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

Posted by doreen at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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 07:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's my column for August issue of Mosaic for those who miss out on getting a copy of this great magazine.

Stardust Big Band has some new faces this year as this popular band gears up for a dinner dance at the Lakeshore Racquet Club, Port Elgin on Friday, August 31. Part of the Friday Dinner Jazz Series, the band will play from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Rebecca Binnendyk and Ernie Duff on vocals.

Passes of $10 are available from Bayberry's Flowers in Southampton or Cathy's Flowers 'n Treasures in Port Elgin. A turkey and beef buffet dinner is available for $24.25 including tax and gratuities. Reservations call 519-832-9027

Stardust said good-bye this year to five band members; Brian Ball (alto sax), Don Buchanan (piano), Ian Burbidge (alto sax), Cam Porter (baritone sax) and Stephen James (drums) The long distances traveled to rehearsals by some members were becoming an obstacle for the busy lives they lead and a couple of members headed off in a new musical direction.

Newcomers to the band include a saxophone duo, Wendy and Doug Pullen who have paused in their cross-country and around the world touring to fill the lead alto sax (Wendy) and alto/soprano sax (Doug) chairs.

The Pullens have an impressive background. Doug gave up teaching music at university several years ago to tour abroad with Wendy, a bachelor of music performance grad. The couple has presented more than 250 concerts a year developing an educational presentation, Bach to Beatles which became a fixture on the Canadian music scene.

Stardust baritone sax chair is being filled by Rob Tite who also doubles on clarinet. A recent graduate of University of Toronto Faculty of Music, Rob now adds a degree in clarinet playing to his music diploma from Mohawk College. Rob has been featured in CBC shows as well as with Georgian Bay Symphony.

Gerard Willmes takes over keyboard duties with the band. His background includes percussion and keyboard with Georgian Bay Symphony. Gerard is also a member of jazz vocal ensemble 'Cricket'.

Justin Burgess will be on drums for the Big Band and has played under the direction of jazz clarinetist Phil Nimmons at University of Western Ontario in the jazz ensemble. Justin's sideline is producing recordings for local musicians in Hanover.

For more information: www.stardustbigband.com

Rob Gasidlo is off on vacation for month of August and has posted an impressive lineup of entertainment for Saturday nights at the Chaise Lounge restaurant in Owen Sound. Music for diners runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Here's the lineup:
August 4 : Jack McFadden, bass, has asked Mike Grace to join him on bass. I'm told this is only done in New York City with two bass players so will probably be interesting.
August 11 : Nura, vocals and percussion and Stu Steinhart, six string electric bass.
August 18 : Greg Haddow, guitar and Leny Boyd on bass.
August 25: Ian Burbidge on keyboard with special guest
Sept. 1: Rob Gasidlo, keyboard and Charlie Bell, sax

For more information and reservations www.chaiselounge.ca

Several jazz concerts are on the bill of the Kincardine Summer Music Festival during August including performances by Alex Deal, Guido Basso and Lorne Lofsky as well as Charlie Bell's quartet.

Also you can hear upcoming musicians at Kincardine Secondary School who are offering a Jazz Student Showcase.

For more information on dates, locations and details: www.fsmf.ca


The Howlin' Dog Vintage Jazz Band is at the Fairy Lake band shell in Southampton on Sunday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. We heard this lively group last month outdoors in Port Elgin and they sound as good as indoors. Limited number of chairs available.

The group also plays some Sunday afternoons on the patio at Bruce Bar and Grill in Kincardine. A full schedule of their dates around the province during the summer can be found on their web site. www.howlindogjazz.com

Toronto All Star Big Band, a young group that plays old tunes, is scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m. at Oakview Woods Outdoor Complex in Wasaga Beach, a Jazz in the Park Summer Series free concert. Take a lawn chair.

The free concerts continue at the same location with Bob DeAngelis Band on Tuesday, August 14, Sandy Faux Quintet on Tuesday, August 21.

