The 16th annual Jazz at the Festival is coming back to Sylvan Lake this weekend, starting Friday, August 17th and going until Sunday.

President of the board for Jazz at the Lake Festival Eric Allison says Sylvan used to be the place our grandparents would head to on a Saturday night to blow off some steam.

“Sylvan Lake has a rich history of live music, and it goes all the back to the war years with the dance halls that were here. At one time there were three operating dance halls and they played a lot of jazz and swing music, and attracted people from all over the province and beyond. It was a hub for live music.”

Featuring a number of artists from all across the country, almost every stage and community hall in town will be playing host to the musicians, and even audience members will get the chance to participate, says Allison.

“We have a jam session called ‘Late Night Lions Jam’, which happens after our headliner concert Laila Biala on the Saturday night, and we have a good house rhythm section, some fine musicians from Red Deer, Quartet, everyone is encouraged, if they play or sing, to bring an instrument, bring their voice, and come jam.”

Acts will be performing at indoor and outdoor venues all over town, including the Lions hall, farmers market, and Centennial Park.

For more information, you can check out their website, Jazzatthelake.com.