About Us
Staff
Julie Dawn Smith, Executive Director
With over 25 years of experience in the management of jazz festivals and jazz
education programs Julie brings a wealth of experience to one of Guelph's "Fab
Five" festivals. Julie is the former Executive Director of Coastal Jazz, producer of
the acclaimed TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and former Executive
Director of the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Beyond presenting myriad concerts and
festivals, Julie has developed many innovative and important jazz programs
including intensive student educational residencies, College training programs in
improvised music, academic symposia, web-based oral history projects and jazz
festivals showcasing women musicians.
Ajay Heble, Artistic Director
Ajay Heble is the festival's founding and current artistic director. He is a jazz piano player, listener and author. He teaches English at the University of Guelph, and is also director of a multi-university social research project entitled Improvisation, Community, and Social Practice.
Julie Hastings, Director of Operations
Julie has been involved with the Guelph Jazz Festival since 1995 when she started out as a volunteer and subsequently became a staff member working on many aspects of the Festival. She has immensely enjoyed her experiences and associations generated during that time and is deeply appreciative that her horizons have expanded widely.
Festival Staff
The Guelph Jazz Festival is fortunate to have the support of the following key staff members: Julie Dawn Smith (Executive Director), Mari Biehn (Development Manager), Theresa Shelton (Marketing Director), Brian Gillis (Marketing Manager), Rachel Shoup (Colloquium Coordinator).
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