By Malcolm Holt
Special to the Record
The Feb. 29 Thursday Night Jazz concert at the High Tide on Fifth Street the Shineolas take to the stage in the Georgia Straight Jazz Society debut.
The Shineolas are a highly talented group of award-winning musicians, offering diverse styles of music, with killer vocals and outstanding musicianship.
The Shineolas always create a good time feel with a sound that combines Texas swing, roots, blues, gospel, and vintage jazz, along with catchy original songs and unique remakes of forgotten gems.
Well known throughout Vancouver and Vancouver Island, where they play a wide variety of venues, The Shineolas brings together five distinctive musical talents.
Bruce Gerrish (vocals, guitar, banjo, ukulele and piano) is a versatile vocalist, award-winning songwriter and entertainer.
John Ellis (vocals, guitar, dobro, mandolin, banjo, pedal steel, piano) is an award-winning producer and multi- instrumentalist who has supported artists such as The Be Good Tanyas, Colin James, Bruce Cockburn and Barney Bentall.
Marty Steele (piano, bass and organ) has shared the stage with the likes of Glen Campbell, John Fogerty, Martha Reeves and Stevie Wonder.
James McRae (drums, percussion, backing vocals) is a well-known drummer, having played with a wide diversity of players from Miles Black to David Essig and Marc Atkinson and many more.
Claudio Fantinato (sax, B clarinet) has continued to play the saxophone performing with some of Candada’s finest jazz and rock musicians. Fantanito also owns and operates High Note Music in Qualicum.
With gifted singers and songwriters, talented instrumentalists, and great arrangements, The Shineolas are a musical triple threat. Their high-calibre musicianship and combined musical experience offer audiences a listening treat and high-energy entertainment.
Downbeat for this two-hour fab show is at 7 .p.m. Food from the pub menu will be served until 8:15 p.m., and drinks will be served throughout the performance.
Georgia Straight Jazz Society’s prime goal is to keep live jazz alive in the Comox Valley. Accordingly, admission is $15 for Society members, $20 for non-members. 2024 memberships ($25) will be for sale at the door.
Please visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com to see the remaining line-up of upcoming great acts in this year’s calendar.
Malcolm Holt is the vice-president of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society.