Jazz festival returns to Uptown Waterloo [Video]

Jazz music filled the air as a longstanding festival returned to Waterloo.

The Sun Life Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival is now in its 31st year. The annual free celebration draws artists from around the world for a multi-day exploration of music and art.

“Because of the reputation we have, it seems that people want to play this festival,” Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival Artistic Director Derek Hines told CTV News Sunday afternoon. “The audiences are really responsive. Friday night for Laila Biali, they were super appreciative of her, and last night was crazy with Hilario Duran. Every seat was full right up until the last note.”

Aspiring musicians also got their chance to wow the crowd on Sunday.

“We have the Youth Jazz Ensemble, part two. It’s a great program run through the festival made up of middle school, high school and university students. The only thing they share is a …