How fast a summer flashes by!

Georgia Straight Jazz Society invites you become a regular Thursday night jazz aficionado as we kick off the 2011-2012 season with an exciting evening of modern jazz on September 8th at 7:30 at the Elks’ Home on Sixth Street. Why become a regular? This is the first of forty – yes forty – Thursday night concerts between early September and June 2012; by attending a good portion of these, for nothing more than a suggested $5 donation at the door, you will experience not only the breadth of jazz music on offer by local and regional artists but also the depth of talent we are privileged to enjoy in our community.

The past two years have seen a tremendous growth in popularity of Thursday Night Jazz at the Elks’; average attendance last season was about 80, and our peak attendances were around 150. Equally dynamic has been the growth in the number of bands and combos which have spawned in response to the opportunity to perform before an appreciative live audience in a lounge atmosphere. This is truly a unique experience in our region, and the Georgia Straight Jazz Society warmly invites you to c’mon down and see why so many have made Thursday evening an early springboard into their weekend activities.

And talking about the growth of new acts, our season starts with a truly exciting act: The Jeff Drummond Quartet will make its Courtenay debut. Jeff is an accomplished jazz guitar player with 20 years of performing, touring and recording experience.  He has recently moved to the Comox Valley and joined forces with top notch Island musicians – well known to regular attendees – Aaron Amar on drums, John Hyde on upright bass and Dan Craven on saxophone for an evening of great music. The group will be performing choice standards along with a handful of Jeff's originals that will span from a traditional to modern jazz approach.

The Lensmen

Thursday Sept 15

After last Thursday’s season opener when Jeff Drummond treated us to some incredible modern jazz in a George Benson vein, this week the Georgia Straight Jazz Society brings you the treat of an evening of smooth easy going oldies.

The Lensmen collectively bring decades of experience to recreate music that has been around a long time. The group’s repertoire reaches back to just about the turn of the century, 1900 that is, and through the 40’s. They have also been known to play a little jazz beyond the Big Band era with Len Wilkie crooning a la Frank Sinatra and are not ashamed to say even a little country. Oldies but goodies in will include “When You’re Smilin’”, “Mack the Knife”, “Moon River”, “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Deed I Do”.

The Lensmen are Noel Thomas - cornet, Mike Eddy - piano, Al West - bass and Len Wilkie - drums. Noel Thomas has played with many fine groups over the years, including brass bands, dance bands, Dixieland bands, even some symphony, Ice Capades and circus bands. He is also a founding member of the original Desperation Jazz Band. He likes almost all music, “So long as it’s good, played with honesty; musicians always striving to perform their best”. Noel brings a smooth musical sensitivity and Dixieland, bluesy feel to the music that will make you close your eyes and savour each phrase while keeping your toe tapping.

Mike Eddy is fairly new to the valley and has been blown away by the Jazz scene here. He met many fantastic musicians while playing Bass in the Georgia Strait Big Band and filling in on piano with many of the local jazz groups. He has a degree in classical piano performance that has enhanced his love for Jazz. He played in a multitude of groups including everything from Dixie to rock, and was musical director for Keyano College Theatre in Ft. McMurray for ten years.  A retired High School Band teacher, his greatest love for the past many years has been playing Jazz.

Al West is a multi-talented instrumentalist, well know to local jazz aficionados, who brings an extremely melodic approach to his bass solos and rock solid approach to his bass lines as part of the rhythm section. Al flirts with many instruments, but the banjo, and his vocals will delight and take you back to time of entertaining lyrics and pulsing banjo accompaniment. Al’s musical roots range from rock and roll to country fiddle music. He is an active bassist about town, playing for musicals, the symphony, the Comox Valley concert band and “bass”ically, anywhere he is needed.

