The Jilli Martini Combo perform at the Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series this Friday at The Little Red Church.
This popular Valley singer and her band can usually be seen at Billy D’s on Friday evenings, performing a broad range of musical styles rooted in rock, blues and country. However, for this Friday, the musical menu changes dramatically, as the “Jilli Martini Combo” takes the stage.
Approached by Bates Beach Farm Jazz organizer Rob Peterson, Jilli embraced the challenge of assembling an evening jazz performance.
“Jilli was part of a recent performance, where she sang three jazz standards and really knocked it out of the park, which in turn, prompted an invitation to assemble a full evening performance at the Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series,” said Peterson.
Rising to the challenge are band members Doug Biggs on guitar, Andre Forgues on bass and Blair Bentley on drums. Special guest Katrina Mifsud will provide vocal support. A very special first set is planned with accompanist Alan Jossul on guitar. Prepare to be surprised and entertained as Jilli and her band perform a wide selection and eclectic versions of jazz standards, sung with passion and conviction.
Opening acts are a special feature of the Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series and provide local musicians of all ages, an opportunity to perform in front of an audience. This tradition continues with Cooper Pickering, a vocal and piano student at Long & Mcquade, who will open the performance as a solo act.
The Bates Beach Farm Jazz Series is made possible by the generous financial support of the Obal family (Grace, Mike and Ben). All performances are family friendly with a concession offering tea, coffee, soft beverages and goodies.
Net profit from the concessions is 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. Advance tickets $10 and available at Bop City in Courtenay and the Red Carpet Boutique in Comox.