This Thursday at 7:30, the Little Red Church Society is thrilled to present the first in a series of monthly live Jazz performances. Kicking things off for the fall Jazz Series, is well-known local performer Ralph Barrat and the Valley's newest jazz combo, Ralph Barrat and the Sharp Seven, presenting A Tribute to Sinatra and Ellington.
Executive director Kelly Pound commented "Our once per month Jazz Series dovetails perfectly with the (Georgia Straight) Jazz Society's weekly Thursday performances, when there is no performance at the Avalanche."
The Sharp Seven is a powerhouse lineup with Gregory Bush, VIU, Professor of Music on trumpet; Don Mackay (Masters in Jazz Composition) on bass; and Michael Eddy (ARCT Royal Conservatory of Music) on grand piano. Rounding out the group are two recent VIU Music Degree graduates: Troy Lucas on alto sax and Carson Fry on trombone. On drums is well-known local performer Rob Peterson.
Barrat is normally seen performing and singing behind a piano. The Sharp Seven combo gives Barrat the opportunity to treat the audience with his distinct vocal style, reminiscent of Sinatra, Bublé and other greats.
You are in for a real treat as Barrat belts out arrangements of favourites like Stella, Nature Boy, Best is Yet to Come, It Don't Mean a Thing and many more of your favourite tunes, specifically arranged for the group by Bush and Lucas.
For more, visit ralphbarrat.com.
The fall jazz series at The Little Red Church, (licensed), complements an already-vibrant live jazz performance scene.
The performance will be at the beautifully renovated hall, attached to the Old Heritage Chapel, which is the perfect venue for private and public events such as live theatre and musical performance.
Currently adorned with the original artwork of Jerry Simice, the hall's atmosphere and vibe has been created through the dedication of Pound, who is fulfilling her dream of a central location for community arts in the Comox Valley to flourish.
Advance tickets are available at Bop City Records, Rewind Coffee Bar in Tin Town and Red Carpet Boutique at the Comox and Anderton plaza.
Part proceeds will support the Little Red Church Society's renovation project of the Old Heritage Chapel on Comox Avenue across from St. Joseph's General Hospital.
For details about the Little Red Church, visit littleredchurchcomox.com.
— Little Red Church