South Coast Jazz Festival returns for 13th year

South Coast Jazz Festival is marking 13 years of bringing music to rural Ontario with a 2026 edition anchored by the world premiere of previously unreleased music by legendary Canadian jazz pianist Gene DiNovi and a full weekend of performances spanning jazz, blues, folk, Indigenous music, and French and English programming.

"After 13 years, South Coast Jazz has become so much more than a music festival," said Founder, Executive and Artistic Director Juliann Kuchocki. "It's a celebration of community, culture, collaboration and Canadian excellence. This year's festival is particularly meaningful because we're bringing together legendary artists, emerging talent, Indigenous programming, youth workshops, internationally acclaimed musicians in one weekend that truly reflects who we are as Canadians."

At the heart of this year's festival is a tribute to DiNovi, one of Canada's most respected jazz pianists, composers, and arrangers, whose career included performing and recording alongside Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, and Lena Horne, and who was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie and joined his band in New York City at just 16 years old.

Produced by Kuchocki and marking her first full set performance at the festival in 13 years, the tribute coincides with the release of her new album “Kuchocki Sings DiNovi, But Only For You,” which features contributions from Canadian musicians with Grammy and JUNO credentials. The centrepiece of the evening is the world premiere of a previously unreleased Gene DiNovi composition written with Peggy Lee.

Sharing the spotlight is Red Hot Ramble, one of Canada's most exciting traditional jazz ensembles, bringing New Orleans-influenced swing and blues to the festival with an approach built for dancing.

"Port Dover peeps love to dance," said Kuchocki, describing the group's connection with festival audiences.

Rounding out the evening's programming are Indigenous performances from Jai King Green, the Carla Muller Band, and a hands-on Cuban music and dance lesson, reflecting Kuchocki's vision for a lineup that mirrors a full breadth of Canada's musical culture.

"Canada's story is one of many cultures, traditions and musical voices," Kuchocki said. "Jazz has always embraced collaboration and diversity, so it felt natural to bring together Indigenous artists, French and English performances, folk traditions, blues, Latin influences and contemporary jazz into one festival. When audiences experience different cultures together, barriers disappear and communities grow stronger."

Downloading advance tickets are strongly recommended, with Free GA and VIP seating limited and the first 100 VIP ticket holders receiving reserved table seating. Tickets and the complete festival schedule are available at SouthCoastJazz.com and Eventbrite.