Len Wilkie learned his trade with big band and small jazz groups in Europe. On his return to Canada he was the drummer with the Commodores big band as well as backing some rock & roll groups. He toured with the "Canadair Variety Stage Band" (out of Montreal) throughout the east coast. Moving west, he was the drummer/vocalist with the "Dixie Stompers / Desperation Jazz Band" for 22 years, while playing with other country and pop groups. Today he brings his smooth vocals and impeccable swing feel to round out the group. He is the Len in Lensmen.

Forbidden Jazz

Thursday Sept 22

The 2011-12 season has got off to a formidable start. Last week’s performance by ever-popular Lensmen is followed this Thursday by Forbidden Jazz, consisting of Jake Masri on trumpet and vocals, Jeff Drummond on guitar, and Tim Croft on upright bass.  As in the past, they hope to attract a multi-generational audience by performing a wide variety of timeless jazz standards.  The trio, representing more than 4 decades of experience, both domestically and internationally, will weave their collective magic through 2 sets of entertaining music.

Tim Croft, new on the local scene, has quickly gained recognition as a strong and creative player.  His jazz studies at Humber College in Toronto allowed him the amazing opportunity to learn from such Canadian icons as Mike Downes, Pat Collins, Pat Labarbera, and Don Thompson.  After completing his Bachelors degree, Tim relocated to Montreal where he continued to study the bass, play in local restaurants and clubs (including “House of Jazz” and “Upstairs”), and record with several different groups.  Further education led him to the University of Western Michigan, where he completed a Masters degree in Jazz Studies under the influences of Tom Knific and Dr. Scott Cowan (jazz piano and improvisation).  Croft currently teaches music at L’Ecole au Coeur d’Ile in Comox.

No stranger to local music circles, Jake Masri draws his inspiration from classical repertoire to musical theatre to Afro-Cuban/New Orleans, and Bebop styles.  His passion for jazz is closely linked to artists such as Harry James, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Arturo Sandoval.  As a performance major at VCC, UVIC, and UBC, Jake studied trumpet with Boyd Hood, Gerald Gerbrecht, and trombonist, Dave Robbins.  His studies in jazz enabled him to learn from pros such as Mike Herriot, Hugh Fraser, Campbell Ryga, and Bill Clarke during the local CYMC summer program.  Among his favorite vocal instructors are Ann Mortifee, Rhiannon, Ysaye Barnwell, and Wendy Nixon Stothert.  Since moving to Comox in 2002, Jake has appeared with Sounds of 17, Quintessence Brass; 6th Street, Jazztown, and Jazz Noir combos; Georgia Straight, Arrowsmith, and CR Big Bands; Strathcona Symphony Orchestra, and Just in Time Jazz Choir.

A welcome addition to the Comox Valley, guitar master Jeff Drummond obtained his Diploma in Jazz Performance at Mount Royal College in 1995.  He went on to perform throughout Canada and the U.K., touring with many different artists in a variety of musical genres.  Drummond has also appeared on national radio and television programs, produced and engineered countless albums, and played with many well known artists.  In total, he has accumulated over 20 years as a music educator, which contributes towards a high demand for his skills and services.  Presently, Jeff tours and performs with a Calgary-based band called Sinistrio.

Déjà Blue

Thursday Sept 29

After last Thursday’s performance by one of the newest jazz combos in the Comox Valley, it’s time to return to some familiar faces at the Elks’ this Thursday when Déjà Blue takes the stage at 7:30.

Déjà Blue is Ralph Barrat on keys and vocals, Don MacKay on bass, and Bill Street on drums; all well known and respected jazz artists in our community. Formed here in the Comox Valley 2 years ago as the Ralph Barrat Trio, they have been playing around the upper island in pubs, restaurants and at weddings and other functions.

Last winter, one of Bill's many global connections got the group a gig in Bucerias, Mexico for a 3 month booking, playing 4 or 5 nights a week – where they became Déjà Blue. That was good for tightening the band up, especially after gruelling days on the beach, and many shots of whathaveyou.

