One of the most notable things at this year's Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival was the youthful flavour at the event.
According to Michael Campbell, president of the Jazz Festival Society, each of the bands were well-received but he noted that one, the Curbside Jazz Band, from Chilliwack, stood out.
"They were the surprise hit of the festival, and got several standing ovations," he said of the band, which has members aging from 16 to 22.
"They were so good, that we had to find a place for them in the closing ceremonies," said Campbell.
He was also pleased by the numbers for this year's festival, held Sept. 5 to 7. Attendance levels increased by nearly 500 compared to the 2013 festival.
Campbell he was also encouraged by the enthusiasm and helpful spirit exhibited by a small group of volunteers from Princess Margaret Secondary School.
"That's nice to see," he said. "Our volunteer base is one our strengths at the festival. We were told by many of the people who came how pleasant and helpful our volunteers were."