Malcolm Holt
Submitted to The Record
During the past, Georgia Straight Jazz Society, with the support of local musicians and the generosity of the larger jazz community and others who support good causes, has risen to the challenge of raising thousands of dollars on short notice.
Most recently this included Typhoon Hainan in the Philippines and, before that, support for the victims of Haiti when their respective countries were devastated. The benefit concerts were arranged promptly, in order to maximize the generosity with matching funds from the Canadian government.
On Thursday, the GSJS has organized a multi-band benefit concert for the survivors in Nepal.
The death toll from the April 25 7.8 magnitude earthquake approaches 10,000 and hundreds of thousands of people have lost their homes, with many of them currently starving.
In the same spirit that prevailed in past years, the society board, volunteers and musicians have risen to the challenge of a four-hour social and musical event at the Avalanche Bar, beginning at 7 p.m.
Please note the time difference. The music starts half an hour earlier than usual, and finishes at 11 p.m.
You’re invited to come and go as you choose – come early and stay late – or alternatively drop in to make a donation and stay for just a few tunes. This isn’t an evening to focus on the music, like our regular Thursday performances; rather, it’s an opportunity to contribute to a humanitarian cause, and share the event with people of similar generous nature. Please don’t shy away because jazz isn’t your favourite music; participate, and find out that you actually enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to wear your heart on your sleeve.
We have registered our event with the Canadian Red Cross, and have arranged with them to have every donor ($20 or more) sign their personal information onto a form which will result in a tax receipt for their charitable donation. We have so much in this wealthy country, and this is your opportunity to share a donation – however modest - with people who have lost everything.
Swing Street will open the evening at 7 p.m. followed by Indigo, Ralph Barrat and Sharp Seven and Anzucena Flamenco (successor to Luzna). Musically, the evening stretches from cool jazz, though swing, to romantic ballads and Latin American. Geographically, it stretches from Comox Valley to Nepal.
Dinner will be available as usual – Greek or pub food – so if you’re planning to dine at the Av, make special note of the early start time to avoid disappointment, and more than anything, ask your friends to join you for this very special event.
For more information about the jazz society, visit georgiastraightjazz.com or find us on Facebook.