Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Jazz at the Lake: a tradition of musical excellence
This festival embraces the spirit of Sylvan Lake
Setting the mood: A host of amazing jazz musicians grace the stage during Jazz at the Lake —photo by Randy Fiedler
Sylvan Lake is an avid music-loving community, and the Jazz at the Lake Festival always brings a host of eager listeners. This year is the 7th annual installation of this fun-filled jazz fest, which is taking place from August 13 to 16. Eric Allison and his wife, jazz singer Cheryl Fisher, are founders and co-producers of Jazz at the Lake. Needless to say they are busy with preparations for the event.
“Throughout the weekend of August 13 to 16 (Thursday through Sunday) we have over 30 jazz performances, most of them free, in indoor and outdoor venues throughout the town of Sylvan Lake,” said Allison.
Jazz at the Lake is more than just a music festival—it is a representation of Sylvan Lake’s history.
“Sylvan Lake has a rich musical history, much greater in scope than its relatively small population would seem to warrant,” said Allison.“The legendary days of the Varsity Hall with its travelling bands are warmly remembered by many in the community. At one time Sylvan Lake was home to three dance halls. The town has fostered some of the country’s best jazz artists two-time Juno Award-winner P.J. Perry hails from Sylvan Lake and Senator Tommy Banks is also a well-known source of musical pride to the area. Sylvan Lake resident Cheryl Fisher has been internationally recognized as one of Canada’s most gifted jazz vocalists. We feel that Jazz at the Lake continues this tradition of live music, family fun and cultural awareness.”
The hype that builds in the weeks preceding the festival is tangible. Everyone involved shares a community spirit and excitement to see how each year’s activities will come together.
“My favourite part of the festival is when it finally begins!” said Allison. “All the months of planning are over and it’s here at last. It’s such a joy to see people of all ages walking from venue to venue in their colourful Jazzy Fish T-shirts soaking up as much great music as they can fit in one weekend.”
The family atmosphere is another reason why Jazz at the Lake is so popular.
“The festival is totally family friendly,” said Allison.“We have events for the youngest of children (our popular Jazz for Kids concert and picnic in the park concerts) to a jazz workshop for students, to the famous Sunday pub crawl for adults, and other events for everyone in between. Our most exciting news this year is hosting the legendary Montreal pianist (and 2009 Juno Award-winner) Oliver Jones as our headliner. He will be featured in concert with his trio on the Friday night, then on Saturday night will join Cheryl Fisher in the kickoff CD release concert of her new recording Moments Like This, which was recorded with Oliver. We are reprising popular events like the swing dance, the blues bash, the hot Dixieland Jazz Band performances throughout town, and the farewell jam session. New this year will be our very own late-night jazz club, Lions Late Night, open after each night’s performances wrap up.”
Tickets for Jazz at the Lake will begin selling on June 1. To obtain tickets or further information, visit www.JazzAtTheLake.com.
Southern Alberta key contacts
-
Edmonton, AB
RV worry-free with AMA
Alberta Residents Only
Before you head off down the open road this summer, be sure to stop at your nearest Alberta Motor Association (AMA) centre. AMA offers you one-stop-shopping for a wide range of RV-related services and products to meet your needs.The CAA Plus RV® membership covers motorhomes, trucks with campers, holiday trailers, fifth wheels, tent trailers, boat trailers and non-commercial trailers. In addition to AMA exclusive benefits and savings, a CAA Plus RV membership provides up to 160 km of no-charge towing, free emergency fuel and delivery, battery boosting, tire changes, winching service (including two trucks if necessary), $100 lock and key service, $600 trip collision reimbursement and more.An RV is a big investment, so you'll want to protect it with RV insurance from AMA. Coverage options for your RV include replacement cost for your RV’s contents, emergency vacation expense coverage and extended warranty on RV appliances. As an AMA policyholder, you can call AMA's toll-free 24-hour emergency claims service anywhere in North America. Plus, while you're off enjoying yourself, AMA homeowner, condo, renters and farm insurance can protect your property from risks like fire and theft.
