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JAZZ EVENTS

Tuesday, January 30, 2024 – Wild Blue Herons

Wild Blue Herons (WBH) are the magnetic husband-and-wife duo of Bill Sample (piano/keys) and Darlene Cooper (vocals). They embrace a broad sound from groove oriented jazz with a pop/gospel twist (reminiscent of Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway) to intimate ballads by the great ladies of jazz. Formed in 2017, Wild Blue Herons perform as a duo or as a full band complete with horns at times and have played in numerous festivals (the Filberg Festival, Ft. Langley Jazz and Arts Festival, Vancouver Folk Festival) as well as various Jazz Clubs (Frankies Jazz Club – Vancouver; Hermann’s Jazz Club – Victoria, Jazz Bistro – Toronto, Vernon Jazz club, to name a few).

The group has been featured with such artists as Eric BibbMarcus Mosely and the Marcus Mosely ChoraleShari UlrichJane Mortifee and debuted their show, “The Great Ladies of Jazz”, at the historic Columbia Theatre in New Westminster, BC, in 2019.   Facilitating live music to their area is important to them as “it brings joy and vibrancy to the soul of the community. Music brings us together and helps us to focus on what unites us a humans … we need more of this in these times of division throughout the world.”

Wild Blue Herons - Jan 30 2024
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Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – A Night Of Dave Brubeck

Featuring The Tom Keenlyside Quartet

Dave Brubeck’s enduring 1959 album “Time Out” is an American sonic masterpiece, and resonates to this day. The shifting time changes and melodic and harmonic beauty of his quartet’s work sound as fresh today as they did then. Paul Desmond’s poetic alto saxophone is iconic; blended together with Dave’s muscular piano playing and the driving rhythm section of Eugene Wright, bass, and Joe Morello, drums, the musical totality is flawless. Keenlyside’s quartet will play the entire album live, along with other Brubeck gems.

The Tom Keenlyside Quartet personnel

  • Tom Keenlyside-saxophone
  • Miles Black-piano
  • Miles Foxx Hill-bass
  • Dave Robbins-drums

About the Tom Keenlyside Quartet

The Tom Keenlyside Quartet continues to perform with vitality and expertise, swinging hard and communicating with an ESP-like energy. The bands albums have been critically acclaimed, garnering JUNO nominations and widespread airplay in Canada and the US. Whether playing standards, originals or free improvising, the band never fails to engage the listener. Keenlyside has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Natalie Cole, Mel Torme, Houston Person, Phoebe Snow and many others.

“Tom Keenlyside is one of Canada’s foremost musicians. His musicality transcends categories”
Paul Horn

“Keenlyside has a lush, warm sound, a fleet technique and a complete command of the expressive devices available to the flute.”
Cadence Magazine, New York

“The flute is a very difficult instrument to matriculate in the world of jazz…Tom Keenlyside is one of a few to do it successfully.”
Hubert Laws

About Synergy with Miles Black
It’s lovely music, played beautifully…very together!”
Lee Konitz, New York

About Metaphora
“The musical values are high in just about every respect here; the writing, group interplay and the solos are all first-rate.”
David Kane, Cadence Magazine, New York

“Superb creative original compositions and playing from Keenlyside…”
Barry O’Sullivan BLU FM 89.1

About Musica Brasileira
“Canadian Jazz legend, Tom Keenlyside, has produced a decidedly delightful album of familiar and less familiar Brazilian classics enlivened by his deft flute playing and his bright and imaginative arrangements. “Musica Brasileira” is highly recommended!”
David Kane-Cadence Magazine contributor

Jazz flutist and saxophonist Tom Keenlyside has see international success, done sessions for pop stars, and now runs his own label. His passion for his music permeates his performances”
Jim Dupuis-Earshot Magazine

“…a subtle and masterful flutist”
Winnipeg Free Press

“Tom’s work on flute is masterful, inventive and lyrical”
TV Week

“Keenlyside is a musician’s musician”
Red Robinson

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Tuesday, March 26, 2024 – R&B Allstars

The R&B Allstars formed in the late 70’s as a testament to our love of Classic R+B. The original band, with signature white tuxedos, first opened for Long John Baldry at Ohara’s. At this gig, the band was seen by Harry Brandolini, of No. 5 Orange, and he had an idea that the Allstars and the “5” would be a great weekend fit. Harry hired us, and the line-ups began, as did the curiosity. We were featured on local news, radio and TV shows. Many write-ups by people such as Tom Harrison only helped our popularity.

