By Maheen Nusrat

The 4th Annual Langley Jazz Festival is set to go this weekend. The free, one-day, outdoor event was originally conceived by Langley resident, Rudy Storteboom, to fill a musical void in the jazz scene in Langley.

Storteboom believed the community had extensive talent and she wanted to find an avenue to encourage it. In 2005, Storteboom and a group of dedicated, local music enthusiasts created the Langley Jazz Festival.

This year’s festival on June 7 starts at 11 a.m. There will be three stages in Douglas Park for the musical acts. The festival promises to be a fun-filled day.

The festival is a showcase for the Langley musicians, including local high school jazz bands. Twenty-one bands and a 400-square-foot, hardwood dance floor in front of the Fat City Stage is sure to keep everyone entertained throughout the day. At 7 p.m., the festival culminates in a two-hour concert held at the Fat City Stage. This year’s featured performer is Alexander Browne & The Aristocrats of Swing.

"Things are super busy at the Jazz headquarters," said Fat Swing City owner Omer Mahmood. "I need volunteers to help out on the day of the festival. All volunteers will get a free festival T-shirt, a meal voucher so they can have something to eat and drink, and most importantly, bragging rights to be a part of a great event."

To volunteer, send an e-mail to info@fatcityswing.com with the following in the subject bar, "Heck yes I wanna volunteer."

For more information, call Omer Mahmood at 604.825.7045.