About JazzStreet Vancouver
JazzStreet Vancouver is an interactive website compiled by Coastal Jazz and Blues Society about the history of jazz in Vancouver. The website celebrates the exciting and diverse history of Vancouver jazz, connects the community to the story of Vancouver’s creative and cultural heritage, and provides resources for further research and new discoveries.
Since 2005, Coastal Jazz and Blues Society has interviewed over 30 local musicians, club owners, presenters, and fans. We have asked them to share their personal memories and stories about the history of jazz in Vancouver. Along the way we have gathered video and audio recordings, photographs, newspaper and magazine articles, and other relevant materials to make these exciting stories come alive. And now, we are pleased to present the growing compilation of oral history interviews, memories, stories, and digitized materials.
You'll notice some things about JazzStreet Vancouver that are different from other websites. For one thing, JazzStreet is an ongoing project! As you browse the Historical Timeline and the Artist, Venue, and Event pages, consider that the information presented within this website is not definitive or complete, but a mere glimpse at some of the many different interwoven stories that are part of Vancouver's illustrious history. As more memories are preserved and shared, the site will continue to grow with more artists, venues, and historical events. If you have names of artists, memories or materials you would like to share with JazzStreet Vancouver, please contact us.
Many artists who began their music careers in Vancouver have become household names and well-known figures in Canadian history. Yet there are also a number of great Vancouver musicians who may not have received the same recognition and airtime as their musical colleagues. Many of these musicians have laid the groundwork for the creative scene that exists today in communities across Canada. JazzStreet Vancouver would like to give our home-grown musicians special recognition, honour their innovations in music, and thank them for the many contributions to our community that has made Vancouver the wonderful city it is today.
It's not just jazz. It's our history.