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Rebbeck founded a jazz society in 1991 and helped kicked off local jazz programming that laid the foundation for the modern iteration of the festival that launched six years later.

He took the reigns as the festival’s executive and artistic director in fall 1998 and served in the role until he officially retired last year.

That legacy has made it easy to transition as JazzFest enters a new era, artistic director Kodi Hutchinson said.

“The volunteer teams and all the people who are involved with this festival, it’s actually very easy, because everyone knows their jobs so well,” Hutchinson told CHAT News.

“Things are just happening as they have in past years, where shows get set up, artists get set up and the volunteer crews, they’re so smart and know what to do,” he added.

“And you get to see they love doing it, and they’ve been doing it for years — and that’s all because of Lyle.”

Hutchinson, a bass instructor at the University of Calgary, said he has gone to Reddeck in the past for advice on setting up other jazz festivals.

That hasn’t changed.

“Lyle has been working as a consultant to help us transition this year,” Hutchinson said.

“He’s been very hands-on, helpful, and our hope is that he’ll feel he’s comfortable to fully retire. But, for the moment, we’ve really benefited from his help and advice.”

Hutchinson said festival fans will be able to spot Reddeck out at the various artist performances, workshops and community-focused events that make up JazzFest.

A new workshop for this year aims to invest in the future of the jazz world.

The Youth Jazz Intensive is a fully-funded, three-day program for musicians aged 18 to 25 from across Alberta.

Its participants will receive hands-on training and mentorship from top Canadian jazz educators Tyler Hornby and Audrey Ochoa.

The program, free for its participants, will culminate in a live performance at the festival’s flagship weekend concert.

The youth musicians will join three jazz headliners for the Super T Aviation Hanger Dance Party that runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.

Hutchinson said educating youth is part of a “very long game in jazz and festival management.”

“We try and give these kids access and capability to get better at their craft, and if they become professional musicians in any art form, it just makes them better,” Hutchinson said.

“If they do something else in their life, they become informed music goers and listeners, and they bring their friends along,” he added.

“It grows the audience, it helps build the skill set of artists in the province, and we’re excited about all of it.”

The jazz festival offers a mix of free and paid events taking place in various locations in Medicine Hat until Sunday.

A full schedule, tickets and more information is available on the Medicine Hat Jazz Festival page.