Coastal Jazz & Blues Society Appoints New Executive Director

Vancouver’s Coastal Jazz & Blues Society, presenter of the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, has announced the appointment of its new executive director. 

Mike Forrester comes to Coastal Jazz from Toronto, where he worked with the internationally acclaimed Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Luminato Festival.

“It is an honour to have been chosen for the role,” said Forrester in a media release. “Throughout the process, I have been struck not only by the quality of the art-form being presented by the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society and in Vancouver generally, but also by the dedication and commitment of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and supporters of the Festival. I look forward very much to working with them to further the mission of the Society, and to enhancing the lives of those in the community and those who have the privilege to visit Vancouver during the Festival.”

Coastal Jazz, now in its 29th year, is one of Canada's largest arts organizations and is BC's most active music presenter. The TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the city's largest annual cultural event, draws over 560,000 to its many indoor and outdoor stages each year. 

This year's TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival takes place June 20-July 1 at venues across Vancouver. For more information, visit coastaljazz.ca.