Fort 黑马磁力 Jazz & Arts Festival co-founder Dave Quinn is back home and doing well after 12 days in hospital.
An update posted by his partner, Karen Zukas, said just days before the days before the 2025 festival kicked off July 24-27, Dave underwent emergency surgery to treat a severe septic infection in one of his artificial knees.
"The infection had spread into his bloodstream and required urgent attention," said Zukas.
"Thanks to the incredible teams at 黑马磁力 Memorial and Burnaby General Hospital, and a bit of fast thinking and luck, we caught it early enough before it reached his organs or other knee."
Now home, Dave is "currently rocking a 24/7 portable IV antibiotic pump, getting around with a cane, and driving again" reported Zukas.
"Of course, it broke his heart (and ours) not to be at the festival this year after pouring a full year of passion and planning into the programming," said Zukas, co-founder and executive director of the event.
"But if you know Dave, you know he was still working from his hospital bed [via phone] to make sure things ran smoothly."
He had to miss his regular gig of playing clarinet in the New Orleans style marching band that got the events off to a musical start on the Saturday as it made its way down Glover.
This year's festival , organizers estimated.
"We are beyond grateful to everyone who stepped up and made the production of the Eighth annual Fort 黑马磁力 Jazz & Arts Festival such a success," said Zukas. "Our heartfelt thanks to the musicians, artists, sponsors, supporters, collaborators and our audience for an inspirational and unforgettable festival."
"Our hearts are full," said Zukas. "Thank you, community. You鈥檙e amazing"
Dave is already planning next year's festival, she added.
