular entertainment for a large number of local residents. Only about 30% of the audience is first-time attendees. Get your tickets before they sell out!
