Toronto, ON - June 20, 2005 - In yet another example of its commitment to supporting great musical talent, BenQ Canada joins the TD Canada Trust Downtown Toronto Jazz Festival and the TD Canada Vancouver International Jazz Festival in presenting a slew of internationally acclaimed jazz artists on the BenQ World Stage.
From June 24 to July 3 (Toronto), and June 27 – July 3 (Vancouver), the BenQ World Stage at Nathan Philips Square, Toronto, and the BenQ Stage at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza in downtown Vancouver will feature free daily performances from jazz artists hailing from South Asia, Cuba, Paris, India, Denmark, Japan, the Caribbean, Cajun territory, and Canada.
“Jazz is a traditional and inspiring musical art form that is infused with the spirit of cultural diversity,” says Jimmy Davlouros, Executive Vice President for BenQ North America. “There is no better place than Canada, one of the world’s most multi-cultural societies, to celebrate the incredible depth and range of these commanding artists. BenQ Canada is extremely proud to offer the best of international jazz, free of cost to all music lovers.”
The TD Canada Trust Downtown Jazz Festival and TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Festival have been musical mainstays in Toronto and Vancouver for over 20 years, pulling in combined audiences of over 1.6 million. The Festivals are produced and developed by the Toronto Downtown Jazz Society and Coastal Jazz & Blues Society respectively.
“The BenQ World Stage is the first of its kind for the Jazz Festival,” remarks Patrick Taylor, President and CEO of the Toronto Downtown Jazz Society. “BenQ Canada has proven time and time again that they are committed to promoting truly great talent, and their enthusiasm for world music is both refreshing and inspiring. We are very pleased to have them on board.”
The BenQ World Stage in Toronto will feature a number of internationally renowned artists including Autorickshaw, Jane Bunnett’s Descargo Cubana, David Murray & Gwo-Ka Masters, and Swamperella. Shows run from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. every evening at Nathan Phillips Square and are free to the public.
"The BenQ Stage will bring 17 amazing Canadian and international bands to the heart of downtown Vancouver," says Robert Kerr, Executive Director of Coastal Jazz & Blues Society. "BenQ Canada is providing an incredible gift to Vancouver music lovers with their support of the diverse musical talent that will grace this free stage. We are thrilled to have them as a major partner for our 20th anniversary celebration."
World acclaimed jazz bands like Denmark’s Anderskov Accident and Parisian band Collectif Slang join local favourites Dee Daniels, Sekoya and Jim Byrnes on the BenQ World Stage in Vancouver. Shows run from Noon until 7p.m. every evening at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza at Georgia Street and are free to the public.
About BenQ
BenQ is an industry leader in networked digital lifestyle devices with an expertise that encompasses display, storage, imaging, wireless and broadband areas.
BenQ has manufacturing plants in Malaysia, Mexico, China and Taiwan. The company has over 13,865 employees worldwide, supporting a strong global sales marketing and service network spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas. BenQ has research and development facilities in Taiwan (Hsinchu Lab), China (Suzhou Software Development Center) and California, USA (Wireless Technology Center), and has more than 2000 research and development employees in Suzhou, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu and San Diego. BenQ has amassed 2,209 global patents. 2004 revenues exceeded US$4.9 billion dollars. For more information about BenQ, please visit our website at www. BenQ.ca.
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