The Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series continues this Friday evening at the little Red Church in Comox with the Comox Valley’s latest jazz ensemble, Centerpiece Jazz.
This exciting new five-piece jazz combo is loaded with talent with all first-call local musicians, including a recent arrival to the Comox Valley, keyboardist Bela Vernon who, until recently, resided in Los Angeles recording and performing with jazz giants such as Pat Matheny, Maynard Ferguson and Moe Kofmann.
The band is fronted by the dynamic vocals of Charity Munro, a versatile performer who specializes in a variety of genres, including Celtic, R&B, pop and jazz.
On bass is veteran David Stevenson, whose skills cross a broad range of musical genres.
On drums is Brian McNiff, a lifetime musician who has toured extensively with a variety of bands throughout Canada and the USA.
On alto sax, EWI and clarinet is local favourite Rachel Fuller, who has appeared in numerous local bands and wowed audiences with her high-end performance skills.
Opening acts are a special feature of the Bates Beach Jazz Series and provide local musicians of all ages with the opportunity to perform. Friday’s opening act performance will feature 15-year-old vocalist Nicole Borowicz, a student of Highland Secondary. She will be accompanied on guitar by fellow student Josie Young.
The Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series is made possible by the generous volunteer and financial support of the Obal family (Grace, Mike and Ben). All performances are family friendly with net profit from the concession matched by Sunwest RV for the benefit of veterans with PTSD.
Doors open at 7 and performance begins at 7:30. Tickets at the door $12 and $10 advance, available at Bop City in Courtenay and the Red Carpet Boutique in Comox.