We soon became a fixture in the Vancouver nightlife scene, and also opened for touring acts that came to town. Many Jazz and Blues festivals followed. We were a fixture on Whistler long weekend holidays at Buffalo Bills. The Allstars recordings include Choo Choo Choo Boogie, Ain’t that a lot Of Love, Crazy Mama, Satisfaction, and an original, You’ve Got to Make up Your Mind. With great support from local radio, the band created a following that has endured for the past 40 years. More than 30 members have come and gone, including some of the best Vancouver talent.

The R&B Allstars is a dynamic 10-piece rhythm and blues band, celebrating their 41st
year on the Vancouver music scene. Formed in 1979, the band gained popularity playing venues such as the iconic Town Pump, the Commodore, Richards on Richards, 86th Street as well as being a regular feature at Whistler’s Buffalo Bills. The band enjoyed great radio support in the early years having recorded many singles and a live album, Live at the Five, which is where it all started. More recently the band recorded a CD/DVD set at the Hard Rock Casino.

Recently, the powerful vocals of Nathen Aswell were added to those of Joani Bye, with vocal augmentation by Billy Mendoza, Peter Juric and Tim Porter. The funky powerhouse rhythm section features Tim Porter’s searing guitar stylings, Billy Mendoza pounding the
bass, keyboard wizard Bill Sample and Rick Hilliam (tenor sax), Peter Juric (trumpet), Colin Weinmaster (trombone) and Bill Abbott (alto sax) form the outstanding “brass kicking ass” horn section.

The Allstars always enjoy reconnecting with their loyal fans of many years and finding new ones along the way.

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Come and experience “A Holly Jolly Jazzy Christmas” with the Tom Keenlyside Quartet and featured vocalist, Angela Kelman. Enjoy some swinging Christmas songs and traditional classics with the all star band of Tom Keenlyside on sax, flute and clarinet, Michael Creber on piano, Nino Di Pasquale on drums and Brent Gubbels on bass. This concert will be sure to put you in the Seasonal spirit and keep the Grinch away.

Tom Keenlyside

Tom Keenlyside is an extraordinarily gifted musician who has graced the stage and studio with some of the most iconic international artists of the 20th century and beyond. His talent on saxophone, flute and clarinet has made him a sought after studio player and producer as well. Anyone who has the good fortune to hear him play live will be exquisitely mesmerized by the depth of his talent.

Angela Kelman

After graduating with honours from Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, Angela became the lead singer and a principal writer for Farmer’s Daughter. The group enjoyed major Canadian success with Gold albums, CMT videos, TV appearances, and multiple Juno, CCMA, and BCCMA Awards. Angela is also a respected vocal coach and author of “The 5 Point Singing System” and a Children’s Sing-Along books series. In her spare time, she continues to gig with her dream retro band, The Polyester Philharmonic.

Erez’s sound is passionately Middle Eastern, blended with inspiration from flamenco and jazz. Erez has a number of award wins and nominations under his belt–the most recent of those from the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Known as “the hardest working man in Jazz,” Weeds is a fixture on the local music scene. This Juno-winner will be taking nods from Horace Silver, known as the father of hard-bop piano. Silver recorded music prior to the 1960s that was released well before its time.

Rumba Calzada

Doors: Open at 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Originally formed in 1991, by Boying Geronimo and now headed by his son, Raphael Geronimo, Rumba Calzada has been a favourite with Vancouver’s Latin Jazz and Salsa enthusiasts for over 25 years. Their CD, Volume 3 has been nominated for various awards including a 2002 Westcoast Music Award, a 2002 Canadian Independent Music Award, and a 2003 Juno Award.

Their 2007 release, Rumba Calzada Album 4, was nominated for a 2008 Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding World Recording of the Year. In 2008 the band performed at the Borneo Jazz Festival, in Sarawak, Malaysia and was voted the “crowd favourite” to return in 2009.

“Canadian based Rumba Calzada brought the house down with their eclectic mix of Latin, Salsa and Afro-Cuban rhythms.” – Adam Lee, Music-Room – Malaysia

“This one stays in the CD player. A classic.” Descarga.com, New York.

Visit Rumba Calzada Website.

Doc Fingers
Jack Duncan

Doors: Open at 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The first time I heard the Irakere album ‘Misa Negra’ (Black Mass) it absolutely blew my mind. The combination of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz harmonies lit a fire within me that continues to burn to this day. Not even in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that 15 years later Chucho Valdés, the leader of Irakere, would invite me to perform as a featured artists at the Havana Jazz Plaza. — Jack Duncan

Like a spiced rum and salsa on the beach, and influenced by the cultural and musical flavours of Havana — Jack Duncan invites you in to an island vibe. He is recognized internationally for his work as a pioneer in the study and promotion of Afro-Cuban and African music. Jack, alongside his Afro-Cuban Jazz group Conga Cartel, will create a vibrant landscape of sound and emotion through his Conga drums.

