The Ottawa Jazz Festival is giving young musicians a taste of the limelight during its fourth day Sunday.
Part of the lineup at downtown's Confederation Park was dedicated to bands like the Ottawa Junior Jazz Band, where older musicians wee playing their last show before handing off their sheet music.
"This is when the old guys like us hand off our folders to some of the new players," said Eric Littlewood. "It's their turn to step up to the plate."
For others, it was their first experience at the 11-day event
"I discovered that it's a great community, it's a lot of great players, it really is a challenge for musicians," said Keagan Eskritt.
"I think it's actually amazing because not many people get to play here," said Mariyam Qureshi of Avalon Public School. "We're the only public school that got chosen so it's kind of a good feeling that we got chosen over everyone."
About 300,000 people visited last year's festival, with the same number expected for this year's edition.
"We put about $24 million dollars worth of economic impact back in the economy last year, 13 per cent of our overall audience were tourists," said Catherine O'Grady with the festival.
"This year is going to be even higher, right now we're at about 17 per cent and we're just starting."
The festival is the second longest-running jazz festival in the country and has its share of younger fans to keep up the support.
"I feel that there are no guidelines in jazz, unlike other classical music you have to play what's on the paper," said Alice Li of the Ottawa Junior Jazz Band.
"In jazz it's something relaxing and enjoyable."
"It's different, it's not as many people in the band and there are more solo opportunities. It's more funkier at times," said Shayla Ward.
The Ottawa Jazz Festival runs until July 1.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Katie Griffin
