Joe’s Garage welcomes back the popular local jazz ensemble the Jenn Forsland Group on May 27.
The Jenn Forsland Group was formed in early 2008 by a group of local musicians looking to share their passion for jazz with one another.
In addition to performing at various private events, the band is regularly featured at community events such as Market Days, Sunday Sounds at the Filberg, and the Local Colours Concert Series in Sims Park. They routinely host the Thursday night Jazz Club Series at the Elks for the Georgia Straight Jazz Society. The group is generous with its time and contributes often to local fundraisers and charity events.
With a broad and colourful repertoire of jazz standards and contemporary tunes, the Jenn Forsland group entertains audiences with a rich sound, skilled playing, and an enthusiastic appreciation for the jazz idiom.
Forsland leads the ensemble on vocals. She is a graduate of the UVic Music Education program. She works locally as an elementary music teacher, travels as a choral clinician, and teaches private voice and piano lessons from her home studio, directs the Celebration Singers, and performs regularly with SwingSet and the Luke Blu Guthrie Band.
In recent months the Jenn Forsland Group has undergone some significant changes in its lineup.
Keyboards have been handed to Sean Mooney and Grahame Edwards has joined the group in place of Al West on bass.
“Both Sean and Grahame have fitted seamlessly into the group and honour the JFG's tradition of mutual respect for all contributing players," Forsland says.
Other well-known regular musicians in the group include Rick Husband, guitar; Rob Peterson, drums and Tony Morrison on alto and tenor saxes, and flute.
Jenn will share the stage with Luke Blu Guthrie for the past eight months and he has graciously agreed to sing and play some standards and some original music.
The kitchen opens at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 8:30 p.m..
$15 advance tickets are available at Bop City Records.
Meal reservations can be made at www.joeson5th.ca
Further information about the group can be found on the group’s website at jennforsland.com.
— Joe's Garage