The fifth annual TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival kicks off Thursday evening.
The music starts tonight at the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage with a live performance from Petr Cancura’s Crossroads, alongside guest Lynn Miles.
Local musicians Bob Misener and Tony Pope first founded the Ottawa Jazz Festival in 1980. The festival was originally held exclusively in the summertime; however, by high demand the winter jazz series was started five years ago.
On Feb. 5 and 6, there is a Winter Jazz Jam session being hosted at ARC The Hotel on Slater Street. This free event will be hosted in the hotel lobby.
The event is presented by a local Ottawa house band consisting of Mike Essoudry on drums, Tom Denison on bass, Steve Boudreau on piano and Petr Cancura on saxophone.
Tickets for the Thursday night show are $35 and available on the NAC’s website.