A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD CO-CHAIR
I met Coastal before it had a logo.
In the mid-1980s, I worked at a print shop down the street from a small office full of big ideas. We printed the first posters and letterheads. Then came Expo ’86. I planned my pregnancy around being able to hear as much music as possible. My first child was born a month after it opened, so both of my kids grew up at the festival, napping in strollers at outdoor shows and wide-eyed at indoor ones.
Forty years later, I’m still here. Now as Board Co-Chair, but always as a fan.
I’ve listened to jazz across the world — Montreal, Brussels, London, Melbourne — and every time I come home, I’m reminded why Vancouver needs Coastal.
We offer access. Our free and low-cost stages are where many families first experience live music. You can walk by, hear something new, and stay. No ticket needed.
We offer belonging. Programs like the Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestra give young musicians the space to learn, connect, and imagine their futures here. Watching them play — and seeing how diverse that stage has become — gives me real hope for what’s ahead.
And we offer community. Coastal brings together local technicians, international artists, and volunteers who return year after year. The festival builds an ecosystem that keeps Vancouver’s music scene alive.
Access, education, and collaboration, none of this pays for itself. Government support is limited and donations from people like you are critical to make our free stages, youth programs, and artist collaborations possible.
Thanks to friends of Coastal Jazz, the Graham and Gayle Cooke Foundation, any gift made today will be matched up to $25,000.
That means every donation made today will have double the impact. So, today, please consider a gift:
$20 keeps outdoor stages open and accessible to all
$50 funds mentorship and education for young musicians
$100 supports collaborations between local and international artists
If you’re able to, consider making a gift.
40 years ago, I printed the letterhead. Today, I have the privilege of signing it as your Board Co-Chair.
Thank you for helping us keep this city’s soundtrack alive.
With gratitude,
Karen Dar Woon
Board Co-Chair
Coastal Jazz
Click here to make your donation to Coastal Jazz.
