The 2010 Jazz and Blues Festival is officially underway. Representatives from the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island, the City of Charlottetown and title sponsor, TD Canada Trust along with Brown’s Volkswagen gathered last night on the main stage to participate in the opening ceremony.
“Our government is proud to support the 2010 edition of the Festival and the exciting and valuable contribution that it makes to the vitality of the Island’s arts and cultural scene each Fall,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our investment of $45,000 supports a festival that generates important benefits for the Island tourism sector and area businesses and surrounding communities.”
In addition to a great line-up of performers, this year’s Festival also features a new and expanded performance venue located on the Charlottetown waterfront.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to partner with the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival in support of this wonderful cultural event,” said MLA Cynthia Dunsford on behalf of Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Vessey. “This annual Festival has become a popular attraction that continues to draw-in talented performers and music lovers. Best wishes to organizers, volunteers and artists for another successful year.”
As part of the 2010 festival, organizers have arranged a tour of several Island schools to introduce students to the jazz and blues musical genres and to carry out workshop activities.
“The PEI Jazz & Blues Festival is a delightful, creative, artistic celebration that entertains local audiences, attracts visitors, and stimulates significant cultural and economic prosperity,” said Charlottetown Mayor, Clifford Lee. “The City of Charlottetown is committed to continuing support for the arts and culture community and is once again proud to be a major funding partner of this exciting and diverse festival.”
“Canadians love music and, at TD so do we. Once again we are very proud to be part of the PEI Jazz & Blues Festival,” said Bruce Donaldson, Manager TD Canada Trust, Charlottetown Branch. “This is an amazing event and one that we encourage all Islanders to come out and support. You will get the opportunity to enjoy a first class line up of amazing Jazz & Blues
performers. To the organizers, thanks so much for bringing your passion to the waterfront of Charlottetown.”
The PEI Jazz & Blues Festival, presented by TD Canada Trust, is organized by a passionate and determined committee which is made up of local members of the jazz and blues community and members of the business community.
For more information on the weekend line-up, visit www.jazzandblues.ca