It takes a concerted effort by sponsors, government funders, suppliers, volunteers and staff to make the Ottawa Jazz Festival possible – and this year is no exception.
Taking place from June 23-30, the festival has become a significant and consistent contributor to the city’s nightlife, bringing in $448 million by tourists since 2009.
Because of its significant economic impact, several members of the business community have joined forces to support the festival, because as they say, it makes good business sense.
For many years – and even throughout the pandemic – OLG has stood behind the festival as the presenting sponsor.
Returning again in 2023, OLG will continue to brand the OLG Stage at Marion Dewar Plaza in front of Ottawa City Hall, as well as all of the series that take place on the stage – most significantly the highly popular OLG After Dark Series at 10:30pm.
This late night programming attracts many, bringing life to the downtown core and business for restaurants, clubs and hotels.
“OLG has a long history of supporting events that bring people together and strengthen communities, like the Ottawa Jazz Festival. It’s all part of OLG’s commitment to giving back as each year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario,” said Catherine Meade, OLG’s vice-president community, sustainability & social responsibility. “
We are thrilled to return as Presenting Sponsor and hope everyone enjoys the great entertainment offered at this year’s festival.”
Since the festival’s inception, the Lord Elgin Hotel has also been a supportive partner – you never know which major artist may show up to jam with the house band at the Late Night Jamming Sessions held at Grill 41!
Conveniently located directly across the street from Confederation Park, the Festival’s principal venue, the venerable hotel provides discounts for out of town festival goers, along with several other downtown hotels.
The business case for supporting the Ottawa Jazz Festival
Businesses can also leverage their support of the festival to bring together clients and staff for an evening of entertainment.
In 2022, CAA enjoyed a highly successful evening in the VIP tent – so much so they enhanced their participation this year as a significant new sponsor. A special tent will host, by invitation, CAA members in an advantageous location, because it pays to be a member.
The law firm Kelly Santini has also sponsored Main Stage headlining concerts for many years while hosting VIP evenings for its clients and staff.
While businesses can use the opportunity to connect with their network, the festival is also a great opportunity to support the broader community.
Music students from high schools and universities across Ottawa are invited by the festival to submit an application with samples of them playing to participate in the Stingray Jazz Youth Summit.
This program provides training, workshops and performance opportunities at the Festival for young and hopeful Canadian jazz musicians.
Food, drink & culture galore
Other official partners include several Ontario producers who showcase their locally made products at the festival.
Collective Arts Brewing fuses the creativity of craft beverages with the inspired talents of artists from around the world, while Stream Water provides water in 100 per cent recyclable containers. Ottawa’s renowned Saunders Farm recently became a cider partner; and Pelee Island Winery is the festival’s wine sponsor.
Meanwhile, Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa, the exclusive representative for STEINWAY & SONS for the Ottawa Area, provides the world’s finest handcrafted pianos for musicians performing at the festival.
If you’re still looking for a reason to get involved, the Ottawa Jazz Festival was named as one of 2023s Top 100 Festivals & Events by Festivals and Events Ontario, and was featured by CNN as one of the many reasons to visit the nation’s capital.
