Larry Kurtz
Is a long time musician and lead singer of the award winning Trouble and Strife Blues Band, Larry’s passion for the Blues is so profound he wanted to celebrate it with his community. As Founder of the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival, Larry’s name is synonymous with the Festival. Over the years Larry has participated in all aspects of the Festival, and remains the Artistic Director and driving force 11 years later. Larry studied Media Arts at Sheridan College and along with his talent as a musician and artist, he is a fine craftsman and the owner of Kurtz Architectural Millworks in Orangeville for the past 24 years. Larry commitment to high quality craftsmanship is well known and he is just as committed to securing high quality programming at each and every Festival.
Peter Ross
Peter brings extensive experience in marketing and development combined with income building for major Canadian Arts Organizations. Some of these include The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Canadian Opera Company, Canadian Film Centre and The Toronto Symphony. He developed the largest endowment program for any cultural organization in Canada, initiated a comprehensive series of programs to facilitate revenue growth, and implemented a conversion of ticketing distribution and management. His success in these areas required building significant sources of income by leveraging business opportunities and actions to drive revenue growth while focusing on brand development, capital fundraising and financial capacity building. Peter’s high standards of professional and personal integrity result in strong relationships with stake-holders, donors and co-workers and will be a major compliment to create a highly recognized and successful festival.
Gary Skinn
Gary is a long time Festival Volunteer with extensive experience “on the ground” as a site/operations facilitator. With a science background and electrical skill he, along with his wife and children, share two main passions: music and gardening. Working both at home and in the community, Gary is thrilled to be turning these hobbies into a career as the operations manager of the OBJF.
Norm Trudeau
A long-time festival volunteer, you may have seen Norm on stage as a member of the duo The Travelling Wannabes, or as an emcee at the Opera House Stage. New to the Volunteer Coordinator position, Norm has been a resident of Orangeville for over 50 years and brings experience in business management, and loves working with people. Recently retired, Norm is super excited to be taking on this role and working with the over 270 volunteers for festival.