Musician and Montreal resident Ben Dwyer is bringing his joy of music to Vancouver Island, where he grew up - and he’s bringing some pals along for the show.
Ben Dwyer and Friends will perform at Studio Live in Cumberland on Friday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
As a student of Kwalikum Secondary School in Qualicum Beach, Dwyer thrived as part of their renowned music program.
Between that and regular study with his father and internationally acclaimed musician Phil Dwyer, as well as great jazz bassist Ken Lister, Ben developed a strong sense for jazz at an early age, playing both the bass, as well as the saxophone.
Upon graduating high school, Ben moved to Montreal to study music at McGill University, where he remained for two years. Now in his fourth year of living in Montreal, Dwyer continues to establish himself as a capable young bassist in the Montreal music scene.
He performs regularly with singer/pianist/composer Isis Giraldo as well as collaborative jazz ensemble Nomad. He is also a freelance musician, often performing with some of the great jazz musicians of the city, including Christine Jensen, Andre White and Jeff Johnston. Dwyer also had a stint this summer touring and performing with the much loved indie rock group, The Barr Brothers, with whom he toured in the U.S. and Europe, as well as on festival bills with Canadian greats Gordon Lightfoot, Feist and Patrick Watson, among others.
Ben will be joined at Studio Live by fellow members of Nomad and Isis’ band Kai Basanta on the drums and Simon Millerd on the trumpet, as well as first-call Vancouver pianist Dan Reynolds. Their music will consist of standard jazz repertoire and original music from members of the band and will have a strong emphasis on improvisation and communication within the group.
Tickets for this concert are available in advance at Bop City Records in Courtenay and Rider’s Pizza in Cumberland for $12 and at the door for $15.
Seating is limited so get your advance tickets early. Studio Live is located at 2679 Beaufort Ave. at First Avenue in Cumberland.