I've been thinking about my Dad some lately. Can often hear his voice in my ear.
If I was day-dreaming instead of getting on with chores, he would say with a chuckle "Wake up England".

It has been awhile since I posted anything here mainly because I have been so absorbed with my problems and feeling sorry for myself. O.K. Dad, I hear you. Today the sun is shining and spring is definitely in the garden with green shoots and songbirds to herald the imminent new season.

The morning after a first time visit to a new jazz venue, Sweetwater Restaurant, I feel like looking ahead to one of the best problems - how to decide where to go and listen to great jazz. Not for a long time has this been the case in my home town but tonight there are two places I would like to be. One to listen to a new love or, two, to an old one. I'll try to get to hear both.

In the meantime, for those who want to look further ahead, here's my take on the upcoming Jazzmania weekend later this month. This article will appear in the April edition of Mosaic.

Doreen Sez

Georgian Sound weekend is coming up soon at Thornbury, Ontario and most jazz fans know that means three days of great jazz, April 25 to 27, 2008.

Tickets for Friday night's Jazzmania usually sell out so I bought ours early and also booked for dinner at the location hosting my brother's favourite group. Since he comes to Owen Sound from Ottawa for the occasion, I am happy to oblige.

We will start off our evening at Piper's Restaurant who are hosting the Figleaf Jazz Band, affectionately known as "Figgies", a rowdy bunch of musicians who lark about on stage as well as deliver toe-tapping Dixieland-style music. They have been playing for more than 30 years now and are house band for Simcoe Jazz Society based in Barrie.

Where we go next will depend on where we can get in as sometimes a band is so popular, no one wants to leave. A free shuttle bus runs around picking up and dropping off ticket holders. If I had my druthers, I would set off to hear Louis Lefaive at Largo Restaurant & Bar on Harbour Street, a new venue for Jazzmania. This may be dodgy as on at least one occasions it was standing room only for this group.

Louis LeFaive & Kings of Swing is another fun band like Figgies who play in area. If we don't get in to see them we can look forward to seeing them at Jazz by the Bay, also in Thornbury, on July 13. As this date is close to my birthday, I know my brother will also be staying with me at that time. The Sunday evening free concerts draw big crowds who bring chairs and spend a pleasant evening beside the bay, perhaps after enjoying a picnic.

Jazzmania poses a problem: do we try to see a group we know and enjoy or do we check out one of the newer ones. Always a predicament.

As there are 10 bands participating at Jazzmania during the relatively short time frame of 8:00 p.m. to midnight, it's a bit of a scramble for anyone to get to as many as possible. I think we made it to four one year. Best to get tickets early and make reservations where possible. Check out website for details: www.festival.georgiansound.ca/jazzmania.cfm

Here's the full of the lineup:

Fig Leaf Jazz Band at Piper's Restaurant & Tavern www.piperstavern.com
Heart & Soul at The Dam Pub www.thedampub.com
Shawn Mei Trio at Sisi on Main www.sisionmain.com
Lisa Hutchinson Trio at Sterio's Steak & Seafood www.sterios.georgian.net
Regal Jazz Street Band at Marsh Street, Centre, Clarksburg. www.marshstreetcentre.ca
Fred Parsons Trio at L.E.Shore Memorial Library BVO Java Jazz, email: bvo@bmts.com
Charlie Bell Trio at Loft Gallery www.loftgallery.ca
Dr.Jazz North at Mill Café www.themillcafe.com
Shelaugh Hart Trio at Bridges Tavern

Big Band Saturday offers two concerts, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to midnight at the Beaver Valley Community Centre, Thornbury. Three Big Bands are on the bill for both sessions.

Jazz Brunch at the Raven Grill, Lora Bay Golf Club on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. showcases Bourbon Street Buskers.

Gospelfest also on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Beaver Valley Community Centre features a faith Chorale and GBSS Jazz Ensemble round out the weekend of jazz.

For details of all the weekend events go to http:www.festival.georgiansound.ca
For jazz events in the area go to http:www.jazzbythebay.ca