This Thursday, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society will proudly feature many local performers in a special Valentine’s show, Love That Jazz! with its major emphasis on women musicians.

Unlike regular Thursday shows, featuring single bands or combos, this concert brings together a diverse group of our finest artists who will be performing a beautiful range of tunes with an emphasis on love themes — arranged for this one-time event.

The program will include vocalists Wendy Stothart Nixon, Dale Graham, Jackie Zbirun and Amy Lelliot. Local favourite Jenn Forsland has also kindly offered to MC this event and to join in a couple of tunes.

The band for this event consists of Rachel Fuller and Suzie Christensen on alto saxes, Carrie Fowler and Julie Kenny on tenor saxes and Julie Chamberlain on baritone sax.

Wendy Daniels will play trumpet along with Jay Havelaar. Paul Nuez has kindly offered to play trombone and The Usual Suspects —  Michael Eddy on piano, Rick Husband on guitar, Don MacKay on bass and Bill Street on drums will add solid accompaniment to what is bound to be a stellar program.

Expect to hear some heart-wrenching ballads, a few blistering sax features and many feel-good love songs from this remarkable group of musicians.

This event is a major fundraiser for the society; there is a critical need for stage stage lighting, which will enhance everyone’s jazz experience — players and audience alike.

The musicians are donating their services for this event, and guests are asked to contribute a $10 cover. The evening also includes door prizes of jazz CDs by various artists to the first 100 people to arrive (courtesy of Cory Weeds and the Cellar in Vancouver), and draw prizes during the evening.

If that isn't enough, there will be a tantalizing array of chocolate desserts available at modest prices, supplied by jazz society members, and corporate sponsors.

What a great way to do Valentine’s Day! Bring your sweetheart down to the Elks’ home and rediscover your ardour to the sounds of great live music. If you don’t have a sweetheart, come down anyway; five great vocalists and a lineup of 12 musicians — they’ll really get you swooning.

For more information, visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com or see the GSJS on Facebook.

— Georgia Straight Jazz Society