The “Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series”continues this Thursday evening featuring the Valley’s very own 19-person Georgia Strait Big Band.
You are in for another musical treat, as the band performs tunes made famous by The Count, Gillespie and Ellington, all expertly led by conductor Greg Bush, Professor of Jazz Studies at Vancouver Island University.
Included in the band’s repertoire are “world premieres” of original Big Band compositions, written by Greg Bush, especially for the band, indicative of his special rapport with the band.
For the past eight years, Greg has travelled weekly from his home in Nanaimo to support Big Band music in the Valley, a music tradition that dates back over 60-plus years.
Band personnel are especially thankful to Greg for all the mentoring and skill that makes this band swing.
This Thursday’s performance will also showcase the elegant vocals of Jacki Zbirun, who will take you down memory lane with beautiful renditions of classic favourites of the Big Band era......and, rumour has it, a few Christmas tunes as well.
Opening performer this Thursday, is Vancouver Island University student Will Oxley, who will demonstrate his fine skills on trombone with three personally selected tunes.
Dance floor alert
There will a designated dance area to kick up your heels, so bring your dancing shoes!
The Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series is made possible by the generous financial support of the Obal family (Grace, Mike and Ben).
Jazz series organizer Rob Peterson wishes to thank the Obals for their contribution and assistance in 2014.
The Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series is a family friendly venue with a concession offering tea, coffee, soft beverages and goodies.
Net profit from the concession is directed to the Vancouver Island Compassion Dog program. Event organizer Rob Peterson is thrilled to announce the concession is now sponsored by Sunwest RV, who are matching concession profits, in support of the VI Compassion Dog Society.
Doors open at 7 and performance begins at 7:30. Tickets at the door $12 with advance tickets at $10 available at Bop City in Courtenay and the Red Carpet Boutique in Comox.