Board of Directors

I joined the board of NIJFA in early 2024 and was elected president in October. I bring a background in business as CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for a decade in addition to roles in the local arts and culture community spanning some 25 years. I’ve served as an event creator, planner, promoter and presenter with the Vancouver Island International Children’s Festival, Downtown Nanaimo Business Association, Commercial Street Night Market and with numerous non-profit arts and culture organizations.

I look forward to leading a progressive group of volunteers and board members in planning and presenting year-round events while creating an annual Fall Festival that will stand with the best on the west coast. We’ll keep our eyes on diversity within the broad jazz genre, look to break emerging talent while balancing more classical work into the mix. We want to attract new audiences to experience the best in local and regional artists alongside international touring attractions — hope you’ll join us!

I became one of the founding board members when NIJFA was getting started in 2016 under the leadership of Andrew Homzy. Today, I serve as Vice President on the Board. Previously, I was a volunteer with the Victoria Jazz Festival exposed to amazing musicians and talent year after year. I contribute to NIJFA by donation of my images from HA Photography. In other community service activities, I sit on the board of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance and Nanaimo Ultimate Association.

I was asked -- what was the best jazz concert you ever attended? My response is… the best jazz concert that I did not attend. At Victoria Jazz Festival, I was invited to see Dizzy Gillespie FOR FREE! Did I go? Nope -- I decided to see the movie Waterworld instead. Regrets? I’ve got a few.

Nothing makes me happier than contributing to my thriving community where arts and culture are front and center. See you at this year’s Jazz Fest!

Natasha Hoskins is a talented, passionate and committed musician with a love for her music community. Born and raised in Nanaimo, she was surrounded by diverse music influences where she mostly fell in love with Jazz and R&B. Natasha taught drums for over a decade, specializing in jazz drumming after completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Vancouver Island University in jazz studies.

Natasha plays with many Vancouver Island based groups including Elise Boulanger, Sol Azul and her own groups where she sings while playing drums. She has served as a director and secretary of the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association (NIJFA) board since 2017. She was invited to found the Festival’s parade band by Andrew Homzy.

As Board Secretary Natasha directs the membership base and documents the association’s business as a non-profit. The ability to support her music community by providing performance opportunities and bringing national and international acts to Nanaimo is what drives Natasha to continue her work with NIJFA.

Monica Briggs serves as the Treasurer of NIJFA playing a key role in the financial management and strategic planning of the organization. Her dual expertise in finance and property management significantly benefits NIJFA, ensuring the festival's sustainability and growth within Nanaimo's vibrant arts community.

Monica helps ensure the Festival maintains its connection with the Old City Quarter and Downtown Nanaimo due to her historic roles there and also acts as a vital interface with City Hall. She has overseen major seasonal events in addition to the annual ‘Sounds of Summer’.

Beyond her contributions to the Old City Quarter, the Jazz Festival and everything else that goes on in that part of town, Monica has been the Property & Leasing Manager at Zorkin Group for over 30 years. She dedicates much of her time to many boards and working committees in the community.

I joined the Board of NIJFA in 2023 and am responsible for leading our volunteer force. I’m also proud editor of our new monthly newsletter. 

I grew up in a jazz-loving household – imagine that in prairie land Saskatchewan! -- and have always enjoyed every sub-genre of jazz. Before my family moved to Nanaimo in 2012, I spent many years as a volunteer at the SaskTel Saskatchewan International Jazz Festival in Saskatoon.  I have fond memories of live performances by Diana Krall giving it her everything at our little prairie festivals long before she became famous!

One of the wildest concerts I ever attended was British sax player Courtney Pine who went so off script that his band walked off-stage and quit on the spot! Thanks to everyone who supports live music in Nanaimo!

Trish Horrocks is a passionate music educator (violin/viola) who is deeply embedded in the arts scene of the Central Island region. Trish and her husband Geoff were the recipients of the 2020 City of Nanaimo Honour in Culture Award in recognition of their contributions to Nanaimo’s music community.

Trish is the director of Fiddelium, a 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards winner. They’re nationally-recognized performance and leadership training program (based in Nanaimo) is the founder of the West Coast Youth Fiddle Summit. Trish is excited about the thriving youth music community here in Nanaimo and is looking forward to facilitating collaborations between professional performers and student performers.

Her board experience has included the Unity House Emergency Shelter (Fort McMurray), London Fringe Festival, the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, and the Nanaimo Fiddle Society. She is a member of the Old City Arts Hub Steering Committee and a solid youth community supporter. 

Born on the prairies into a family that shares music, guitar starred in my teenage years; as Harry Chapin said, “somebody told me its more mellow”.

Retail music was my earliest career, with good fortune to support music events, meet, and sometimes perform with very capable and well-known musicians.

I relocated to the west coast 30 years ago to expand my business career and build my community involvement. Past appointments include Boards of Directors, Chambers of Commerce, Chair of a Federal Self Employment program, Rotary Club President, and Director of Chilliwack Flight Fest. Sponsorship and promotion responsibilities have been as varied as local music events, fundraising concerts, and the industry leading Abbotsford Air Show.

I had a fabulous and challenging few years performing with the Nanaimo Musician’s Association Big Band; surrounded by the inspiring culture of VIU’s music department, professors, alumni, students, and talented amateur musicians. Being involved with NIJFA provides an opportunity for continuing in our vibrant mid-Island community through music.