Benefit for Lawrence Anthony

Saturday May 17th - 7:30 pm Ironworks 235 Alexander Street (just east of Main) If you've ever peeked behind the scenes at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival (or Coastal's year-round concerts), the Writer's Festival, or Early Music Vancouver concerts, you may have met Lawrence Anthony. At events by these (or any one of another half-dozen) lower mainland art organizations, Lawrence is the guy who makes shows happen. Whether it's working through stage plots or contract riders to figure out technical requirements, scoring a Hammond B-3 for an out of town organ player, setting up lights or microphones or just plain lugging gear, Lawrence is one of those "the buck stops here" guys whose main job is to make things run so smoothly that nobody notices. Lawrence has been working with Coastal Jazz & Blues for over 18 years and I can only dimly remember the organization before he was working there. When I first met him, way back when, he still had a day job as an educational publisher's book rep and he used to drop by and visit when I taught at Langara College. He liked the freedom of that kind of schedule because in the 'off-season' he could go off on exotic trips like cycling through India. Eventually he decided that his heart wasn't in pushing textbooks and he gave it up for the less lucrative but more soul-satisfying work of staging contracts for arts organizations including his position as production manager for the Jazz Festival. On the morning of April 18th, Lawrence was at Festival House on Granville Island for Jazz Fest prep work when he became disoriented and collapsed. After being rushed to the hospital, it became clear that he had suffered some kind of aneurism or stroke. He required surgery and couldn't move his right side. Although Lawrence's prognosis has (fortunately) improved and he's made much progress since those early days, the road to recovery promises to be long, arduous and expensive. In response, Lawrence's friends and colleagues have banded together to help out in a number of ways. Coastal Jazz & Blues has set up and is administering the Lawrence Anthony Fund with a link on their website for donations (http://www.coastaljazz.ca/index.cfm?page_id=10081). This Saturday May 17th from 7:30 pm to 1 am at Ironworks, there's the Lawrence Anthony Fundraiser with all kinds of things going on. Steven Hill from the Leaky Heaven Circus will be the Master of Ceremonies with performances by Dustcover Peggy Lee, Torsten Muller, Dylan Van Der Schyff Brainchild Pepe Danza DJ Bliss DJ Denise Galay and others! There will also be a silent auction with items donated by arts organizations, friends and supporters including: Pink Martini tickets at the Jazz Festival Stevie Wonder tickets from Live Nation CDs from Festival Distribution DVDs from Cirque du Soleil Academy of Ancient Music Complete Brandenberg Concertos tickets from Early Music Vancouver Literary Cabaret tickets at the Writer's Festival Pacific Cinemateque pass package Saturday passes for the Folk Festival Vancity Theatre ticket package and a pass package for the Film Festival Tickets for The Producers at the Arts Club Stanley Theatre Fringe Festival pass package Photo by Chris Cameron Photo by Paul Michaud Bug Art by Andrew Scott Lithograph by Brigette Qijong package for 4 sessions Highlife gift certificate Salmon goodies by Gary Kushner Website design package Various other gift certificates and baked goods and much more! Ironworks is 235 Alexander Street (just east of Main) and Tickets are $25 at the door. If you've ever enjoyed a show put on by one of these arts organizations, come on out and enjoy another for a good cause. See you there! Post comments in the Jazz Forum

