Darryl Mar August 1, 2014

Darryl Mar has dedicated his life to jazz, specifically the TD Victoria International JazzFest recently celebrating 30 years and its musical offspring, the Vancouver Island Blues Bash which is about to turn 20 this labour day weekend. Growing up, his parents loved Big Band music and they danced with one another. Those were the foot-tapping sounds of his early childhood, memories he transposed to his discovery of jazz in his teenage years under the tutelage of an uncle who introduced him to the sounds of Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis. How did Mar convince his demographic to take a chance on the art form that requires intellect, soul, and enthusiasm for risk?

“That was the challenge,” he admits, “and it still is. One of my greatest satisfactions is introducing emerging artists, but sometimes new talent is a hard sell. We struggle to get an audience [for them], and three years later the previously unknowns are beyond famous. Then everyone wants to hear them. That never changes.” His goal is to give Victoria audiences the confidence to navigate the firmament themselves.

It was the Victoria's JazzFest that brought Diana Krall to the attention of the world beyond Nanaimo. Mar, who has introduced many world-class musicians in their fledgling years, and is rightfully proud of this scouting acuity.* Our thanks to Darryl Mar for his many contributions to Victoria's Music culture.

*"quote from focus online".

Today gallery updates: Axil (1) Down Under Club (1), Olys (1), Net Loft (1) Sad Bird (1) and Victoria History (4)

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HALLMARK HERITAGE SOCIETY
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