Coastal Jazz & Blues Society aims to strengthen the arts community by creating unique projects, creative exchanges, partnerships and programs, educational initiatives, and collaborations that advance the art form. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to facilitating and promoting music presentations for local, national and international artists throughout the entire year. We spoke with Nina Horvath, Executive Director of Coastal Jazz & Blues Society, to learn more about them.
Describe your charity/non-profit in a few sentences.
The Coastal Jazz & Blues Society has been presenting the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, year-round concerts and educational opportunities since 1985. Our mission is to connect, transform, inspire and nurture audiences and artists through the joy, passion, and power of jazz.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We aim to present jazz, blues and beyond to the Metro Vancouver area whether that be intimate club performances, sold-out theatres, outdoor stages, artist residencies, or educational workshops.
When did you start/join it?
The organization began in 1985 and I joined in November 2021.
What made you want to get involved?
I’ve been a long-time audience member of Coastal Jazz shows and was excited at the chance to join the organization. My greatest love is connecting audiences with great music and Coastal’s mandates to present a lot of free programming to diverse audiences really resonated with me.
What was the situation like when you started?
Coastal has been producing one of the best jazz festivals in the world for more than thirty years so there is a really strong history of programming and production excellence. This first year was not without its challenges as I entered at a time of great organizational change and transition.
How has it changed since?
We’re excited to be continuing our path of COVID recovery and beginning to plan for the 2023 festival.
What more needs to be done?
In my opinion, there can always be more music in the world. We’re also really focusing on access and diversity these days and improving our practices in those areas.
How can our readers help?
Come to a concert! You can view all our events or make a donation.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes, we’ve got IronFest III coming up on November 3, 4, and 5. This will be three great nights of music bringing together international and local talents for improvisatory magic.
Where can we follow you?
All our socials are Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity/non-profit that you love?
I really love the work that PAL Vancouver does – their mission is to provide long-standing members of Metro Vancouver’s performing arts professions with affordable housing in a vibrant and creative community setting.
