Orcas Island Jazz Festival opens next weekend at Orcas Center

||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER |||

The Orcas Island Jazz Festival (OIJF), lights up Orcas Center every Labor Day weekend to celebrate and share the music of jazz. This year, join us in person or on the free livestream for three fantastic nights of live music!

Friday, September 2: Pearl Django
Pre-Show talk at 6 p.m., Concert at 7 p.m.
With a performance history spanning more than 27 years and having released 15 CDs, Pearl Django endures as one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style groups working today. Although the band’s roots are firmly in the music made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, its extensive repertoire includes traditional jazz classics and original compositions. Throughout the years, Pearl Django has cultivated a devoted and enthusiastic following and they continue to play to packed houses wherever
they perform.

Saturday, September 3rd: Pete Kirkland with special guest, Lady V
Pre-Show talk at 6 p.m., Concert at 7 p.m.
Pete Kirkland began his entertainment career in Europe playing drums for a touring Rock and Roll band at the age of 13. Since then, Pete shifted his focus to singing, songwriting and entertaining as a means to showcase his God given talent. Pete has had the opportunity to work with Norman Conners, Slave, Sky, Al Hudson, Chuck Jackson, Justin Young, Darren Motamedy, Martin Lund and other artists nationwide.

Pete’s showmanship is top notch and matched with his incredible vocals he is sure to wow any crowd. Pete has a special place in his heart for the folks of Orcas Island and is so excited to be returning to the island with special guest, the Detroit Diva, Lady V!

Sunday, September 5: Martin Lund and the Off-Island All-Stars
Concert at 7 p.m. (No pre-show talk)
Martin Lund, one of the most diverse musicians in the universe, lives and breathes music in many different colors and cultures. He has played with some of the great blues artists of our time and worked in the studios of LA as a composer, arranger, and musician. He is well known for bringing great artists to this island and providing some of the best shows at Orcas Center. This year’s line-up includes award winning vocalist Gail Pettis and on trumpet, the incomparable “Ollie” Groenewald.

Ticket prices range from $25-$57. Masking inside the theatre is required. Call 360-376-2281 ext 1, or visit www.OrcasCenter.org for tickets and more information. Can’t make the show in-person? Simply go to www.OrcasCenter.org at the time of the performance to watch the livestream. While livestreams are complementary, donations are appreciated to help support performers and future Orcas Center programming.