Jazz at the Lake fans will be treated to a special musical lineup this year, as festival organizers are excited to announce a new three-concert series that will take place this spring and summer.

“It’s definitely something new and exciting for us and for the community, as we haven’t offered this type of concert series before,” says Eric Allison, festival coordinator.

“There will be three concerts, each with very different musicians and venues, so people will really have a chance to enjoy the diversity that jazz has to offer.”

The first concert will take place April 4th when the Cheryl Fisher Quintet performs at Fratters in Red Deer.

Fisher, who Cadence magazine describes as, “One the best jazz singers we’ve ever produced in this country,” continues to match her technical brilliance and emotionally vibrant voice with her unique approach to music.

Jazz Now magazine indicates: “She has a sultry, bluesy sound and approaches her material with the ear of an improvising hornman.”

Also a busy festival producer for the Jazz at the Lake Festival, Fisher is getting ready to release her sixth CD and is excited to be on Alberta turf again.

“I’m just thrilled Red Deer has such a beautiful club,” she says, “and I’m excited to take the stage with my Calgary quintet to perform my original music and arrangements.”

On May 26th, concert-goers will be treated to a different jazz experience when internationally-renowned Portland jazz guitarist John Stowell and his trio Scene perform at an intimate house concert in Sylvan Lake.

“We’re really fortunate to connect with John and his trio for this event: they’ll be in Edmonton a couple of days before, and they’ve agreed to come to Sylvan Lake for this special appearance,” Allison explains.

“House concerts are popular for jazz, as they offer really intimate venues, and this will be our first foray into this type of performance.”

The final event will take place on Aug. 15th at Sylvan Lake with the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra’s Evening of Jazz on the Lake.

The concert will feature drummer Dan Brubeck and his Trio with special guests Allison and Fisher.

“This is going to be an amazing performance, as it will be an outdoor dinner concert under the stars,” says Allison. “We’re honoured to partner with Red Deer Symphony Orchestra and with Dan Brubeck and his Trio. People will definitely hear a unique combination of symphonic arrangements of jazz classics at this not-to-be-missed event.”

The annual Jazz at the Lake Festival itself will not be offered in 2015, as festival organizers are using this year to regroup and plan for future offerings of the event.

“Since we won’t be offering the main festival this year, it was really important to develop the concert series,” says Allison.

“This allows people to stay connected to jazz as they enjoy great concerts featuring renowned musicians.”

Tickets and complete concert details are available at www.jazzatthelake.com.

-Weber