President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Prime Minister Andrus Ansip serve as Honourary Patrons What a country! Not many countries can boast of their rich musical history like Estonia can. Few nations have the will to survive like Estonia and Estonians do. The global network of Estonians and Estonian communities is unparalleled among nations of the world. Estonia is but one of very few countries with both a President and a Prime Minister.
What a festival! Next weekend, on August 29 & 30, the JK Jazz 2009 festival will put on display all these amazing attributes of Estonians, the culture, the spirit and the will to succeed.
Amazing jazz music and awesome artwork will be available for everyone to enjoy, presented in the tranquil and idyllic natural setting of Camp Jõekääru. World-class performers from Canada, Estonia and Cuba will deliver some 12 hours of live music over the two-day festival. The line up includes established masters and up-and-coming stars, some making their Canadian debut.
President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Prime Minister Andrus Ansip of Estonia, as Honourary Patrons of JK Jazz 2009 have both sent greetings and best wishes for the success of the festival. This event, only in its third year of existence has already made great strides in its mission to provide steady, on-going financial support for the capital renovation of Camp Jõekääru’s 50-year old infrastructure.
Camp JK remains just as popular among today’s youth as it has ever been. The camp has a will to survive that is manifested in its youthful and energetic Board of Directors and Camp Leadership Team. Patented Estonian willpower and stubbornness are expected to win out over some rather significant challenges brought about by the camp’s aging facilities and the ever more challenging regulations with which the camp must comply.
Attendees are expected from across Southern-Ontario and from various Estonian communities across Canada and the United States. Rumour has it that even a few resident Estonians, currently visiting Canada, will make an appearance to enjoy the great shows and beautiful art.
What to do next! First get yourself an advance ticket while you still can, on sale at Estore, Sihtkapital and Tartu College! The $30 advance-sale price will save you $10 over the gate price. But since the festival’s proceeds support the children’s camp, every dollar ends up in the right place and buying at the gate may even be an easier option.
Then, plan for either a wonderful day or terrific weekend spent just north of Toronto. Be sure to see the map with driving directions elsewhere in today’s paper. The big-top tent guarantees a terrific festival. Neither the hot sun nor the threat of rain will deter festival-goers. All seating and tables are supplied by the organizers. Park your car, find a seat and let the thrills begin. Food and drink are available at reasonable prices, to ensure that you are nourished enough to enjoy all that the festival has to offer. The Timmas Art Studio, part of Camp JK since its completion just over a year ago, will display art from local artists, for viewing and for sale. Every artist has committed to donating a share of their sale proceeds to Camp JK. What a great way to support artists, help the camp and take home a nice memento of JK Jazz 2009!
A silent auction with terrific items is also sure to tempt most attendees. Your winning bid on any of the generously donated items such as: travel certificates, tennis memberships, golf, artwork, food & drink and lots of other valuable products will further support the objectives of Camp JK.
As the sun sets and the festival winds down for the day, several accommodation alternatives are possible. Pitch a tent, grab a bed in one of the three camp bunkhouses, book yourself into a nearby B&B or motel, or stay with a friend nearby. We are expecting a good sized group of attendees, so making your accommodation arrangements soon is highly recommended.
What more to say! If any lingering questions remain, drop us a line at or visit our website
www.jkjazz.ca. See you at the festival. I will be the one in the great-looking, black JK Jazz 2009 designer t-shirt.
A.E.G.
