Thursday May 16th 2019 at 7:30pm

Indigo Jazz

Members $10, non-members $12

Who needs legalization when you've got Indigo Jazz? Dale Graham (vocals), Rick Husband (guitar), John Hyde (bass), Aaron Amar (drums) and Jay Havelaar (trumpet) will have you tripping out on their sound next Thursday May 16th at the Avalanche Bar and Grill.

Way back in '36, Cole Porter was swinging hard with his tune Ridin' High and Ella recorded When I Get Low I Get High. Decades later, Stevie Wonder found himself Too High, Lennon and McCartney told of the Fool on the Hill and Lucy in the Sky, and Sun Ra was just an out-of-this-world kind of guy. The High Life is a theme as perennial as the grass.

Dale Graham has a 25-year presence on the Vancouver Island music scene. Her sound is warm and intoxicating, her rhythms and tone are precise, and she swings like crazy. She performs with Indigo Jazz and Swing Set vocal jazz quartet, and has guested with island big bands, Marty Steele, Jazz Noir, and Blue Monks.

Rick Husband, guitarist, paid his dues with 16 years in Victoria-area big bands, before his retirement move to the Comox Valley allowed him to indulge his craving for small jazz combos. He is currently active in Indigo Jazz and the 7-piece contemporary jazz / jazz fusion band Sympatico, and recently guested in the Nanaimo "Have You Heard?" concert series.

John Hyde has spent over four decades as a high-end freelance bassist and music educator. Performing credits include appearances with Lee Konitz, Don Thomson, Hugh Fraser, Marion McPartland, and PJ Perry. His multiple recordings include work as a sideman and leader, most recently in duo format with guitarist Jeff Drummond.

Aaron Amar studied with jazz drumming icon Jim Blackley, and was active in the 1990s Toronto jazz scene, before he migrated west to become the Comox Valley's own first-call drummer. His polyrhythmic approach is reminiscent of Elvin Jones, with a smoking-hot energy and responsiveness that shines in a small combo setting.

Jay Havelaar, on trumpet, hits the high notes. But also the low notes, and everything in between, with a melodic lyricism that doesn't miss out on rhythmic feel. He is currently active in multiple big bands and jazz combos, in Campbell River and the Comox Valley.

For this outing, the Indigo Jazz quintet chases the High Life, East of the Sun, to Saturn, and beyond. No smoke in your eyes, no ruinous consequences, just a touch of Stardust that may prove addictive!

A special note: we will have tickets for the Edie Daponte/ Susannah Adams spectacular season finale on May 30th, $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Alternatively, tickets are also for sale at Bop City.

It is all rush seating, there are no reservations.

Browse the Calendar page of our website for information about the remaining 6 shows scheduled this season and see the amazing line-up of performers already booked over the forthcoming year. You will quickly realize why Courtenay has become a significant performance destination on the Canadian jazz scene.

GSJS showcases jazz live in the Comox Valley, giving music lovers an opportunity to enjoys local, regional and internationally-known jazz musicians.