After kicking off the 2017–18 season with two shows at the Avalanche Bar and Grill, Georgia Straight Jazz Society is introducing one of Alberta’s great jazz artists — trumpeter and vocalist Johnny Summers.
Summers captures the audience from every stage with his clever yet natural approach to both life and music. With his versatility in jazz, from traditional to modern jazz, Motown, soul, funk and blues, he can be found on stage from duo, trio, quartet to full jazz orchestra. Join Summers Sept. 21 at the Avalanche Bar and Grill with two of Canada’s top jazz artists for a night out — Calgary’s Egor Ukoloff on piano, and Comox Valley’s John Hyde on bass.
Summers’ musical vision is simple: to reach people, to bring joy, to comment on the human condition, and to connect with others through his musical passions.
“There is no feeling more gratifying and humbling than to have touched someone through music, and I am forever thankful for the inspiration and encouragement this affords,” said Summers. “I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming performance.”
Ukoloff is one of the Canada’s top and busiest piano players. From performing privately to public appearances in Canada and overseas to working in a recording studio as a producer or a sideman, he is being in demand for his professionalism and knowledge.
Hyde needs no further introduction to jazz fans in the region. He is quite exceptional and we are always pleased to welcome him back to our stage.
Summer’s commitment to excellence and variety is evidenced in the seamless performance that he gives every time he steps onto the stage. He is a master of versatility in both style and mood. Even after hundreds of concerts and years of working diligently on his craft, he still sees every performance as sacred. His hours of daily practice can easily go well into the night. One of his many gifts to the audience comes in the form of expecting nothing but the best from himself and his musicians.
With influences including Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra, it comes as no surprise that Summers has something to offer everyone in the room. His musical abilities are accented by his natural capacity to bring wit, soul and laughter to every show.
With flowing passion and soul, Summers is a performer of boundless ability and stage appeal. Versatility, distinction and excellence are his foremost attributes, and his clever yet natural approach to life and music offers a unique experience at every performance.
Admission to the Sept. 21 show is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Show time is 7:30 pm. For more information about the jazz society and its forthcoming performances, please visit www.georgiastraightjazz.com.