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Overview

A few years ago, Kerri King had a vision for downtown Oshawa and a way to celebrate culture and community through music. Kerri approached the City of Oshawa with a concept for a series of free noon-hour concerts bringing to the stage some of the best local jazz and blues musicians. The City gave the go ahead and Summer in the City went from concept to reality, but Kerri’s vision – and determination - didn’t stop there.

Although Summer in the City was successful, Kerri envisioned a large scale event that would draw people not only from all points of the Oshawa, but from across Durham Region and beyond. In “tune” with the revitalization of the downtown core, this celebration would focus on providing a fun and relaxing atmosphere for family and friends while showcasing what Downtown Oshawa has to offer.

Kerri set the Motor City’s wheels in motion, assembled a committee and, in August 2002, the inaugural Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival played to enthusiastic crowds during a week of events featuring local and national jazz and blues musicians.

Visitors to the first three years of the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival have been treated to some great music from talents. Downchild Blues Band, Jeff Healey’s Jazz Wizards, the Royal Jelly Orchestra, Dione Taylor, Big Daddy G and Jack de Keyzer are just some of the performers part of a group that is too numerous to list here.

Now in its seventh year, the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival continues to evolve. The 2008 Festival is shaping up to be the biggest and best of the series yet, with many of your favourite Festival events returning to the weekly program. More details to be announced soon!

There’s no doubt the 2008 Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival will be plenty of fun for all, with a combination of favourite events and new and exciting offerings.