The Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival returns from May 30 - June 2, 2013

It's almost that time of year again...

Now entering its 11th consecutive year, the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival has established a well-earned reputation as "the place to be in the first weekend in June" and has been recognized as one of Ontario's Top 100 Festivals by Festivals and Events Ontario for the third consecutive year!

Over the years, our award-winning Festival has grown from its very humble beginnings to one of the most successful and highly-anticipated events in The Hills of Headwaters region - now attracting well in excess of 30,000 people from across Southern Ontario and beyond.

This spectacular Festival would not be possible without the generosity of our many sponsors or the tireless efforts and countless hours logged by its army of volunteers. And this year's Festival is shaping-up to be one of the best yet!

An added bonus is that on Friday and Saturday there will also be shuttle bus service connecting Orangeville's major parking areas to the Festival's location. Click HERE for details.

For more information, including the event schedule, list of performers, venues, and overnight accommodations options throughout the Hills of Headwaters Region, visit the Festival website at  www.objf.org.

See you from May 30 to June 2, 2013. You'll not want to miss it!!

PS. Don't forget to bring your refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Most of the Festival's events are outdoors and the weather can get quite hot.

TWO Contests Offering INCREDIBLE Prizes It's a given that the 2013 Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival will offer exceptional entertainment, events and food throughout the Festival weekend.   However, this year is extra special due to the fact that there are TWO contests offering incredible prizes. You can WIN a 7-night/8-day Caribbean Cruise  from Celebrity Cruise Lines - including return airfare from Toronto's Pearson International Airport. This prize is valued at $4,000. Tickets are $10 each, or $25 for three.   The winning ticket will be drawn at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 2 at the Festival's Main Stage at Alexandra Park. Click HERE for cruise details and info on where to get tickets. You are also invited to enter for a chance to WIN Blues and Jazz Festival VIP Prize Package valued at $1,700. Prizes include: overnight accommodation, meals and a number of other great inclusions, courtesy of the Businesses & Merchants of Downtown Orangeville.   This contest closes on Sunday, May 26, 2013, so don't delay. Click HERE for contest details or to enter.   PLEASE NOTE: Contest entries from Facebook Fans of the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival will automatically be counted as two entries during the contest draw. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to visit and "Like" the Festival's Facebook page before entering.

Thursday, May 30th - Opening Night Gala! The 11th Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival will officially kick-off on May 30th at 6:30pm with the highly anticipated Meridian Opening Night Gala at the Best Western PLUS Orangeville Inn & Suites. This year's gala is proudly sponsored by Meridian Credit Union and will feature an impressive line-up of blues and jazz talents, including: Orangeville's own Ryan Grist & the Jazz Society Septet, Manitoba Hal  and the Ben Racine Band. This is a gated event and it is sure to sell out.   Tickets can be purchased in advance for $35 at BookLore in Orangeville or by calling the Festival Office at 519-941-9041 or 1-888-792-5837 TOLL FREE.   Tickets can also be purchased at the door - if any remain - for $40.

Friday, May 31st - Blues, Jazz & Classic Cars Friday's festivities will begin with a full slate of entertainment at various venues throughout Orangeville and the surrounding area. Back by popular demand is the Dairy Queen / Ideal Supply Blues Cruise on Broadway classic car show. This year's event will run from 5:00pm to 9:00pm and will feature over 300 cars and nine bands playing live on the streets of downtown Orangeville. The Royal LePage Main Stage at Alexandra Park will open for business at 8:15pm with a performance by Larry Kurtz & the Lawbreakers, followed by the Ben Racine Band at 9:30pm. As always, these events are family-friendly and FREE to the public.

Saturday, June 1st - Music, Motorcycles & Harry Manx! On Saturday you are encouraged to visit Market on Broadway from 8:00am until 1:00pm where hundreds gather each week to purchase and indulge in the many wonderful foods grown and produced throughout the Hills of Headwaters region   During the Festival there will also be dozens of vendors selling a wide variety of foods and other products. Next door to the Festival vendors, at Alexandra Park, the Royal LePage Main Stage  will offer its first day of FREE open-air concerts. Performances will begin at 12:30pm and will feature a tremendous line-up of local and internationally-renowned artists, including: Patrick Lehman, John Knight & Soulstack and Toni Lynne Washington, among others. For those looking for a quieter scene, the  TD Canada Trust Acoustic Tent will offer two days of performances by a wide variety of local and visiting artists   You are also invited to attend the FREE musical Workshop Series at the Orangeville Library to learn the finer details of making exceptional music. New this year is the Local Stars Stage, located at the front of Town Hall, which will showcase two days (Saturday and Sunday) of performances by some of the absolutely exceptional musical talent based in this area. This is a venue you definitely want to visit. Also starting at 1:00pm, Mill Street will be of interest to motorcycle buffs as the 4th Annual Orangeville Blues & Bikes Show & Shine event kicks off. This event will also feature live performances by A Touch of Blonde, Falcon Jane and Night Train. Throughout the day,  venues throughout the area will feature live entertainment and, as if this wasn't enough, at 7:45pm Jordan John & the Blues Angels will take the Main Stage, followed by a performance by the incomparable, multi-Juno Award winner Harry Manx at 9:30pm. A fantastic way to close out an incredible day.

Sunday, June 2nd - Closing Party with Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils While June 2nd is the final day of the 11th Annual Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, it too boasts a full schedule of events. The day will again feature FREE open-air performances at the Royal LePage Main Stage, featuring performances by: The Soul Collective,  Alan Gerber, Robi Botos,  Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils, Barbara Lica, and 2013 Juno Award Winner Steve Strongman! The TD Canada Trust Acoustic Tent and the Local Stars Stage will also re-open for business and there will be more performances at various locales throughout the area.  Finally, there is no better way to wrap-up this year's Festival than with an Official Festival Closing Party at the Mill Street Pub - featuring Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils. The party will start at 7:00pm, there is no admission charge and, in typical Festival fashion, you never know which headline performers will drop in to jam!