For additional coverage while travelling, AMA offers travel medical insurance. As an AMA member, you also receive up to $10,000 in basic personal accident insurance coverage. You can choose to increase your coverage by five, 10 or 20 times the basic amount, protecting yourself and your family while traveling from just $19 a year.This is your time to relax, so let AMA take the worry out of your next trip. One quick stop at your local AMA centre can meet all your RV needs.
Alberta Motor Association -
High River, AB
"YOUR" Community Vehicle & RV Dealer
For 10 years, High River Autoplex & RV has been supplying Southern Alberta with new and pre-owned RVs from the industry's most recognized manufacturers, including Holiday Rambler and Forest River. Our new and pre-owned inventory includes Class A, B and C diesel pushers and motorhomes as well as fifth wheels, travel trailers, hybrids, toy haulers, truck campers, tent trailers and cargo trailers. We also have a full inventory of Rinker Sports Boats. Whether you're upgrading to a larger RV, looking for a family rig or searching for a unit with room for toys, the knowledgeable staff at High River Autoplex & RV will help you find the right RV to fit your lifestyle and needs.
-
Casa Grande, AZ
A luxurious way of life
Whether you are searching for a vacation full of fun activities or a relaxing holiday, Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort has just what you need.
Situated in Casa Grande, Arizona, this beautiful RV resort community gives you the opportunity to experience the charms of country living combined with the amenities of the city. Enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment as well as golfing, hiking and the many natural wonders surrounding the resort. With Phoenix and Tucson located less than an hour from the property, there are plenty of attractions that delight everyone.
Palm Creek is not only your premier RV resort destination, but a unique way of life. As a desert oasis, it is the best place to relax and enjoy the good times. Our resort is both a second home for weekends and vacations as well as a place to call home for a lifetime.Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort -
Calgary, AB
Welcome to RV Lifestyles: Western Canada's best tent trailer dealer
RV Lifestyles is proud to carry North America's best selling brands. Coleman camping trailers, Viking tent trailers and Northern Lite fiberglass truck campers—no matter which model you choose, you can rest assured that you will get user-friendly features and reliable quality with friendly and knowledgeable service.
With our large selection of new, used and consigned units, we're confident that we have a size, floor-plan and price that will suit your camping needs.Please browse our site and links, to research our product lines and give us a call at (403) 291-0077 (local) or 1-888-291-0052 (toll free) to answer any questions that you might have.
RV Lifestyles -
Canada's deadliest rockslide
The Frank Slide Interpretive Centre highlights the rich history of the Crowsnest Pass amid the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Visitors can experience a variety of interpretive programs, presentations and special events.
Displays throughout the Centre feature the 1903 Frank Slide (rockslide-avalanche), the Canadian Pacific Railway, European settlement, early underground coal mining and community life. An award-winning audio-visual presentation entitled "In the Mountain's Shadow" is shown daily. Also showing, a docudrama created for the centennial of the Frank Slide in 2003, entitled "On the Edge of Destruction - The Frank Slide Story." Pathways around the Centre provide spectacular views of the Frank Slide and surrounding area.Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Culture -
Cardston, AB
North America's largest carriage museum
From elegant carriages used by royalty to stagecoaches of the old west, be prepared for an experience that will go far beyond your expectations. Recognized as one of the world's premier carriage museums, the Remington displays over 240 carriages, wagons and sleighs - many of them placed in their original settings in the main gallery. The museum also features an active horse program, carriage ride tour of Cardston, chuckwagon barbecues, miniature horse chuckwagon championships, a working restoration shop, restaurant and gift shop. Open daily, year-round.
Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Culture -
Calgary, AB
A smashing attraction
Located at a place where the foothills of the Rocky Mountains meet the great plains is one of the world's oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jumps known to exist - Head - Smashed - In Buffalo Jump.
This historic attraction boasts a $10 million interpretive centre that depicts the ecology, mythology, lifestyle and technology of the Blackfoot peoples. It also presents information about this unique custom practised by native people for nearly 6000 years.
A variety of activities and events, along with education programs, are held regularly at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and appeal to all ages.
Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation & Culture
