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Festival expecting jazz greats: Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson slated to play 2006 Jazz Fest
Robyn Chambers. Chilliwack Times. Chilliwack, B.C.: Nov 25, 2005.

"They wanted to preserve jazz so they are basically going to come in at virtually no cost to us and we'll get a benefit going for the Chilliwack Jazz Festival," [Chuck Clements] said, adding, "They are doing it mostly because of our work with youth groups."

There'll be a few new names of note added to the bill at the 2006 Chilliwack Jazz Festival if organizers have their way.

In a departure from its typical format, the Chilliwack Happy Times Jazz Society has enlisted the help of some well-known stars like Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson and Kenny G. in the hopes of reinvigorating the annual event.

"We were looking to do something that put us in a better position financially for the next five to 10 years and although we've been supported very well by government grants and the gaming commission it's been draining us and draining us for the last three or four years especially after 9/11 it has really gone down," Chuck Clements, the festival's former managing director, said.

The ink has yet to dry on the contracts that will bring the legendary jazz stars to the community; however, organizers are hopeful.

"It's amazing as far I'm concerned," Clements said.

"It's just out of this world, not only that they'll do it but the fact it will work out."

As organizers envisage it, the event will span two days--May 5 and 6. It will be hosted at one of the local churches that seats 1,000 to 1,200 individuals.

According to Clements, the artists are donating much of their time to the event which he says they see as important in encouraging jazz music amongst youth.

"They wanted to preserve jazz so they are basically going to come in at virtually no cost to us and we'll get a benefit going for the Chilliwack Jazz Festival," Clements said, adding, "They are doing it mostly because of our work with youth groups."

The festival has been running in the community for almost 20 years and is known as an event that encourages and promotes youth jazz.