History & Vision
History
The Guelph Jazz Festival (GJF) was founded in 1994 to present creative improvised music in Guelph. Our many successes are summed up by 26 years’ worth of excellent programming. Throughout its history, the festival has presented virtually all of the major figures in creative improvised music, while maintaining its commitment to featuring Canadian artists, both from within region as well as from farther afield.
In 2017, Scott Thomson was named as Artistic Director, and in 2019, he was also named General Director with Karen Ng named as Assistant Artistic and General Director.
Awards
- Winner, Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, 2010
- Finalist, Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, 2009
- Nominee, Festival of the Year, National Jazz Awards, 2009
- Finalist, Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, 2008
- Finalist, Events Producer of the Year, Jazz Journalists Association, 2008
- Winner, Lieutenant Governor’s Award for the Arts, 2001, 2000, 1997
Vision
Guelph Jazz Festival presents excellent, unconventional live music.
Mission
Guelph Jazz Festival presents excellent, unconventional live music. The Festival strives to present music that reflects the world in which we live and to make it accessible to the broadest possible audience through concerts, educational initiatives, and free programs.