Toronto All Star Big Band will also perform in Victoria Park , Kincardine along with the Pipe Bands at the Gathering of the Bands on Saturday, August 25 at noon. Then this busy band will perform at the Wasaga Beach Fest on Sunday, August 26 from noon to 2:00 p.m. A free concert at The Peak 95.1 stage
More information on their web site: www.torontoallstarbigband.com

Outdoor free Sunday concerts continue at Bayview Park, Thornbury from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. courtesy of Chamber of Commerce. Take a lawn chair. Donations accepted. Weather conditions call 519-599-3223

Aug. 5. Georgian Sound Big Band
Aug. 12 Razzmatazz Jazz Band
Aug.19 Toronto All Stars - Special location for this concert only, at Raven Golf Course, Lora Bay.

The irrepressible Shelaugh Hart performs on Thursday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m.at the Gazebo in Stayner a new location for free outdoor music.

Guitarist Paul Danard is becoming quite a fixture out at Sandy Bay Surf & Turf Restaurant in Oliphant. This talented musician has a busy schedule this month, appearing on Tuesdays and Fridays during August at the popular waterfront location. We caught his gig last month and while he played some good jazz, there was also a pleasant mix of semi classics and popular songs. Paul plays for diners from 6:00 p.m. Reservations 519-534-4880

For other jazz events in the region check out http://www.jazzbythebay.ca

Doreen Fawcett is a member of Grey Bruce Writers

http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/AllThatJazz

Posted by doreen at 04:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's my column for those who may not see it in July issue of Mosaic:

All That Jazz July 07
by Doreen Fawcett

A DVD newly minted by the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is a gem for jazz lovers who remember the distinctive sound of the 30s and 40s. Those fortunate to be one of 1200 ticket holders to their performance in Owen Sound in May will recognize many faces of the musicians led by Larry O'Brien, who, dare I say, is a more accomplished trombone player than the orchestra originator. Glen Miller's strength, of course, was his masterful arrangements of standards and his pursuit of his particular 'sound'. Sadly, his plane went missing over the English Channel during WW2 but we are fortunate that his 'sound' has been kept alive and is heard all over North America. The DVD provides dancers, listeners and viewers with more than an hour of Glenn's style performed in a dance hall complete with spinning mirrored ball and sprung floor. For more info on the orchestra and DVD go to http://www.glennmillerorchestra.com/

Here's what's coming up for this month in Grey/Bruce:

Sunday evening free concerts at Bayview Park, Thornbury, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Bring a chair and enjoy an evening beside the blue waters of Georgian Bay, compliments of Thornbury Chamber of Commerce. In case of rain, the action moves inside to Clarksburg Arena. Donations accepted. For more info call 519-599-3223.

July 1 Ragweed Jazz Band
July 8 Louis LeFaive and the Kings of Swing
July 15 Rob Lowe Quartet
July 22 Fig Leaf Jazz Band
July 29 A Tribute to the 60s - Return Trip

Saturday evenings at the Chaise Lounge in Owen Sound features Rob Gasidlo on keyboard playing for dinner patrons from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Reservations recommended 519-371-8141 Here's the lineup of guests:

July 7 Don Buchanan on keyboard, Tyler Wagler plays bass.
July 14 Nura on percussion and vocals, Stuart Steinhart plays six-string electric bass.
July 21 Greg Haddow, guitar and Jack McFadden, bass.
July 28 Nura returns with Stu Steinhart

The Leith Summer Festival, held at Leith Church, near Owen Sound is featuring jazz on Saturday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.
The Claude Bolling Jazz Quartet will entertain at this historic restored church with a mix of Baroque and Swing. Musicians Robert Korlgaard, piano, Susan Hoeppner, Flute, Andrew Downing, bass and Nick Fraser drums perform two of Bolling's major jazz suites. For more information see http://www.leithfestival.ca

Lighthouse Swing Band cruises into Southampton with a concert in the park beside Fairy Lake on Sunday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is free and donations are welcome. Bring a chair.

Howlin' Dog Vintage Jazz Band play their special kind of Dixieland jazz for a Bruce Museum fund raiser picnic at North Shore Park in Port Elgin on Saturday, July 7 at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Lobster and steak are on the menu. For more details and tickets go to http://www.brucemuseum.ca or call 519-797-2080

Charlie Bell quartet offers a 'feast of standards' at Saugeen Golf and Country Club, Port Elgin on July 27 at 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. as part of Saugeen Shores Friday Dinner Jazz series. Featured are Charlie Bell, tenor sax and clarinet, Mike Grace, bass, Andy Harasymczuk, guitar and Stephen James on drums. Reservations are recommended for the Terrace Restaurant 519-389-4514

Howlin' Dog Vintage Jazz Band also has a couple of gigs in Kincardine at Bruce Bar and Grill, entertaining on the patio from 2:30 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. on July 8 and July 29.