Jack has appeared on numerous soundtracks, and most notably the Grammy and Oscar Award winning animated movie Ratatouille (Disney/Pixar).

Tom Keenlyside

Doors: Open at 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

I’ve spent time in Rio, playing with truly great Brazilian musicians who play with passion and immense amounts of fun. Brazil has a vast and varied music culture, from the ‘saudade’ of bossa nova to the unbridled joy of ‘samba’. It’s always invigorating to perform this wonderful and challenging music, and a pleasure to play it with these excellent musicians. — Tom Keenlyside

Inspired by the stunning landscape and warm romance of a Rio night, this evening led by Tom Keenlyside will have you swaying like a tree in the breeze. Tom is a JUNO Award winner and nominee, with a star on the BC Entertainment Walk of Fame. His arrangement will aim to capture the magic of Rio and its beautiful vistas — you’ll feel like you walking in to a dream.

Karin Plato

Doors: Open at 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

One of the biggest influences in music for me personally is the “Queen of bebop” Sheila Jordan. In her 90s the ever youthful Sheila continues to spread the joy of jazz-based music with her recordings and through music education and with her live performances. She is an inspiration in every way! — Karin Plato

An acclaimed Canadian Juno Award nominated jazz vocalist, composer, and recording artist, Karin Plato brings her stunning style to the stage to lead the evening with her incredible band. Bringing a new and cool take on Christmas classics, Karin adds a twist and tinsel to these timeless tunes. With a warm and natural sound, Karin will mesmerize you and leave you with that warm Christmas feeling.

Miles Black

Doors: Open at 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson was one of the most triumphantly swinging jazz pianists of all time. Oscar Peterson was one of my first major musical influences, and I continue to be enamored with his sound, feel, imagination, exuberance and brilliant pianism. — Miles Black

With over 200 recordings and seven Grammy Awards, Oscar Peterson is known as “The King of Inside Swing.” Miles Black will lead this evening with his award winning modern jazz quartet Altered Laws. With over 40 years as a professional musician and recordings on 800 albums, Miles Black has performed worldwide. His interpretation on Oscar Peterson’s works is sure to have you swinging in your seat!

Jennifer Scott

Doors: Open at 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

I had the pleasure of meeting Ella when I went 5 nights in a row to hear her at the International Plaza when I was 18 years old! I was brazen enough to go backstage and have a conversation with her and I brought her flowers. She was shy, but gracious and very encouraging to a fledgling jazz singer. She was touched that I had come every single night to hear her. 

Ella was a huge inspiration to me to be an improviser and a band leader. She was also a great role model to learn the songs of the American Songbook as written but to also interpret them in a way that was unique and personal. — Jennifer Scott

Known lovingly as the “Queen of Jazz” or “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald set the bar with the purity of her tone. To bring her music to life, only Jennifer Scott could fit the bill. Considered one of the most important jazz artists working in Canada and the United States today, Jennifer brings a flare and passion to her performances.

A memorable night of music and emotion, as Jennifer and her band mates breathe new life in to Ella’s timeless works.

Tom Keenlyside

Doors: Open at 6:00 PM
Show: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The music of Dave Brubeck has had an enormous impact on my life. ‘Time Out’ was one of my first exposures to jazz, and its rich complexity, plus the pure poetry of Paul Desmond’s saxophone helped lure me into my lifelong journey in music. Dave’s constant explorations of the jazz firmament have been, in so many different ways, inspiring to me. ‘Time Out’ remains an American musical masterpiece. — Tom Keenlyside

As one of the foremost exponents of “cool jazz,” Dave Brubeck composed some notable jazz standards, employing his unusual time signatures and contrasting rhythms, meters and tonalities. It’s only fitting that Juno award winning jazz musician, Tom Keenleyside, brings this music to life in new and exciting ways. Tom, alongside a phenomenal group of players, will explore the collected works of Dave’s American masterpieces and add his own flavour to these jazz classics.

DINNER EVENTS

Doors: Open at 6:00 PM
Dinner: 6:30 PM

Piva Modern Italian’s Farmers Market Dinner combines the hospitality, culture, and tradition we are known for with the allure of local ingredients. Our $90 five-course dinner celebrates the beauty in simplicity of keeping things close to home. Gastronomic riches plucked from the fields and vines of local farmers, halibut and prawns pulled from unrivaled coastal waters, succulent Fraser Valley duck, and the delicate sweetness of BC West Coast honey and fruits are just some of what you ‘ll experience as Executive Chef Subraaz Abdullah and our award-winning team create an experience that will delight your senses. ound out your experience with a variety of stunning wine pairings, available for an additional $50.

