When jazz fans think of their favourite acts, Kid Koala may not be the first artist to come to mind.
But the theme of this year’s Edmonton International Jazz Festival is “A Jazz for Everyone,” and nailing down the celebrated Montreal DJ may be just the thing to draw new blood to one of the city’s prominent musical fests.
“(He’s) a great artist and, yes, it will be a way to get young people into the festival,” said Kent Sangster, executive director of the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society. “Certainly Kid Koala is a bit of a departure, but we’re very excited about him.”
This year’s lineup is particularly eclectic, with Montreal crooner Nikki Yanofsky, British sensation Ola Onabule, American piano legend Chick Corea and others at venues all over town, including the TransAlta Arts Barns, Starlite Room, Citadel Theatre, the Winspear Centre and more.
The festival runs June 25-July 4. For more information, check out www.edmontonjazz.com.
