The TD Ottawa International Jazz Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary at the end of the month, bringing with it a wide variety of artists spanning the jazz genre.

What started as a few musicians holding a weekend jam session has, in a few decades, grown in ways no one has expected, according to James Hale, the festival's media consultant.

This festival was one of Canada’s first jazz events of its type, and has become an important part of the city’s cultural landscape. The festival, which runs June 24 to July 4, promises a broad palette of music, and along with new additions to the roster — such as pianist Herbie Hancock and E-street band drummer Max Weinberg — will also see the return of several recurring participants.

One such contributor is freelance bassist John Geggie, who will be returning to play at the festival's nightly jam sessions.

Geggie said he thinks the jam session element “is an essential part” of the festival, and adds to the sense of sharing of the event.

"From one night to the next, you never know who will be there," Geggie said. "Everyone’s in it for the joy of the music."

Geggie's musical career began at age six in Wakefield, studying piano with the church organist. Geggie said he moved on to the trumpet and trombone in high school, only learning the bass afterward.

He said he has found it crucial to “be open to different kinds of music,” and to remember that while playing an instrument is fun, there must always be an element of focus and dedication to the art.

Geggie will be performing at the fourth stage at the National Arts Centre this month, collaborating with drummer Nick Fraser and Nancy Walker, with whom he has been playing with for years. He said he feels privileged to have a venue and a respectful audience.

“It’s very rewarding,” he said. Geggie said he likes classical music as much as jazz, and composes music as often as he improvises.

With improvisation, Geggie said he feels there is a sense of responsibility to the great jazz tradition, with this particular style of music being rooted in freedom and dialogue.

“It’s like never eating the same food the same way. Do I eat the same toast for breakfast every morning? I hope not!” he said, adding that there should be variation.

There are many different styles of jazz at the festival — even electronic jazz has its place.

For Geggie, the festival represents a “coming together of musicians, and a great opportunity for people to listen to lots of kinds of jazz and try them out.”