Join us for an afternoon of fun and stellar entertainment at our Main Stage in Hackett Park, Sechelt. We feature three world class bands, kicking off with Vancouver's one and only Carnival Band (a 12 piece collective of marching band merriment)!

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Schedule:

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• 11:30 - 12:00 pm: Pre-festival welcoming. The Carnival Band will march from the Artisan's Market on Cowrie to the Festival Site, inviting all to come and attend. Come and follow them through the streets to the park.

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OPENING Ceremonies at Noon

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• 12:30 - 1:20 pm Kestra — Kestra has been a vibrant force in the Sunshine Coast’s jazz world for over 8 years. Focused on their original tunes as well as favorites from the Great American Songbook, Kestra is adept at playing blues, swing, latin, ballads and bebop.

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Kestra is: Ken Grunenberg - Saxophones; Steve Giltrow- Guitars; Regan Haydu - Drums; and Martin Nemcovsky - Bass.

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• 1:50 - 2:40 pm Kiki Connelly & the Understory — Kiki Connelly & The Understory is a Sunshine Coast based soul, R&B, and jazz-infused collective led by vocalist Kiki Connelly. Known for their rich harmonies, groove-driven sound, and emotionally resonant performances, the band blends gospel roots with contemporary neo-soul influences. Their live shows offer a powerful mix of intimacy, improvisation, and joyful connection.

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Kiki Connelly - Vocals; Anna Lumiere - Keyboards; James Meger - Bass; Mike Ardagh - Drums; Heather Anderson - Trumpet; Michael Agranovich - Guitar; Graham Ord - Saxophone. Ewi & Flute

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• 3:00 - 3:50 pm — MA:Qkestra plays Betty Davis. Betty Davis was the wife of trumpeter legend , Miles Davis. She is often referred to as "The Godmother of Funk". Mary Ancheta has put together this 7 piece powerhouse collective to play and celebrate Betty's music. This one will be very hard to stay sitting for!

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MA:Qkestra is: Mary Ancheta - Keyboards; Tristan Paxton - Guitar; Dominic Conway - Sax; Matt Reid - Bass; Paul Clark - Drums; Krystle Dos Santos - Vocals; Leo D.E. Johnon - Vocals

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• Free

• Donations (small through generous) to the Jazz Festival Society greatly appreciated