At the Elks you will hear some Mose, Sinatra, Hancock, Corea, Gershwin and Mancini. An assortment of jazz vocal and instrumental standards, but certainly not any of the rock standards the group had to occasionally play to some enthusiastic imbibers in Bucerias! To find out just how smooth and polished these fine musicians have become, plan on joining the flock of regular jazz enthusiasts who regularly rendezvous at the Elks’ Home on Sixth Street. Admission is by donation.

Mike Irvine Quintet

Thursday Oct 6

Autumn nights are closing in earlier, and things are warming up in the Elks’ lounge as the Georgia Straight Jazz Society features its fifth Thursday Night Jazz gig of the 2011-2012 season: The Mike Irvine Quintet. Expect to hear really cool jazz as these accomplished musicians bring their spectacular brand to the Elks’ stage at 7:30 this Thursday.

Michael is the Music Director at Dover Bay Secondary School in Nanaimo, but is better known to jazz fans in this area as the lead trumpet for the Arrowsmith Big Band.

Michael began playing the trumpet when he was 11 and was soon going to the high school at lunch to play with the jazz band. While still in high school he performed for Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and Dizzy Gillespie. His formal training began at the University of Victoria where he studied with Louis Ranger and Ian McDougall. At UVic he earned his B.Mus, and M.Mus (performance).

Michael has performed with such artists as Phil Dwyer, Ingrid Jensen, Alan Jones, P.J. Perry, Fraser MacPherson, Ian McDougall, Oliver Gannon, Louise Rose, Hugh Fraser, Rob McConnell, and has performed with many local groups including the Victoria Symphony, the Victoria Operatic Society, the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra, the Prince George Symphony, the Commodores Big Band, the Arrowsmith Big Band, South Island Musical Theatre Society, Bard To Broadway, and the Nanaimo Theatre Group. As a musical director he has been the guest conductor of National Band of Cuba.

Mike brings his quintet to Courtenay on October 6 featuring the exciting and creative Dan Craven on tenor saxophone - a friendship that goes back to university. Michael’s former band student is now one of VIU’s hottest students. Curtis Reich on bass displays how fortunate we are to have such a wealth of young talent – tomorrow’s big names – right on our doorstep. Rounding out the quintet are veteran Arrowsmith Big Band rhythm section members Barry Miller on piano and Michael Wright on drums.

Indigo Jazz

Thursday Oct 13

Indigo Jazz returns to Thursday Jazz at the Elks, with special guests!  The core members of Indigo Jazz are Dale Graham (vocals), Rick Husband (guitar) and John Hyde (bass).  The trio expands to a quintet for their October 13th appearance, joined by Carrie Fowler on saxophone and Tracy Myers on drums and percussion. 

There is no doubt that tenor saxophonist Carrie Fowler has music in her blood.  By the age of 12, she joined her father, mother, and brother in the 18-piece dance band “The Harbour Lights”, based in Pender Harbour and directed by her father, Les Fowler.  Carrie now plays regularly in the Little Big Band, and appeared in the standing-room-only March 2010 Women of Jazz show .  

Tracy Myers was also featured in the Women of Jazz show, and Indigo Jazz leader Dale Graham has been itching to perform again with her.  Tracy’s playing is informed by two years of jazz studies at Malaspina College and by self-directed study in West Africa, Cuba, and Brazil.  She is a 20-year veteran of drumming/percussion and spoken word performance, and simply lights up a stage with her solid groove and a unique fusion of light and dark.  

John Hyde has a wealth of experience in performing, arranging, composing, and teaching jazz.  In his hands, the acoustic bass finds the perfect mix of personality, precision, and support.  He has performed with Lee Konitz, Hugh Fraser, Phil Nimmons, and Oliver Jones, among others.  His 2010 relocation to the Comox Valley has been good fortune for the local jazz music scene.

Rick Husband has performed extensively across Vancouver Island, in big bands, small combos, and everything in between.  He is a compelling guitarist, highly responsive to his fellow players.  He also communicates beautifully to his listeners by integrating improvised lines with familiar  motifs and genres.

