Is it possible to do anything these days and not feel compelled to share it on social media?
Of all the experiences that you shouldn’t keep to yourself, the joy of listening to live music is definitely one of them.
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is getting more social this year. It’s introducing 9’ by 12’ LED screens at the downtown Georgia stage and David Lam Park. The screens will give audience members a chance to share their impressions with everyone else in the crowd as well as enter contests to win free tickets and give-aways.
“It’s becoming very interactive so people aren’t just static audience members, they’re participating in the event,” says festival co-founder John Orysik. “We’re engaging audience members in the experience, which makes it more memorable.”
David Ward is the social media co-ordinator. He recently interviewed George Strombolopolis about why we feel so compelled to share everything we do. Strombo’s theory? We’re pack animals who want to know what the rest of the pack is doing.
By sharing people’s social media impressions of the jazz festival, Ward says, “you’re getting everyone in on the same conversation and everyone can get excited together. It comes down to the power of communication.”
Prime time for social media contests will be the 15-minute lull between concerts. But the screens will also be used to share behind-the-scenes footage, including interviews with musicians, as well as the performances themselves.
Other changes this year include moving the festival’s Howe Street bistro in front of the Georgia stage so people can eat while they enjoy the music and moving the kid zone into the Howe Street space.
The 2014 jazz festival runs June 20 to July 1 and features 1,800 artists in 300 shows — and 150 of them are free. Highlight performances include Bobby McFerrin, Medeski Scoeld, Martin & Wood, Hiromi: The Trio Project, Arturo Sandoval, Jill Barber, Maceo Parker, Charles Lloyd Quartet, Cassandra Wilson, Christian McBride Trio, Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet, The Boom Booms, Arturo Sandoval and King Khan and the Shrines.
The free concerts include the Downtown Jazz Weekend (June 21-22), the David Lam Park Jazz Weekend (June 28-29), and on four stages on Granville Island during
Canada Day. For details go to VanJazzFest.ca; to purchase tickets go to NorthernTickets.com or call 604-569-1144.
