January 2009

Welcome to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society Newsletter, keeping you up to date on the local and Vancouver Island jazz scene and informed about your Society.

AT THE JAZZ CLUB

Every Thursday 7:30 pm, at Courtenay's Elk's Hall, September through July. No cover. Musicians welcome to sit in on the final set jam.

The GSJS' mandate includes providing an opportunity and venue for student jazzers to perform, and January kicks off with a great trio of bands from Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina College). With alumni such as Diana Krall, the school is renowned for its great jazz program, offering both 2-year Jazz Studies Diploma and 4-year Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies programs.

• Jan 8 Jazz Club - Niall Harvey VIU Combo
• Jan 15 Jazz Club - Marty Hilchey VIU Combo
• Jan 22 Jazz Club - Lauren Bush VIU Combo
• Jan 29 Jazz Club - Georgia Straight Big Band

Schedule subject to change.

Check all coming events on the GSJS web site >>

GSJS NEWS

Membership - Pay on Line !

It's easier than ever to renew you GSJS membership - or become a new member. Just look for the "Buy Now" button on the home page of the GSJS web site and use our secure PayPal system to pay with your credit or bank card.

Your membership keeps the Thursday Jazz Club and other Society activities happening. Thank you!

You can also renew your membership at the Thursday Jazz Club, or by using the membership form for new or returning members

Individual $15; Family $25; Student $5; Group/Corporate $100

Welcome our newest Corporate Member

In Dove Creek Recording Studio Paul Kein and Mary Murphy have created a world-class facility with the best in equipment, sound and comforts. Check out their web site at dovecreekrecording.ca. Phone: 250-334-9301

JAZZ NEWS

Economic Woes hit Jazz Festival

General Motors has decided to pull its funding from the Montreal INternational Jazz Festival after 2009. G.M. has been contributing about $2.5 million - 10% of the festival's budget - each of the last 4 years. 2009 is the last of the current 5-year agreement.

The 30-year old Montreal Festival is amongst the premier jazz festivals in the world. It typically showcases 500 concerts in downtown Montreal.

My Mother Told Me to Get a Real Job

Heard the joke about the most optimistic person in the world? It's a trombone player carrying a pager. The graph below, taken from a top hiring agency in the States, seems indicate it may not be a joke after all. Chosen at random (sort of), job posting comparisons for jazz guitarists (green), drummers (red) and trombonists (blue).

Check out you instrument at SimpyHired.com

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

Newsletter Ideas? If you have ideas for or would like to submit articles for the newsletter, please email us at news@georgiastraightjazz.com.

Subscribe on the GSJS web site - www.georgiastraightjazz.com.

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Copyright 2008 © Georgia Straight Jazz Society

January 2009  - Special Supplement

Jazz Vocal Workshop Announced

Aspiring and accomplished singers alike are offered a stellar chance to tune their vocal cords to the key of jazz. The Georgia Straight Jazz Society presents the 2nd Annual Jazz Vocals Workshop on Sunday January 18. Acclaimed jazz vocalist and educator Barbara Blair will teach the afternoon workshop and it will be capped off with an evening performance by workshop participants and a fine cast of local and visiting jazz instrumentalists.

During pre-registration, organizers will support singers to come prepared with at least two song charts in the key they wish to sing. At the workshop, Victoria pianist Tommy Vickery will provide expert, sensitive accompaniment. Singers will receive solid critique, tips and suggestions from one of Canada's top jazz vocalists. Barbara Blair will support and develop your performance, covering areas of jazz style, interpretation, stage presence and microphone technique.

The evening concert will begin at 7:30 pm, and will feature workshop vocalists and Barbara Blair, accompanied by Tommy Vickery on piano, Grahame Edwards on acoustic bass, and Greg Hill on drums.

Workshop:

• Sunday January 18, 2 - 5 pm
• Elks' Home, 231 6th Street, Courtenay
• Cost $30 (includes concert admission)
• Auditors welcome, cost $15 ($20 if concert admission included)
• Pre-registration required. Contact Dale at 250-334-8838

Concert:

• Sunday January 18, 7:30 pm
• Elks' Home, 231 6th Street, Courtenay
• Cost $16; $12 for GSJS members
• Tickets on sale starting January 8 at Bop City and the Thursday Jazz Club (Jan 8 & 15, 7:30 - 10:30 pm, Elks' Home, Courtenay)