Fiery Gypsy Jazz Trio to perform for Cap Jazz series finale

The Cap Jazz Series ends its tenth anniversary season with a rare treat for all Django Reinhardt fans, a fiery gypsy jazz trio, Samarabalouf who will perform on Saturday, May 3 at 8pm at the Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre. Although Reinhardt, the founder and undisputed master of the genre, died 55 years ago in 1953, the tradition has carried on with copious groups the world over, keeping his memory fresh, vital and moving forward. Samarabalouf was formed in November 1997 led by lead guitarist Francois Petit. In addition to Petit, the current line-up features Pierre Margerin (rhythm guitar) and Luc Ambry (bass). Inspired by Reinhardt’s music, Samarabalouf performs their own instrumental compositions written by leader Francois Petit. Not to be pigeon-holed strictly to gypsy jazz, Samarabalouf’s influences encompass Boogie-Woogie Blues to Flamenco Rock, integrating popular themes such as the Waltz, Tango and Rumba, which mixes sensuality, joy and plenty of ‘joie de vivre’. The group is known for its high energy performances that combine stunning virtuosity, lightning fast licks and a good dose of humour. Based in Amiens in the North of France, Samarabalouf has toured extensively since 2001 all over France, Belgium and the rest of Europe where their concerts have been met with enthusiastic applause and standing ovations. They have shared the stage with the Trio Rosenberg, Les Yeux Noirs, Bratch and Mickey 3D. Their fourth CD, Bababa, was released in France in January, 2008. Vancouver’s local scene has many fine examples of the genre including Van Django, Roma Swing Ensemble, Pearl Django and the Marc Atkinson Trio (Hornby Island), but it is indeed a rare treat to experience a trio from the birthplace of gypsy jazz. Don’t miss the high energy high-jinks of Samarbalouf. Cap Jazz Series presents Samarabalouf May 03, 2008 @ 8pm Tickets $30/$26 Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, BC Box Office: 604.990.7810 www.capcollege.bc.ca/theatre

The End of IAJE

Hey everybody, IAJE Seattle 2009 Cancelled I have posted IAJE and IAJE Canada news here in the past. It is with deepest regret that I must now bring this bad news to the Vancouver Jazz community. It would seem that the end of IAJE is upon us with the cancelling of the Seattle conference and the dissolution of the organization. Please cIick here for the article in the Seattle Times. Information has been very slow at getting out and what we have learned in little bits here and there have created a devastating picture. The bad news is yet to come in detail and I'm sure it will be deconstructed and discussed by many. I know that there are several camps of opinion on IAJE and despite what one's view, any organization that supports jazz is a good organization. IAJE Canada has been in great shape and doing great things for some time. We will now look at our organization here to see if there is a way to continue our work and to be better and stronger in support of Canadian jazz! Post comments in the Jazz Forum

Scott Harding benefit

Tickets are now on sale, at Ticketmaster, for the Scott Harding benefit happening at the Commodore on Friday April 25. On Feb 15 2008, Scott Harding was badly injured in a hit and run collision in NYC. He has no health insurance. He is a musician, artist and friend. 100% of the net proceeds from this show go to help him. The show features the cream of Vancouver musicians from the last 30 years. This benefit show will take place April 25 at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC. Headlining is a super group we have created for the occasion called The Hard Ones, featuring (in alphabetical order) Barney Bentall, Doug Elliot, Paul Hyde, Colin James, Simon Kendall, Colin Nairne, Craig Northey, Pat Steward...and others; The Pointed Sticks; The Jazzmanian Devils; John Mann from Spirit of the West with his son; Bughouse 5; Hardrock Miners; the Furies; I Braineater; Go for 3, and the Mike Webster band. Doors open at 7:00 and Music starts at 7:30 sharp. for more info, visit http://www.workhardprayhardscottyhard.com or http://www.densemilt.com Post comments in the Jazz Forum

Enough talk about the dismissal of the west.

There is a lot of talk every year when the NJA's come around criticizing them for many different things. Some justified and some not. I have been one of those who has criticize but what has come from my criticism is a greater respect for and a great understanding of Bill King and what goes into producing the NJA's every year. A huge congratulations to Bill King, his staff and everyone involved with putting on such a wonderful event. It was first class all the way and it was such a huge pleasure to be a part of an event that celebrates this music that does not ever get the credit it deserves. All a pat on the back to the West Coast media and the jazz loving public for finally getting serious about making sure the West Coast gets represented. Last night is a perfect example of getting involved and excited about his event can make a huge difference. TRUMPTER and PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: BRAD TURNER, SAXOPHONIST OF THE YEAR: PHIL DWYER, TROMBONIST OF THE YEAR: HUGH FRASER, BASSIST OF THE YEAR, ALBUM OF THE YEAR, ACOUSTIC GROUP OF THE YEAR: JODI PROZNICK, MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: JOE COUGHLIN, FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR: VANCOUVER JAZZ FESTIVAL, VIOLINIST: JESSE ZUBOT, CBC GALAXIE RISING STAR: CHRIS ANDREW and last but not least (in my humble opinion) LABEL OF THE YEAR: CELLAR LIVE. I would say the West was represented just fine and hopefully this will show people that if you get involved you can make a difference and that the NJA's are not some evil entity out to dismiss the great jazz being made around the country outside of Toronto. All of the performances were good but some highlights were: THE BRANDI DISTERHEFT SEXTET, and three solo performanes: pianist DAVE RESTIVO paying hommage to Doug Riley with SINGLE PEDAL OF A ROSE, guitarist REG SCHWAGER paying hommage to JEFF HEALY and ROBI BOTOS paying hommage to OSCAR PETERSON. The one that stole the show however was 14 year old singer NIKKI YANOFSKY. Yes thats right 14 years old. She came up and sang WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR and an absolutely blistering fast and amazing version of OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM. It was really something. She really charmed the audience and has a very beautiful and powerful voice. It will be interesting to see how she stands the test of time and where her career will bring her. One again an amazing evening and congratualations once again to Bill King for doing such a wonderful job. Post comments in the Jazz Forum

