Submitted
Thursday (Nov. 27) is your opportunity to listen to cool jazz, in the newly converted Avalanche lounge, from three VIU graduates who are currently deeply etching their musical careers across Canada and international boundaries, when The Cam Wigmore Trio takes the stage at Avalanche Bar and Grill at 7:30.
One of the great fortunes in Comox Valley is to be so closely situated near one of Canada’s leading jazz music education programs, at VIU in Nanaimo. This project (a.k.a. The Devoin/Shipley/Wigmore Trio) was the brainchild of saxophonist Wigmore, and it includes bassist/vocalist Marisha Devoin and guitarist Brad Shipley in a highly innovative jazz trio setting.
Their music is a combination of swing, bossa nova, and jazz standards, together with unique versions of standards that simply have to be heard to be believed. As Cam said in a recent interview, “The trio has a great deal of fun with the music, aiming for spirited interplay that makes our shows a treat to witness.”
Wigmore is a tenor saxophonist, band leader and freelance musician with 20 years of performing and teaching experience. He has performed and recorded across Canada with bands in the genres of jazz, classical, funk, swing, R&B, ska, rock and surf music. He has performed with Ken Lister, Pat Coleman, at the Port Theatre with David Gogo, at the TD International Victoria Jazz Festival in 2009 and 2010, and gigs regularly around the island with a number of different bands. Cameron has studied with Phil Dwyer, Pat LaBarbera, Don Thompson, Pat Coleman and Kirk MacDonald, among others.
Marisha Devoin is an all-around musician, recording artist and educator.
“Currently,” she explained, “I’m establishing roots back in my hometown of Nanaimo after years of performing worldwide on cruise ships and in the Vancouver theatre scene.”
She was one of the first VIU Jazz Degree grads, and has since spent the majority of her time abroad performing on cruise ships, and in Vancouver musical theatre productions.
But, “I’m an island girl at heart, and I’m looking forward to living, performing, and teaching more on the big island in the foreseeable future.”
Shipley is a versatile and accomplished guitarist and mandolinist who lives and works on Gabriola Island as well as teaching privately in Nanaimo. He is currently involved with many different musical projects from bluegrass to jazz to funk. Brad is also involved in performing with musical theatre in Nanaimo.
Admission is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Yes, membership has its privileges. For more information about the exciting things we’ve got lined up in the next few weeks, and for full information about the Georgia Straight Jazz Society, visit our website at www.georgiastraightjazz.com.
B3 Kings
Our amazing fall season slides toward winter, and the much anticipated B3 Kings Christmas concert on Dec. 20. Tickets are still available at Bop City and Red Carpet, but sales are brisk, so don’t delay if you want to avoid disappointment.