Graham’s compelling performances and her agile, warm voice have garnered her a following among local jazz fans.  With Indigo Jazz, she brings the listener the double pleasurable of classic  jazz standards and less familiar tunes and arrangements.   

Tickets will be on sale on Thursday for the Marc Atkinson Trio concert on October 16th. This will be your opportunity to hear one of the finest jazz guitarists in the world – a fifth anniversary appearance for the Jazz Society. Prices are $15 for Society members and $20 for non-members.  Alternatively, you can purchase tickets at either Bop City in Courtenay or Videos ’n More on Comox.

Nanaimo Musicians' Association Big Band

Thursday Oct 20

Thursday Night Jazz swings to big band music again this week. Hosting the evening from the Elks’ stage is the 17-piece Nanaimo Musicians’ Association Big Band, directed by VIU music teacher Bryan Stovell. Formed in 1967 under the leadership of Stovell, the band has been in continuous operation for more than 40 years. University music instructor Steve Jones directed the band for 20 years, but it is now once again under Stovell’s baton. Outstanding student musicians are invited to join the band each year. The impressive alumni list includes Diana Krall, Phil Dwyer, and Ingrid and Christine Jensen, all of whom acknowledge the valuable experience they gained as student musicians.

VIU Professor Greg Bush performs on trumpet and contributes his compositions and arrangements. Prof. Tom Delamere plays the baritone saxophone. VIU students form the rhythm section with Patrick Courtin on piano, Johnny Lucas on drums, Jenn Carnahan on bass and Jeff Saunders on guitar.

Several original band members including current trumpeter Al Campbell had played at Nanaimo’s legendary Pygmy Ballroom in the 40s. The NMA is directly descended from the Pygmy orchestra and is celebrating its 43rd anniversary.

It’s the band’s second appearance on the Elks’ stage as part of the Thursday Night concert series, and there is a lot of excitement about the show. The last show, just before last Christmas was memorable, and earning a standing ovation. Several of the musicians are well known to us since they also play in Arrowsmith Big Band, but don’t expect this to be a repeat performance of the great show we experienced three weeks ago – the NMA Big Band plays an entirely different repertoire.

The band will be performing among others, Alfie, Far Side (composed by Nanaimo’s Greg Bush), Round Midnight, Struttin’ With Some Barbecue, and Sunny Side Of The Street.
You are encouraged to come down early for good seating. We still have people arriving just before our 7:30pm show time who express disappointment that their group of 4 or 6 can’t find seating together. We do everything we can to accommodate preferences, but there’s a limit! But don’t let this dissuade you; come and see where the best jazz entertainment is on offer for only the cost of a suggested $5 donation each.

The Georgia Straight Jazz Society presents live jazz, featuring musicians of all ages from our region of Vancouver Island, every Thursday between September and June. It is committed to exposing jazz aficionados – whether performers or audience – to an opportunity to share time with people of similar interest.

Tim Croft Quartet

Thursday Oct 27

A brand new contemporary jazz ensemble will be premiering on Thursday October 27th at the Elks on 6th Street.  The newly formed Tim Croft Quartet is an amalgamation of four of the Comox Valley’s finest players.

The quartet will be performing jazz standards as well as original compositions.  This ensemble’s fresh approach to jazz is appreciated by any audience.  The quartet is able to keep a sense of excitement and energy without ever losing control.  Demonstrating a wide range of influences, it is easy to see why these players are some of the most sought after in the Valley.

The group first came together when double bassist Tim Croft discovered that old friend and former Humber College classmate Pat MacGibbon had moved to Comox.  Pat, a fabulous tenor saxophone player, has studied with some of Canada’s finest musicians including Pat LaBarbera and Don Thompson.  He has also performed with the great Vancouver sax man Mike Allen. 

This ensemble also features the creative and original guitar playing of Jeff Drummond.  Jeff has been quite active in the Comox Valley since arriving last fall.  He has also toured North America and the U.K. with various artists spanning the genres of jazz, world, R and B and roots music. Aaron Amar brings his solid and tasteful drumming to the quartet.  Aaron can often be heard playing with the Doug Anderson Syndicate and other jazz ensembles in the area.

