Free concerts by Nik West and Lady Wray announced as part of this year's jazz fest

As part of its upcoming 32nd annual edition, the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival has announced a series of free concerts and special initatives.

The festival, which takes place at various Vancouver venues from June 22 to July 2, is set to feature performances by 1,800 artists from around the world.

Special initatives include the festival's long-term commitment to its Made in the U.K. series, which continues for a sixth consecutive year, as well as Spotlight on Italy, which showcases artists working on the diverse Italian jazz scene.

Free concerts include the Downtown Jazz Weekend, which takes place June 24 and 25 at the Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square. This music and arts village features family activities, artisan markets, two licensed bars, a large viewing screen, and 30 national, international, and resident student band performances on three stages.

Other free festival offerings are nightly jam sessions at Frankie's Jazz Club, Downtown Jazz, David Lam Park Jazz Weekend, and Canada Day on Granville Island, as well as concerts taking place throughout the city at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church, Ironworks Afternoon Sessions, Granville Island in the afternoons, and at several North Shore venues.

Jazz fans can expect to take in performances by international stars such as Nik West, Lady Wray, Neil Cowley Trio, and Lina Nyberg during these events.

For up-to-the-date information, check out the festival's website.

Follow Jennie Ramstad on Twitter at @jennieramstad.