The schedule was released on Saturday for the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, which will take place June 11-21. (Jazz Winnipeg Inc.) The lineup for the renowned Winnipeg International Jazz Festival has been released for the June 11-21 event.

Paul Nolin, executive producer of Jazz Winnipeg Inc., spoke with Terry MacLeod on CBC's Weekend Morning Show on Saturday morning to give jazz enthusiasts a taste of what is to come.

With more than 90 performances crammed into the 11-day festival, Nolin says about two-thirds of the talent is homegrown.

We can also look forward to diverse styles — something that Nolin says is crucial when lining up any festival of this magnitude.

​"I'm making a slightly more concerted effort to increase the star power with the jazz performers," he said.

That star power will include performances by Buddy Guy, Duke Robillard and Charles Bradley.

"If you're into Sharon Jones, Charles is your guy," said Nolin.

Esperanza Spalding ﻿

Nolin goes into depth about certain acts, including Esperanza Spalding﻿.

"Not only is she great," Nolin explains, "but a few years ago she won a Grammy award and people were expecting Justin Beiber to win the award.

"There was a huge uproar, especially online with the Justin Bieber fans," he added. "They went after her. It was quite a story at the time, but it was also something that a jazz musician would win such a big award."

According to Nolin, we can look forward to her "wearing many hats" as she can fit into that classic jazz category as well as one of soulful R&B.

A superstar quartet

A quartet made of up some big names — Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland — will be making its premiere at the jazz festival.

"Now these are four of the heaviest hitters in jazz right now, and it's a new project and Winnipeg is the first stop," said Nolin.

Their show is set for June 20, the second-last day of the festival.

According to Nolin they "fit squarely in the category of modern jazz."

Fresh faces

Otis Brown III is one of the performers that Nolin is particularly excited to have coming to Winnipeg, calling it his "pet project."

"I'm such a fan and I really wanted to get him up here, get him on stages and get him seen," said Nolin.

Brown will make four appearances during the festival. He'll open for Kenny Barron on June 19, followed by a workshop and a club show on June 20, and he will play with the Manitoba high school honour band on June 21.

Nolin recommends that if you want a taste of what Brown has to offer, listen to the album he released in fall 2014 called The Thought of You.

A non-exclusive list of other talents Nolin is looking forward to having in the festival includes Joanna Majoko, Curtis Nowosad, Karl Kohut, ​Luke Sellick, Walle Larsson and Janice Finlay.