This band is truly a pleasure and a treat to hear and should not be missed.  You are encouraged to come down early for good seating.  The quartet will be starting their first set at 7:30, with the second set starting around 8:30.  A suggested donation of $5 is asked of all patrons.

The Georgia Straight Jazz Society presents live jazz, featuring musicians of all ages from our region of Vancouver Island, every Thursday between September and June.  The Society is committed to exposing jazz aficionados – whether performers or audience – to an opportunity to share time with people of similar interest.

Jazztet

Thursday Oct 27

Georgia Straight Jazz Society features “Jazztet” as the featured band for Thursday Jazz at the Elks’ this week.   Jazztet is the busiest combo in the valley.  This group has been the host band every Sunday at the Griffin Pub for the past three years. With over a century of combined jazz experience, and performance credits from London to Tokyo, these talented musicians have honed and refined their sound and are one of the coolest, most innovative groups in the Comox Valley.

“Jazztet” consists of John Ringstead on guitar, Mike Schwarz on saxophones, Don MacKay on bass, Ralph Barrat on vocals, Bill Street on drums, and newcomer Mike Eddy on piano.  Mike is a wonderful experienced jazz pianist with a pedigree background.  An inventive and swinging player, Mike ignites the band to new highs, which in turn causes the other players to continuously create new avenues on every number they play.

The multi-talented Michael Schwarz will have multiple saxophones on stage with him for this performance.  While you will not hear him play all of them at once, you will hear his assured touch and beautifully lyrical playing on each of the soprano, alto and tenor saxes over the course of the evening.   Ringstead’s smooth guitar playing is the perfect foil for Schwarz, and together they venture well outside the box.

Barrat’s voice is warm and resonant, with the timbre of a Bobby Darrin or Sinatra.    Don MacKay’s five string bass playing is clean and structured, holding the centre for the quintet, but he is also well capable of innovation and improvisation.  Bill Street’s drumming expertly drives the changes in feel and tempo for the sextet. 

Expect some exciting material from Jazztet on this outing, including some original compositions by guitarist John Ringstead.  Jazztet should not be missed – they will provide invigorating real jazz that audiences love to hear.  For more info check out Jazztet.

The Georgia Straight Jazz Society is a non profit organization aimed at providing jazz artists performance opportunities before a live appreciative audience, and exposing people with an interest in jazz music to a wide repertoire of fine local musicians. As well, the Society offers bursaries for post secondary music studies to musically talented students.   Admission is by donation with the suggested donation being $5.00.

Brett Martens String Band

Thursday Nov 10

From concert to campfire, his life is rich with music.  Since the first sparks flew, at age 9, when he discoverd the guitar, Brett Martens has dedicated much of his life to music and his instrument.  Brett is one of Vancouver island's most astounding young guitar players.  He is currently touring with 'The Marc Atkinson Trio' and leading his new band 'The Brett Martens String Band'  His zeal for music is addictive, passionate, and fun; his playing has been described as enlivening,
creative, and exciting.  The band plays this Thursday from 7 :30 to 9 :30 at the Elks on 6th street in Courtenay.

The Brett Martens String Band follows the sound of  'Django Reinhardt and the Quintette du hotclub de France'; a musical style pioneered in the 30's when a very inventive gypsy living in france discovered american jazz.  Known as 'manouche' or 'gypsy jazz', the sound is all acoustic and rich with delightful rhythms, melody and improvisation.  Brett states "when first listening to Django, I was pleasantly perpelexed; I had never heard anything like it!  Guitar players, composers, improvisers and the like have much to thank from this timeless, two fingered genius"  The String Band plays Brett's original compostions, alongside an array of tunes from different eras, and styles; all interpreted to fit a small string band.

