06-07-2025
New jazz and arts festival a ‘testament' to interest in Windsor
Kasan Belgrave, left, and Russ Macklem perform at the first ever Port Windsor Jazz & Arts Festival in Windsor, Ont. on July 6, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)
For the second time in as many days, a new platform for jazz musicians and fans alike debuted in Windsor.
Parked in lawn chairs, music lovers sat around the Mary E. Bibb Park Gazebo to enjoy the Port Windsor Jazz & Arts Festival.
Hugh Leal, the festival's artistic director and producer, told CTV News the event was an 'outgrowth' of various jazz events throughout the years.
'I think it's a testament to interest in jazz in Windsor. There's been an uptick in that there's some new young players that have come along the last eight or nine years,' Leal said.
The day-long event featured acts outside, as well as inside Mackenzie Hall. Along with jazz tunes, the festival featured poetry, visual arts, vendors, and dancing.
Leal, who has a lengthy list of accomplishments in the jazz industry, said the genre has at times been described as 'on its way out,' but always seems to find new momentum.
'I mean, there's musicians that have this talent. It's inside of them. They want to improvise. They want them to swing,' Leal said.
'So, this is a music that's been around now for about 120 years. I don't see it going anywhere.'
As for the recent uptick of events in Windsor, Leal noted there's a growing appreciation for the genre and what it brings.
'The music is a little more laid back, a little cool right now, and there's an audience for that, that wants to just be able to relax,' he said.