Download Menu
Frind Estate Winery

6:00pm arrival
6:30pm dinner begins

Piva Modern Italian Executive Chef Subraaz Abdullah, Sous Chef Eiichi Kohno, Restaurant Director Davide Bonamici, & Bar manager Samantha Markwick joined forces with Erin Dietzel and Frind Estate Winery; for an intimate evening of fine food, fine wine and close friends.

FOIE GRAS
pear compote, fried sage, pineapple chutney
Chardonnay 2020

PROSCIUTTO
pizza crust, asparagus, goat cheese, tomato aioli
Rose 2021

STRIPED BASS
pea risotto, lemon herb crust
Baronesse 2020

LAMB SHANK
red onion jam, portobello mushroom, cumin spiced roasted baby carrot, soft polenta
Premier 2020

CHOCOLATE
chocolate tart, cherry mascarpone whip, cinnamon dust, cherry sauce
Midnight 2021

Rumba Calzada

Rumba Calzada

Originally formed in 1991, by Boying Geronimo and now headed by his son, Raphael Geronimo, Rumba Calzada has been a favourite with Vancouver’s Latin Jazz and Salsa enthusiasts for over 25 years. Their CD, Volume 3 has been nominated for various awards including a 2002 Westcoast Music Award, a 2002 Canadian Independent Music Award, and a 2003 Juno Award.

Their 2007 release, Rumba Calzada Album 4, was nominated for a 2008 Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding World Recording of the Year. In 2008 the band performed at the Borneo Jazz Festival, in Sarawak, Malaysia and was voted the “crowd favourite” to return in 2009.

“Canadian based Rumba Calzada brought the house down with their eclectic mix of Latin, Salsa and Afro-Cuban rhythms.” – Adam Lee, Music-Room – Malaysia

“This one stays in the CD player. A classic.” Descarga.com, New York.

Visit Rumba Calzada Website.

Cory Weeds

Often referred to as “the hardest-working man in Jazz business,” Cory Weeds is best known as the founder and owner of Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club, which ran in Vancouver for more than 14 years.

Weeds’ passion for the genre is evident: a saxophonist, he fine-tuned his craft at the University of North Texas and Capilano University.

Weeds has also recorded twenty albums as a leader, including his latest Home Cookin’ Just Coolin.’ Weeds also founded The Cellar Music Group, which has put out more than 350 recordings–and counting.

Weeds has also served as producer on more than 200 recordings. In 2017 Weeds celebrated a win at the 2017 Juno Awards when Metalwood won for Jazz Album of the Year: Group. He had other projects nominated in 2019 and 2023.

2023 has been a watershed year for Weeds and the label. In March 2023 Weeds and the label were awarded a Grammy for The Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra in the large ensemble category.

On the presentation front, Weeds has booked Frankie’s Jazz Club in downtown Vancouver since 2016.  In addition to Frankie’s, Weeds presents music all over British Columbia, Canada and the US.

Visit Cory Weeds Website.

Itamar Erez

Itamar Erez

Erez’s music holds a depth and sensitivity that touches listeners deeply, blending the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz and the passion of flamenco–this allows him to create a unique sound all his own.

Recipient of the 2014 ACUM Prize for Special Achievement in Jazz and the prestigious 2014 Landau Prize, he is an internationally renowned composer and guitarist. He has performed in a variety of venues across the globe, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and Schauspielhaus Leipzig in Germany.

Erez has released two CDs with The Adama Ensemble: “Desert Song” (2006) & “Hommage” (2010). His most recent CD  “Mi Alegria” was released in June 2019. He performs internationally and gives workshops and masterclasses, and is also part of the guitar faculty at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music.

Visit Itamar Erez Website.

Angela Kelman

Angela Kelman

Kelman got her music scene start in Manitoba, later heading to Hollywood to study at the Musician’s Institute. After graduating from the program with honours, she returned to Canada, and ended up becoming the lead singer and principal writer for Farmer’s Daughter. This award-winning country group racked up Gold albums, Juno, CCMA and BCCMA Awards–all while touring extensively.

Kelman is also a teacher, perfecting “The 5 Point Singing System” that helps students perfect their singing craft in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way. She’s also created kids’ music and is an author of children’s books, too.

In the minimally existent spare time she has, Kelman performs at gigs with her dream bands: The Polyester Philharmonic–focusing on the 60s and 70s; her Café Brasilia Band featuring North American Pop with South American Style; and her Groovy Lounge Band featuring beloved songs from the 40’s to current day.

Says Kelman, “I’m proud of my ability to wear 6” platform heels, sing, dance and keep an audience engaged for 3 hours as well as anyone half my age, AND look fabulous doing it.”

Visit Angela Kelman Website.