An interim update on the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival
40^th anniversary edition

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to transform our world, Festival staff are working from home, studying the situation and the potential of an event cancellation, as we carefully observe all directives issued by health and government officials.

As each day passes, however, we realize it is unlikely that the festival will proceed as it has in the past. For instance, we know there will be no international travel (other than from the US) until the end of June which automatically cancels many artists scheduled for the Fourth Stage. Various venues that we rely on may be closing for public access. We are trying to be as transparent as possible given the information we have available.

As you know, the Festival is a source of income for musicians obviously but also for production contractors, food vendors, and businesses from various industries who rely on the Festival to sustain their livelihood. As a cultural destination, over the past ten years the Festival’s economic impact on Ottawa has contributed more than $448 million. While festivals build a thriving local economy, the driving force behind all of this comes back to our own very personal mission – the music. That is why we are currently working on new and exciting ways to continue to present music that gives us all hope during these difficult times.

We urge everyone to stay home, keep safe and observe social distancing. The sooner we flatten the curve by adhering to official directives, the sooner we can gather and enjoy the things we crave, especially live music in our beloved Confederation Park!

We will keep you apprised of our future plans.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the office to leave a message at 613-241-2633 or email us at contact@ottawajazzfestival.com.

The TD Ottawa Jazz Team