Some years at Townsite Jazz Festival, a clear theme emerges – big band, vocal jazz, or maybe something else entirely. But more than any single genre or style, what ties the qathet-based festival together is the guiding principle of its artistic director, Paul Cummings: “Man, my students are going to love this."
As an educator, Cummings curates the lineup with his students in mind, ensuring they have opportunities to learn from and perform alongside professional musicians. That mission shapes the festival’s artistic choices and guarantees a broad variety of music for all attendees.
The 2025 festival, which runs April 10 through 12, promises something for everyone – whether it's the infectious pulse of Cuban rhythms, the intricacy of bebop jazz or the fiery passion of flamenco dance.
“In this day and age, there's such a wide variety of music that can be entertained at a jazz festival,” said Cummings. “When I see a group that really moves and inspires me, the first thing that comes across my mind is, ‘I'd love my students to see it.’”
Headlining the first night of the festival at Max Cameron Theatre is Two Much Guitar, a duo featuring Bill Coon and Oliver Gannon – one a Juno nominee, the other a Juno winner.
“The personal friendship and musical relationship that Bill and Oliver have is pretty special,” said Cummings. “I can't wait to hear them interact on stage and see what they come up with, along with a couple of fabulous rhythm section players who can follow them in any direction.”
The following night, Vancouver-based dance group Karen Flamenco will bring a visual explosion of colour and culture, complete with costumed dancers and live musicians.
“Whether you're fixated on the rapid-fire footwork, the expressive hands, or the soulful guitar and vocals, there's always something mesmerizing to watch,” said Cummings.
For the final night, the festival turns to Cuba.
“My students and I have such fond memories – we were there just last year, and they danced a lot, more than any group I've ever taken to Cuba,” said Cummings. “They’re just so excited to hear our Saturday night headliner.”
That headliner will be the Julio Avila Cuban Band, whose 10 members and myriad instruments will cram onto the Dwight Hall stage at 7:30 pm on April 12 for a gala dance.
A late-night show on April 11 in the Blue Room will serve up a mix of R&B, soul, blues and funk, courtesy of The Deadly Nightshades. Meanwhile, daytime performances will feature multi-instrumentalist Ben Wayne Kyle and singer Laura Crema on April 10, pianist Sharon Minemoto and saxophonist Steve Carson on April 11, and Nanaimo-based bebop quartet Soul Jazz and a quintet of qathet School District alumni on April 12.
Local ensembles from Brooks Secondary School, as well as two Victoria schools, will open for the professional artists at every show.
“The student groups, the local ones and the visiting ones, add such an important element to the festival,” said Cummings. “Last year, people didn't want to miss a second of that, so we’ve made sure to give as much information as possible so they can plan their festival experience around it.”
A full list of venues and concert times is available at townsitejazz.com. Tickets are available online, at the door and at the Peak office (4493F Marine Avenue) in Powell River with smaller-capacity concerts likely to sell out soon.
A limited number of festival passes remain available, providing access to all 10 concerts at a sizable discount.
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