Jazz in the Park happens again this year on Tuesday evenings at the Outdoor Complex in Wasaga Beach at 7:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair for the free concerts. Here's the lineup:
July 3 Cameo Jazz Band
July 10 Baytowne Big Band
July 17 Ragweed Jazz Band
July 24 Georgian Sound Big Band
July 31 The Otherside of Brass

Fig Leaf Jazz Band plays the new Meaford Hall on July 20 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. celebrating this year of playing jazz music in the area. On July 21 at the same location, fans can hear Louis LeFaive & The Kings of Swing perform from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Winding up the three-day jazz festival on July 22 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. is a gypsy jazz duo, Willie and Lobo the Kings of Gypsy Jazz. For more information go to http://www.meafordhall.ca or call 519-538-0463

For other jazz events in the region check out http://www.jazzbythebay.ca

Doreen Fawcett is a member of Grey Bruce Writers

http://www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/AllThatJazz

Posted by doreen at 09:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow! Last Friday night was awesome. First night of Jazzmania weekend saw six of us trekking around the club crawl in Thornbury taking in no fewer than four super performances of different jazz styles.
Our tasty dinner, served by Rotarians, was more than sufficiant to sustain us through our evening which lasted until past 1:00 a.m. Saturday. Yawn!
Listening to Sploink practice some of their compositions for thier upcoming CD was like listening to old friends, who happen to be accomplished musicians, deliver a range of tunes served up ala Don Buchann who does all the arranging for this five-piece combo. Don and Jason Hunter each played sax, Rob Gasidlo on keyboard, Tyler Wegler on bass and Bruce Campbell on drums sounded like they had always played together. We waved goodbye and left the Valley Bistro to hop on the bus for next location.
The joint was jumping with sounds from Fig Leaf Dixieland jazz as a crowd of dancers, some from Toronto, occasionally blocked my view of some of the six musicians who form this lively group anchoring the scene at Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg.
A few doors away Charlie Bell Trio played amid a riot of colour in a new venue for Jazzmania, The Loft Gallery. Charlie was accompanied by Jack McFadden on bass and Andy Harasymczuk was magical on guitar. Paintings adorning the walls deserve a return visit.
Back on the free shuttle bus stopping off at The Dam Pub to wait in line for a listen to Heart and Soul. Once inside we didn't want to leave as Bobby Dee Blackburn on keyboard and Hart Richards on trumpet serenaded us until closing time. We caught the last bus back to where our vehicle was parked and
There were six other locations that we didn't have time to visit.

Posted by doreen at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Anyone interested in acquiring a ticket for Saturday, April 28 afternoon's Big Band concert at Thornbury, as well as the Sunday April 29 Gospelfest, I have a spare one for each day. Brother Roy isn't going to make it for that weekend after all; he's gone to to Cuba with his daughters.
Contact me at webcrone@cybersquibbs.com

All That Jazz by Doreen Fawcett

In spite of some dreadful weather this winter, the Heart and Soul duo entertain an impressive number of locals and visitors on Sunday afternoons in Tamarac Island Inn on the Bruce Peninsula.

When we dropped by one Sunday afternoon last month, we listened to Hart Richardson on trumpet and fluglehorn and Bobby Dean Blackburn, vocals and keyboard, playing an eclectic selection of jazz standards, some rock and a little country music to a come and go crowd. I particularly enjoyed Bobby Dean's throaty rendition of Foggy Day, one of my favourites. Heart and Soul of the Bruce is the full name for the band which will expand in the future to include other instrumentalists, according to Blackburn.

The original duo, who are both in their sixties, are new to the area and have been livening up Stokes Bay through a very nasty winter at this comfortably rustic watering hole which also serves substantial meals.

