THANK YOU

Last week, we announced that the 2020 TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival could not go forward as planned. Since then, the outpouring of support, kindness, generosity, and affirmation we’ve received from our community has been unparalleled. Over the last seven days, we’ve heard from so many audience members, artists, donors, volunteers, and supporters, and there has been a common sentiment woven through all of the messages – “This is saddening, and it was the right thing to do, and next year will be great.” We wanted to share some of the responses we’ve received to highlight just how amazing our community is, and to thank each and every one of you who reached out to us.

First and foremost, we want to acknowledge and thank the dozens of individuals who have chosen to donate back the costs of their tickets to cancelled shows. Your generosity in an uncertain time is greatly appreciated, and also deeply heartening.

We have also heard from our dedicated volunteer base – in our opinion, some of the very best people around – who shared messages of understanding and encouraged other volunteers to reallocate their time and energy:

“Terrible news, but the right thing to do. I challenge my fellow volunteers to divert all that great talent and energy to helping a musician, or anybody needing help. And if you need help, it’s OK to ask.”

“I’m sad, for many reasons, that the festival will not proceed this year. However, as someone who works in the public realm, with vulnerable populations… let me say THANK YOU to the Board and Staff for making the hard decision to cancel the festival. The staff and Board at CJBS are near and dear to me in many ways. I hope that you ALL will have many opportunities to work together over the coming months.”

Countless community members have mourned with us, saying the festival was one of the best parts of summer:

“I knew this was coming, but it is so sad to see it now happening for real. Jazz fest is the highlight of my summer each year. Thank you so much for everything you do, and while it is sad, you have undoubtedly made the right decision. As soon as things become somewhat normal again, I’ll see you front row at Frankie’s!”

We heard from many of our incredible donors, who have generously supported us for years, and without whom we could not weather this storm:

“I am long-time supporter and will stick with you guys through this and hope things get back to “normal” sometime this summer or fall.
The Society is an important part of keeping our city diverse and interesting and I appreciate all the work you do to make quality jazz available to your fellow citizens.
Please stay safe.”

Lastly, we’ve had an outpouring of solidarity and words of support from the artists who are the reason for our festival, including this message from amalia mamalia:

“Heart splat, plop, kadunk, wahhhhhHHh, deep exhale. I knew it was only a matter of time. thanks to the entire jazz fest squad for your tremendous work and devotion. Thank you for including believing in all of us artists. It truly means so much to us… to this city.
Know that we, I believe in you too!!! Vancouver Jazz fest has inspired so many souls, as well as help launch my career some 16yrs ago?!
Love & Appreciation Always. Here’s to this earth healing up.”

On behalf of everyone on the festival team, thank you to everyone who continues to support us through this uncertain time. We are confident we can weather this storm and return in full force in 2021, and we can’t wait to see you at a show.