Brett's compositions pull from his upbringing in classical and jazz, and dip into musette, bluegrass, latin and "just about anything that swings".  Along with the originals the band plays many standards of the 'swing' era.   Anything from romantic ballads, to "dance on the table" party swing.  Be it for the intellectual or the fire of the gypsy... the music is moving.
 
Joining Brett are some fine musicians in their own right -  Jim Lambert on rhythm guitar and Tim Croft on upright bass.  Jim is on the top of the list for gigs in the Comox valley; a great lead player as well as solid rhythm guitarist. "The heart of the groove in manouche, lies with the drummer... the rhythm guitar".  Tim has been the backbone for many groups over the years, and it shows : "his sound is big and his ears even bigger; just what you want in a great bass player." 

The Brett Martens String Band is presented by the Georgia Straight Jazz Society, a non profit organization dedicated to providing jazz artists performance opportunities before a live appreciative audience.  Admission is by donation.  For more information bout the Thursday Jazz at the Elks schedule, go to 222.georgiastraightjazz.com.

Jenn Forsland Quartet

Thursday Nov 17

Thursday night jazz at the Elks’ features last year’s most popular performer (based on attendance, that is) when Jenn Forsland takes the microphone at 7:30pm. All of her fans take note: come early for the best seating. Come late, and you may just have to stand at the back of the lounge. When Jenn last appeared on our stage last March, a near capacity crowd turned out to witness her superb show.

For nearly 3 years the members of the The Jenn Forsland Quartet have been sharing music with one another and engaging Valley audiences with their unique sound and broad repertoire. Forsland, a local musician and teacher, fronts this fantastic collection of musicians. Trained classically as a vocalist and piano player, her smooth, lyrical tone combined with creative rhythmic flexibility produces a unique and easy listening experience for audiences. She engages audiences with a charming ability to tell the story of each song. Now Jenn has added a new dimension to the group by lending her skills on the keys.

Also featured in the band are veteran Valley musicians Grahame Edwards on bass and Rick Husband on guitar. Both players have contributed tirelessly to the local scene for many years and bring a sensitivity and skill to the music that is unparalleled. Rounding out the ensemble on tenor/alto/soprano saxophone and flute is Tony Morrison, an adventuresome player who solos with passion and imagination. With a combined experience that spans decades, these musicians provide a solid and tasty foundation for Forsland’s lyrical and melodic wanderings.

You can expect to hear selections ranging from the traditional jazz standards to jazz arrangements of contemporary music from the pop, blues, and rock genres.

Beth Lane Septet

Thursday Nov 24

After Sunday night’s stunning sold out solo concert by world-renowned Dee Daniels, it’s time for music from the other end of the music career spectrum, when exciting, talented, young and ambitious jazz students occupy the stage. One of the wonderful dividends of managing a jazz society in the Comox Valley is the wealth of musical talent that clamours to get on stage and perform material; repertoires and interests across all jazz genres. Where we are doubly fortunate is the fact that just down the road, Nanaimo incubates a hotbed of tomorrow’s big names in the jazz music program at Vancouver Island University.

And so it is that Georgia Straight Jazz Society continues its exciting season with the first of this year’s Vancouver Island University combos when The Beth Lane Septet takes the stage this Thursday. The combo comprises: Beth Lane – Trumpet; Troy Lucas – Woodwinds; Brennan Conroy – Vocals; Etienne McGuigan – Guitar; Andrew Jossa – Piano; Andrew Frasier – Bass, and Corijn de Roo - Drums

This VIU Jazz ensemble is composed of first and second year music students – young musicians well on their way to a professional career in jazz music. The group rehearses twice a week and performs jazz works written and arranged by the student band members, as well as standards and more modern tunes.

The group is looking forward to its first off campus performance of the year and says it is thrilled to have been invited to perform at the Elks. We are equally thrilled to have them on stage. So if you’re interested in discovering just how deeply endowed with instrumental talent we are in this part of the world, and you want to listen to Nanaimo-based talent a few years before it becomes famous, plan on coming to the Elks’ Home on Sixth this Thursday. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Jazz lovers are also reminded that tickets are on sale for the December 4th concert by the Nick La Riviere Quartet. Tickets will be available from the Society on Thursday evenings as well as at Bop City in Courtenay and Videos ’n’ More in Comox at the usual prices: $12 and $16 for members and non members respectively.

