The Ottawa Jazz Festival is clearly popular with musicians. It consistently attracts world-class jazz artists, many of whom return time and time again, thanks to the beauty of the venues and the warmth and friendliness of festival staff and audiences. This year is no different, with jazz and blues legends Herbie Hancock, Buddy Guy, Brad Mehldau, Snarky Puppy, Avishai Cohen and John Scofield back in town to play to loyal Ottawa crowds.
The crowd grooves with Moon Hooch at a past Jazzfest. Photo: Andre R. Gagne.
Many new artists will also grace Jazzfest stages this year. Below are just five first-timers to the festival, bringing exciting, fresh sounds to Confederation Park and surrounds.
Caity Gyorgy
Unless you’re Diana Krall, it’s rare to snap up the Juno for Vocal Jazz Album two years in a row. That is, unless you’re Caity Gyorgy, who won the award in 2022 and 2023. Born in Calgary, Gyorgy combines a playful stage presence with a solid mastery of her craft. Still in her early 20s, Gyorgy may have the chops to carry on Krall’s legacy and become Canada’s next big name in vocal jazz.
Caity Gyorgy plays Saturday, June 24, at 6:30pm at the NAC Fourth Stage. Tickets for the event are $25. Seating is limited.
William Prince
With a recent Grand Ole Opry performance under his belt and his new acclaimed album Stand in the Joy, William Prince is on the precipice of folk and country stardom. While his music is not in the jazz genre, the Ottawa festival offers an audience that understands and appreciates exceptional songwriting and musicianship—just the right place to showcase his remarkable talent.
William Prince plays Sunday, June 25, at 8:30pm at Confederation Park. A day pass is $50 plus fees, including entry to Avataar, the US Army Jazz Ambassadors and the Pedrito Martinez Group.
The Ostara Project
Jazz purists will want to catch The Ostara Project, which brings some of Canada’s top vocalists and instrumentalists on one stage. The “super-group” is led by bassist Jodi Proznick and pianist Amanda Tosoff, with the Ottawa performance featuring, among others, Juno-award-winning Laila Biali on vocals.
The Ostara Project performs on Tuesday, June 27, at 9pm at the NAC Fourth Stage. Tickets are $37.00 plus fees. Seating is limited.
Brekky Boy
Don’t let the long hair, baseball caps and hoodies fool you. Australia’s Brekky Boy are serious jazz musicians. Yes, they bring a rock sensibility to their music, but it’s all based on a solid foundation of electronic and experimental jazz. Their instrumental music twists and turns, landing squarely on something quite beautiful. To quote a review in the Sydney Morning Herald, “Few greater joys exist than hearing something that surprises the hell out of you.”
Brekky Boy plays Thursday, June 29, at 7:30pm at the Marion Dewar Plaza OLG Stage in front of Ottawa City Hall. A day pass is $50 plus fees, including entry to Malika Tirolien, Snarky Puppy and Ak Dan Gwang Chil (ADG7).
The Altons
Wrapping up this year’s Jazz Fest, The Altons will send you into the sunset with its groovy and soulful California vibes. Based in East Los Angeles, the band’s members include lead vocalists Bryan Ponce and Adriana Flores, drummer Caitlin Moss and bassist Gabriel Maldonado, bringing diverse musical and cultural backgrounds to the mix.
The Altons play Friday, June 30, at 10:30pm at the Marion Dewar Plaza OLG Stage in front of Ottawa City Hall. Tickets are $23 plus fees, or you can get a day pass for $75 plus fees, including entry to Herbie Hancock, Stingray Youth Jazz Summit and Blue Moon Marque.
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