NOW Orchestra with Nicole Mitchell

The New Orchestra Workshop Society Presents Through the Eyes of a Child On April 11th, special guest artist Nicole Mitchell, arguably one of the world's top jazz flutists, joins spoken word artists Mercedes Baines and Kedrick James along with the NOW Orchestra for an evening of truly inspired music making. This concert will highlight new works by Nicole Mitchell and Coat Cooke as well as new spoken word compositions by Kedrick James and Mercedes Baines. "Nicole Mitchell is on her way to becoming the greatest living flutist in jazz."– Chicago Reader One of the most sought-after jazz soloists and composers in North America, Nicole Mitchell is based in Chicago where she is a vital part of the local jazz and improv scene. She has appeared on five new recordings in just over a year, both under her own name and in collaborative projects, and has won DownBeat Magazine's Rising Star Award three years running. NOW Artistic Director Coat Cooke is "thrilled to have Nicole returning to Vancouver for this performance. She is an incredibly melodic and inventive musician. Nicole is a wonderful, warm person, but can be a ferocious player, as was seen with her Indigo Trio appearance in last year's Jazz Festival." No stranger to Vancouver, she has been a guest artist at the Vancouver Creative Music Institute and for the last two years the conductor of the popular High School Jazz Intensive. The NOW Orchestra will appear in a brand new incarnation for this special performance: Coat Cooke on saxophone and flute; JP Carter on trumpet; Brad Muirhead on trombone; Chad MacQuarrie on electric guitar; Tommy Babin on electric and acoustic bass; Chris Gestrin on keyboards and piano; and Skye Brooks on drums. Mercedes Baines and Kedrick James join the ensemble for this evening. They are two of Vancouver's intrepid spoken word artists with a knack for masterful and spontaneous use of language and theatrics. The title, Through the Eyes of a Child, speaks to the essence of innocence and the bold spirit of embracing the unfamiliar strong themes that run throughout the music and text. Mitchell speaks of her own music in these terms as well, describing her compositions as having an "intuitive narrative… from confusion to revelation." Friday, April 11, 2008 at 8:00pm Vancouver East Cultural Centre (1895 Venables Street) Tickets $20/$15 plus s/c, Student tickets only $5 plus s/c Available at Ticketmaster or at the door http://www.noworchestra.com/ Post comments in the Jazz Forum

Vancouver International Jazz Festival Announces some artists

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival has announced tickets will go on sale March 27 for the Festival’s Classic Sounds at The Centre Series (June 21 – 28). Bassist Charlie Haden, guitarists John Scofield, Bill Frisell, and Jesse Cook, pianists Monty Alexander and Brad Mehldau, and songsters Ivan Lins, Molly Johnson and Andy Bey are among the artists appearing at the 23rd edition of the Festival. Full festival lineup will be announced April 24. Classic Sounds at The Centre for the Performing Arts June 21 Charlie Haden Quartet West and Iro Haarla Quintet June 22 Cowboy Junkies and Bill Frisell with Tony Scherr & Rudy Royston June 23 Ivan Lins and Molly Johnson June 24 John Scofield Trio and e.s.t. (Esbjbörn Svensson Trio) June 25 An evening with Brad Mehldau Trio June 26 Naturally 7 and Ana Moura June 27 Jesse Cook and Steve Dawson June 28 Andy Bey Trio and Monty Alexander Trio Orpheum Theatre (these shows already on sale) June 20 Herbie Hancock June 21 Pink Martini June 23 Dave Brubeck Quartet June 27 Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Post comments in the Jazz Forum