A creative connection to the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival

When artist Christina Clare moved to Orangeville from Toronto, she was thrilled to discover the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. “I love music festivals, so I was delighted to find this world-class event right here in my new small town.” Attending the festival every year has become an anticipated tradition for Christina. “The Blues Cruise on Friday night is always a family-favourite,” she says. The event kicks off the festival in style, attracting residents and visitors who stroll along Broadway admiring vintage vehicles and listening to live music performed on street corners and restaurant patios. But her favourite event is the Blues and Bikes event on Sunday, when hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts proudly display their bikes along Broadway and Mill Street. “There’s just something about motorcycles and outdoor music!” 

Of course, it’s the music that makes the festival. “I’ve seen so many amazing performers,” says Christina. "It is a unique opportunity to hear top-rated Canadian artists play alongside an incredible line-up of local bands." That special combination is exactly what the festival delivers every year.
Christina has extended her love for the festival to her artwork. She specializes in portraits and has featured many music icons and notable faces on her canvases. During past festivals, she has showcased her work as a vendor and has painted on-site in front of Dragonfly Arts on Broadway. Over the years, Christina has also taken photos of many performers and in 2021, she used her artistic flare to incorporate these images into a collage. This large-scale piece was selected as part of the Town of Orangeville’s annual Call for Artists and is now installed at the Alder Recreation Centre’s walking track. The mural acts as a year-round reminder of the award-winning festival and the first-rate entertainment it brings to Orangeville. “My hope is that it helps the audience to reminisce about their favourite performances and to anticipate attending the festival every year.”
At this year’s festival, you’ll find Christina at her vendor booth selling her wearable art fashion and dancing along to the tunes. “I’m so excited that Blues & Jazz is back and I’m looking forward to being part this amazing community celebration again.”  
Make the most of your festival experience

It’s not too early to start planning your time at the much-anticipated 2022 Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. The recently announced line-up includes over 75 acts on multiple stages and an impressive list of award-winning performers and local favourites. The complete festival schedule is coming soon and will include specific times and locations for all performances and events. Until then, here is a breakdown of the highlights so you can fill in your calendar with don't-want-to-miss festivities.
Orangeville Farmers' Market
Join the opening day festivities on Saturday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beside Town Hall at Broadway and Second Street
Rock 'n' Roll is Here to Stay
Presented by Theatre Orangeville
Town Hall Opera House
On stage until May 15
Little Women
Presented by Orangeville Music Theatre
Tweedsmuir Memorial Presbyterian Church
May 27 to 29 & June 3 to 4
Around the World Scavenger Hunt
A family-friendly event presented by the Optimist Club of Orangeville
Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kay Cee Gardens
Journeys Spring Concert
A free virtual concert presented by the
Achill Choral Society
Watch online until May 18
Meet Laurie Jasiuk
Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. No one knows this better than Laurie Jasiuk, who recruits and manages the festival's team of volunteers. It’s a big job - over 2,500 volunteer hours are required - but as a past volunteer herself, she knows how rewarding it can be to contribute time and energy to your community.

"Orangeville is warm, inviting, caring, fun-loving, joyful, creative, and industrious. I moved here from Toronto 20+ years ago and I was welcomed with open arms. Over the years, that warm feeling continues to grow and deepen. It’s the best of home, it’s the best of community."
The story behind the festival

Larry Kurtz is the Founder & Artistic Director of the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival. On Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m., he will share stories about what it's like, and what it takes, to bring a musical dream to life. This free event is part of the Storytelling Series hosted monthly by the Orangeville Public Library. Register online to reserve your seat.
200 Lakeview Court
1-855-415-8687
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