We have a new home!
After a week of mild uncertainty, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society happily moves into new digs in the Avalanche Pub this Thursday.
The first group to grace the stage for Jazz at the Avalanche is the Anderson Jazz Syndicate.
This trio of guitar, bass and drums enjoys the musical interaction that comes with playing together. The long association of these players allows for creative improvisation and expression over swinging and approachable jazz. The reputation they are developing is well-deserved.
Leading this combo is guitar player Doug Anderson, who has played with many local jazz groups and has studied with Lee and Art Ellefson as well as Canadian jazz legend Bill Coon. His harmonic approach and rhythmic force set the stage for his fellow players.
Bassist John Hyde was the artistic director of the Jazz Studies Program at Mount Royal College and past president of the Calgary Musicians’ Association.
He has numerous recording, arranging and producing credits and has performed with many great artists including Lee Konitz, Don Thompson, Hugh Fraser, Eddie (Lockjaw) Davis, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Drummer Aaron Amar brings professional jazz experience from Toronto where he was on the jazz scene for several years, studying with Jim Blackley and recording with Bobby Fenton. His strong musicality and polyrhythmic mastery propels this group to new musical heights.
Don’t miss this first evening of Jazz at the Avalanche. Make a night of it and dine at the new Greek restaurant, Yiamis, located next door. Or sample some of the pub fare offered by the Avalanche.
Music starts at 7:30 and if you want a good seat, plan to arrive around 7 p.m.
Admission is by donation, and the suggested donation is $5. The feature band of the night receives 85 per cent of your donations, and the balance goes to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society, which, through its Liam Grimm Bursary, annually awards a bursary to an up and coming young jazz musician to help with his or her education.
For more information about the society, go to www.georgiastraightjazz.com or find it on Facebook.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society