Arrowsmith Big Band

Thursday Dec 1

Oceanside's Arrowsmith Big Band makes its second visit to the Club for 2011 with a totally new program of modern big band arrangements, almost six months to the day after they last drove a capacity audience to its feet with the very best big band music on offer in this region.

In a real multi-national program, arrangements featured are by some of the best musical talents from around the world.  Opening with a chart by much-missed late Canadian arranger Rob McConnell, the band will move through charts by renowned US arrangers such as Sammy Nestico, Bill Holman, Mark Taylor and Bob Florence.  There will be an unusual view on Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train", written by the band's own Michael Irving.  The band will also play a marvellous arrangement by one of Europe's best, Rob Pronk, and will end each set with charts by the current wunderkind of the big band arranging world, Gordon Goodwin.

The band's personnel includes a new face on tenor sax, Comox Valley's Rachel Fuller, a relatively recent and highly talented transplant from England.  She is joined in the sax section by Claudio Fantinato, Dan Craven, Trevor Hooper and Jeff Bailey.  The trumpet section is unchanged, with Michael Irving, Dave Stewart, Greg Bush and Susie Craven.  Trombones include Paul Nuez, Julian Telfer-Wan and Chris Spidel.  Tieing it all together is the veteran rhythm section of Barry Miller (piano) Bryan Stovell (bass) and Michael Wright on drums.

With solos from most of the band members, this is bound to be an exciting evening! Arrowsmith Big Band fans will be out in force, and if you enjoy big band music/jazz and swing music, please come on down to the Elks’ Home on Sixth Street for a warm and social evening. Show time is 7:30pm.

As well, you are reminded that tickets will be on sale this Thursday for the December 4th Sunday night concert by the Nick La Riviere Quartet.  Prices are $12 for Society members, and $16 for non members. Tickets are also available at Bop City in Courtenay, and Videos  ’n’ More in Comox.

For more information about the Society’s upcoming activities, and a link to a wonderful video of Nick La Riviere in a recording session, please visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com

Dave Stewart/Dan Craven Quintet

Thursday Dec 8

After last week’s great concert by Arrowsmith Big Band which filled the stage to the max, we bring you five musicians – all well known to local jazz fans – who have never publicly performed in this combination.

Chad Geekie, John Hyde and Aaron Amar come together for the first time this Thursday to form a dream trio that should not be missed. The unique collaboration of these three well-known and highly adept musicians promises a listening experience that will be hard to beat on Vancouver Island or abroad, and provides an exemplary foundation for the quintet’s performance.

Two sets this Thursday will feature a refreshing balance of familiar (yet less-oft-heard) standards, interspersed with pleasing originals by group members.

Dave Stewart is a 32-year veteran of jazz trumpet performance in large and small ensembles. He is one of Canada's foremost music educators, recipient of Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence and the prestigious Keith Mann Top Canadian Band Director Award. This year a jury of peers selected him as BC’s Top Music Educator. He teaches music at Kwalikum Secondary School, where his students benefit from his wide and diverse musical experience. His audience benefits in turn as he pours all the energy and passion from teaching into his performance.

Dan Craven also teaches at Kwalikum Secondary School, and brings the benefit of extensive performance experience to his students. 2001 recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence,  he is an educator who has also had the honour of sharing the stage with top musicians, including Don Thompson, Phil Dwyer, Ian McDougall, P.J. Perry and Campbell Ryga. In 2007 Dan joined Phil Dwyer's Sax Summit, which first launched in 2002 with the release of Sax Summit on CBC Records, and has recurred in various incarnations throughout the country since then.

