Beltone Hearing Care Centres is the new major sponsor of monthly jazz performances in Comox now known as the Beltone Jazz Series.
Event co-ordinator Rob Peterson wishes to thank owners Jeff and Sharon Germain, for their generous support of this highly successful live jazz series.
On the heels of a great evening of jazz last month, the next performance this Thursday promises to deliver another great evening of live jazz entertainment, featuring the highly skilled jazz combo the Full House Band.
So, fasten your jazz seatbelts for an evening featuring the hard-bop style of Horace Silver and Art Blakey.
The band is led by one of Vancouver Island's finest saxophone and clarinet musicians, Claudio Fontinato, whose solo work is performed with effortless mastery. Claudio's many credentials include studies at Berklee College of Music and performing for none other than Oprah Winfrey.
In 2012, Claudio partnered with Juno Award winner Phil Dwyer to form Seawind Musical Instruments, a business partnership involved in the assembly and distribution of their own custom line of saxophones.
For details, see www.seawindmusic.com.
Other members of the five-piece combo include an exceptional drummer, James McCrae. Based in Nanaimo, this in-demand drummer has performed with the likes of Connor Stewart, Kyle Gorenko, Nico Rhodes and Nic Lariviere, to name a few. To say the least, the word "sensational" best describes the drumming skill that James will display.
On keyboard is Patrick Courtin, an active member of the Nanaimo music community. Patrick holds a bachelors degree in music and a Grade 10 conservatory level. He performs in the Nanaimo and Area Musicians Big Band.
On bass and guitar is Doug Gretsinger, a well-known Vancouver Island musician, with three CDs to his credit. Doug is one of the busiest musicians on Vancouver Island with current projects in eight different groups, as detailed on Doug's website at fastfingersdoug.wix.com.
Rounding out the personnel is the high-calibre musicianship of Larry Miller on saxophone, flute and clarinet. Larry holds masters of music degrees from the University of Victoria. Musical credentials include performances with the Motown group, The Temptations and performing during a Victoria appearance of Bob Newhart.
The opening act will be local musician Matteo Kennedy.
This multi-talented rising music star will apply his power vocals and guitar to a mix of jazz standards and blues. Well beyond his years in musical maturity and winner of the 2010 Valley Idol, you are in for a treat.
The Beltone Jazz Series home is the Little Red Church, a family-friendly venue in Comox.
The purchase of tea, coffee, soft drinks and goodies is currently by donation to the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Association.
Advance tickets are available at Bop City in Courtenay and the Red Carpet Boutique in Comox.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and performance begins at 7:30.
— JazzVille Promotions