Hart is a retired policeman from Hamilton and has played trumpet and fluglehorn a relatively short time. Although he started singing in Toronto, Bobby Dean's heritage includes a grandmother who attended the BME church in Owen Sound, which serves the black community. Blackburn also claims to be descended from slaves who made their way north on the Underground Railroad to its terminus in Owen Sound. Bet he'll be an asset to the emancipation celebrations held later this year.

A favourite local jazz trio will be featured at a big bash this month. Charlie Bell, sax, Mike Grace, guitar, Jack McLelland, bass, are featured at Talisman Resort, Kimberley on April 21. It's a fundraiser for Outdoor Education and Environment Studies. Tax receipts are provided for a portion of the ticket price of $110 each. For more information contact Sandra Mielhausen 519-534-2767

The winter hasn't been so bad for jazz fans in Owen Sound as two locations offered jazz at least once a week. The music continues through April at Chaise Lounge on 9th Street East, with Rob Gasidlo's regular gig on Saturday nights. Music from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Reservations recommended.

His guests this month include:
Saturday, April 7, Charlie Bell, sax and clarinet, Mike Grace, bass
Saturday, April 14, Vocalist and percussionist Nura, Stuart Steinhart, electric guitar
Saturday, April 21, Vocalist Shelaugh Hart
Saturday, April 28, Vocalist Carol Warren

Sunday, April 15, Silverleaf Jazz Band plays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Sticky Fingers Bar & Grill, Essa Road, Barrie for the Simcoe County Jazz Society.

Fridays, April 20, and 27, Fred Parsons on keyboard and David Brown on drums will entertain diners at Inn On The Bay, Bishop's Landing Lounge, Owen Sound from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The easy listening duo are also featured at a Trivia Night, Bayshore Community Centre on April 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A fund raiser for Owen Sound's Festival of Northern Lights 20th anniversary, tickets are $100 for table of eight. More information 519-376-4040 extension 225. www.e-owensound.com

Friday, April 27, At the Uptowne Piano and Jazz Bar, in Owen Sound on 2nd Avenue East, patrons have an opportunity to dance to music by Dr. Jazz North. This trio has impressive international performance credentials with Moe Koffman, Guido Basso and Haygood Hardy. Chris Portinari is on trumpet,Garry White plays guitar and Renee White is on bass and guitar. Music begins at 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Snack food available.

Friday, April 27, The Ladd Trio is appearing at Duffy's Fish and Chips, High Street in Southampton, as part of Performing Arts of Saugeen Shores Dinner Jazz series. Ian Burbidge, sax, Kim Ladd, bass, Lauri Ladd vocals, will entertain diners from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday, April 27, Jazzmania club crawl is taking place from 8:00 p.m. until midnight in Thornbury and Clarksburg. A seat on a free shuttle is included in your ticket for $18. Bus starts running at 7:00 p.m. with free parking at the Beaver Valley Community Centre, corner of Victoria and Alfred Streets. Some spots are close enough to walk to. Each band is scheduled to play for 45 minutes on the hour so if you are fleet of foot, you may make all ten venues. Reservations for dinner are usually required by those locations serving full meals.

Don Buchanan's Sploink plays original compositions as well as standards at the Beaver Valley Community Centre, corner of Victoria and Alfred.www.tcrotary.ca

Hart and Soul offers soulful vocals, jazz standards and blues at The Dam Pub, 53 Bruce Street South.www.thedampub.com

Christopher Plock Trio brings swing to Sisi on Main, 27 Bruce Street South.www.sisionmain.com

Dr. Jazz North plays Dixieland favourites and traditional at The Mill Café, Bridge Street.www.themillcafe.com

Shelaugh Hart Trio provides blues and jazz renditions at Thornbury Manor and Back Door Pub, 27 Bridge Street.