And then there’s Chad Geekie – Piano…This is what a couple of notable others said of Chad:

“Chad Geekie – THAT guy can play!” – Phil Dwyer in conversation
“Chad is an extraordinary keyboard player…” – Marc Atkinson’s website

Chad is a top class musician with multiple Juno nominations to his recording credit. He has performed around the world with, among others, Benny Golson, Jamie Aebersold, Phil Dwyer, Ingrid Jensen and Christine Jensen, and recorded most recently with Marc Atkinson, Damian Graham and the Kerplunks. Chad’s playing carries with it a refreshingly high level of harmonic prowess, making everything he plays a sensational aural experience.

Bassist John Hyde needs no introduction in the Comox Valley. In his short time on Vancouver Island, he has played just about everywhere and with everyone, which incidentally can be said about him OFF the island as well. His performance credits are so extensive and his experience so diverse, you’ll have to read about them at http://www.johnhyde.com

And last, but by no means least, Aaron Amar is a highly entertaining and most capable drummer whose talent has graced stages across Canada. His musical career began in Toronto, and we are very fortunate that it has continued here on Vancouver Island.

Georgia Straight Jazz Society is dedicated to providing Comox Valley residents and opportunity to experience live jazz every Thursday, as well as six professional ticketed Sunday evening concerts, between September and June each year. Thursday admission is by a suggested $5 donation. The Society also provides performance opportunities for young jazz musicians in high school music programs, and students in post secondary institutions during each performance year. Additionally, the Society awards the Liam Grimm Bursary each year to the region’s most deserving music student in support of post secondary education toward a career in music.

Georgia Strait Big Band

Thursday Dec 15

Georgia Straight Jazz Society offers its last concert of the year this Thursday evening at the Elks’ on Sixth. You are promised a special evening of swing and vocal music when special guests take the stage at this Thursday’s performance by the Georgia Strait Big Band. We are promised some new material, including big band arrangements of seasonal favourites. Well into another super successful season, the Band is pleased to introduce its new Principal Vocalist, Jacki Zbiron, who has been singing and performing internationally for over 35 years. Jacki's love of music and singing has taken her throughout the world, on to musical theatre stage and into the recording studio. Jacki was a long time resident of Hornby Island and is now living in Merville. Jacki also performs with the Just in Time Vocal Jazz and teaches music at Royston Elementary school.

Also special this evening will be the moment when guest musician, Rachel Fuller, joins the band for an exceptional tune called "Passing The Buck", written and arranged by conductor Greg Bush (as a parting gift to the great Stephen Buck, when he moved to the BC interior). After graduating with 1st Class Honours Degree in Music Performance, Rachel toured the globe specializing in alto sax and clarinet. Now residing and performing in the Comox Valley, we are the lucky recipients of Rachel’s superb talent. Rachel teaches at Motif Music Studios providing instruction in soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, clarinet & bass clarinet.

Another particular treat will be an inaugural performance on the Elks’ stage by 15 year old vocalist Tonja Maslin, who will be joining the Band for 2 songs. Tonja is a participant in the GS Big Band’s rookie vocal program which included an excellent vocal performance at the Georgia Strait Big Band’s July 1 performance at the Native Sons’ Hall. Tonja is a student of vocal coach Jenn Forsland.

Of special note, conductor Gregory Bush, Professor has now eclipsed over 200 trips to the Comox Valley in the past 5 years, to support, and direct the Georgia Strait Big Band. Greg is a resident of Nanaimo and a Professor of Jazz Studies at Vancouver Island University. Greg is an awesome conductor, world class musician and composer; the entire Big Band personnel both present and past, wish to thank Greg for his loyalty to the Georgia Strait Big Band and wish to acknowledge his support of music in the Comox Valley, and dedicate Thursday’s performance to him as a Christmas present in response to his dedication and leadership.

Particularly encouraging, we have recently received a wave of inquiries from young people, wanting to know whether there is an age restriction for attending jazz at the Elks’; there is no restriction and students are especially welcome, and we are happy to note an increased youth attendance.