I filed my last submission for All That Jazz column for September edition of Mosaic magazine with a sense of loss but also of relief. There seemed to be just too much on my 'must do' list.
Now I can concentrate more on other stuff such as keeping up this blog.

Don't forget you can keep up with jazz events through Jazz Beat, Tom Lewis' column in Thursday's Sun Times. As well, check out Thornbury Chamber of Commerce web site www.jazzbythebay.com. These are the good folk who mount a weekly free jazz concert during summer in Thornbury's lakeside park.

Here's the September column for those of you who do not see the print edition.

All That Jazz - September 2007

Canadian Big Band Celebration in Saugeen Shores this year is adding a Thursday night performance and lecture on Jazz and Big Band music at the Bruce County Museum, Southampton on September 13 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30.p.m.

Friday night jazz, a warm up to the celebration is held in several venues in Port Elgin and Southampton on September 14. A $15 passport covers a shuttle bus which connects the venues as well as entry into all 10 participating locations. Here's the lineup:

Port Elgin:
Chris Murphy Quartet at Jangles, Goderich Street
Sandy Faux Quartet at Royal Canadian Legion, Green Street
Sploink at Queen's Bar and Grill, corner Gustavus and Goderich
Charlie Bell, Mike Grace and Friends at Saugeen Golf Club, Bruce County Road #3
Heart and Soul Duo at Wismer House, corner Elgin and Goderich

Southampton:
Joe Huron Trio at Bruce County Museum, Victoria Street North
Beverly Taft Trio at Chippewa Golf and Country Club, Highway 21 North
The Bearcats at Duffy's Fish and Chips, High Street
Razzamatazz at Royal Canadian Legion, Grosvenor Street
Howlin' Dogs at Walker House, High Street

On Saturday, September 15, Stardust Big Band will host four guest bands during afternoon and an evening performances, held at the Canadian Auto Workers Hall, Port Elgin, CAW Street off highway 21.

1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Lighthouse Swing Band
Georgian Sound Big Band
Toronto All Star Band

7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Toronto All Star Big Band
Timmins All Star Big Band
Stardust Big Band

On Sunday, September 16, a jazz brunch also at the Canadian Auto Workers Hall, Port Elgin will feature Swing Rosie, a trio of harmonizing vocalists from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m.

For tickets and more information go to www.canadianbigband.ca

Rob Gasidlo is back organizing Saturday night jazz at the Chaise Lounge, a popular eatery on 9th Street East in Owen Sound. Here's the lineup of artists, scheduled to join Rob on keyboard, to entertain diners from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Reservations recommended. Call 519-371-8141

Sept.01 - Charlie Bell, saxophone
Sept.08 - Greg Haddow, guitar
Sept.15 - Jack McFadden, bass
Sept.22 - Karen Holgate, vocals and guitar
Sept.29 - Shelaugh Hart, vocals

www.chaiselounge.ca

The Charlie Bell Quartet provides music for dancing at the Chippewa Golf and Country Club, High 21, Southampton, on Friday, September 28. Sponsored by Performing Arts of Saugeen Shores Dinner Jazz series, the group will include Charlie Bell, sax, Mike Grace, bass, Stephen James, drums, John McLelland, piano. Special guest Wayne McGrath, will sit in on trumpet and flugel horn. Dinner reservations recommended contact 519-797-3338.

Rhythm & Pews, a new venture at Central Westside United Church, Owen Sound on October 28 at 2:00 p.m. is the first of two concerts featuring Don Buchanan and Corry Lapointe presenting secular and sacred music. Several invited musicians include Earl Georgas, drums, Doug Farmer, trumpet and Rob Tite, clarinet.
www.centralwestside.ca

For other area events keep up to date at www.jazzbythebay.com

Posted by doreen at 7:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I picked up Dorothy's mail today at Kelso Villa. A very small errand I was glad to do for her daughter, MaryJo.

While chatting with one of the nurses who had looked after my sister in law, I kinda surprised myself and started to cry. Had only been back once there since she died but a flood of memories washed over me and although I thought I had got all cried out at the funeral last month, just saying I am going to miss her seemed to open the flood gates again.

All the nurses there are great and several said they would also miss her.
"She was feisty," said one, "but we enjoyed her." Another recalled that if it hadn't been for her there would not be an ice machine, a perk she lobbied for last summer.

Thinking about some of the good times we had together over the past 50 years, memories of her Jack and my Larry, the four of us, flashed by again.
There's no one left to reminisce about dancing the night away, sharing a hot tub or even arguing about words and pronunciations.

Who can I talk to now about our youngest children, born just five months apart? I remember the first time we sat the girls on her kitchen table; they could barely sit up and we remarked then at the likeness of the cousins. Over the years we often exchanged news from one or the other as Tracy and MaryJo always kept in touch with each other, even when oceans apart.

I envied her ability to read music and am grateful she patiently taught me how to sing alto by ear.

Oh dear, there are so many things I am thankful for in having her in my life.

Goodbye, dear Dorothy.

Posted by doreen at 6:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)