Karen Holgate and Jan Menkal play jazz favourites at Sterio's Steak and Seafood, 81 King Street East.www.sterios.georgian.net

Louis Lefaive & His Kings of Swing blast off at Piper's Restaurant & Tavern, 54 King Street East.www.piperstavern.ca

The Charlie Bell Trio promise an evening of standards and swinging blues at The Loft Gallery, 183 Marsh Street, Clarksburg.www.loftgallery.ca

Fig Leaf Jazz Band livens up the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg with their musical mayhem. www.marshstreetcentre.ca

Ken Whiteley Duo is playing a range of blues and jazz styles at the L.E.Shore Library, 175 Bruce Street South.www.bvo.bmts.com

There may be still time to purchase tickets for Jazzmania as well as for Big Band Saturday and Sunday's Gospelfest. Call 519-599-3223 or check web site
www.festival.georginasound.ca

Stay up to date with what's happening on the jazz scene, contact me at www.cybersquibbs.com/blog/all_that_jazz/
or check out www.jazzbythebay.ca

Posted by doreen at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Isn't it always the way? As soon as I send in my copy to Mosaic Magazine, someone sends me news of upcoming jazz events. Oh, well, Tom told me there'd be days like this. He has to update the web site regularly to include all that's going on. Check out his updates at www.jazzbythebay.ca

Here's some dates close to home that may attract some of you lovers of good jazz These didn't make it to Mosaic:

Appearing at Chaisse Lounge in Owen Sound:

Saturday March 03 : Rob Gasidlo and Don Buchanan (Sax and Clarinet)
Saturday March 10 : Rob Gasidlo and Jack Mcfadden (Bass)
Saturday March 17 : Rob Gasidlo and Guest
Saturday March 24 : Rob Gasidlo and Jack Mcfadden (Bass)
Saturday March 31 : Rob Gasidlo and Shelaugh Hart (Vocals)

And at The Walker House in Southampton:

Friday March 30 : The Jason Hunter Trio; Don Buchanan, piano; Jason Hunter, tenor sax; Jack McFadden, bass. New takes on old favourites.

If you're feeling like going further afield, The Crooners Lounge in Waterloo:

Fridays in March: Charlie Bell's Trio; Charlie on Sax, Ted Gibbons, guitar and Jack McFadden, bass. (Where on earth did that rumour come from that Jack was retired!!!)

Posted by doreen at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For anyone who does not catch my column in March edition of Mosaic, here's the full text.

All That Jazz March07
by Doreen Fawcett

The lineup for Jazzmania, opening the Georgian Sound Festival weekend is out and it will be difficult for jazz lovers to take in all ten venues for Friday, April 27 in Thornbury and Clarksburg. Tickets allow as many visits as you can fit in during the evening and we always run out of time before we've seen all we'd like to during a fun pub crawl.
Here's the list of performers, in no particular order: Shelaugh Hart Trio, Charlie Bell Trio, Sploink, Louis LeFaivre and his Kings of Swing, Christopher Plock Trio, Figleaf Jazz Band, Dr.Jazz North, Ken Whiteley Duo, Karen Holgate & Jan Menkal, Hart & Soul Duo.

Big Band Saturday on April 28 features The Toronto All Stars, The Megacity Swing Band and host The Georgian Sound Big Band. All three bands play matinee and evening performances at the Beaver Valley Community Centre, Thornbury.

Winding up the weekend is Gospelfest on Sunday, April 29, also at the Beaver Valley Community Centre, Thornbury, and includes Ken Whiteley and several other musicians.

Tickets for the full weekend are $45 each if purchased before March 31st. Tickets for each of the separate days are also available. See website for details. www.festival.georgiansound.ca

Shelaugh Hart is one of many performers who seems to believe in the old saying, the show must go on. She braved a winter storm to travel from Barrie to Owen Sound in February to join Rob Gasidlo at the Chaisse Lounge. The vibrant singer was on top form with her redux classics and scat singing after the style of Ella Fitzgerald entertaining dinner patrons. Gasidlo, as usual, also turned in a stellar performance much to the delight of the diners who had braved one of several winter storms that closed roads into and out of Owen Sound last month.

We opted to attend a New Year's celebration at the Uptowne Jazz and Piano Bar in Owen Sound, to listen to a group that sounded as though they had rehearsed together for years although we knew better. Three accomplished musicians sang, two of them not heard vocalizing before; all sounded tuneful. Sax player Jason Hunter warbled several tunes, and bass player Tyler Wegler also contributed. We've heard Party Time Jazz Band leader Don Buchanan sing as well as play keyboard so that was no surprise. He can also make his keyboard sound like a scat vocalist. Dave Malito rounded out the quartet who did not sing but was by no means quiet! The best New Year's I've spent in a long time.

On March 30, Don Buchanan and Jason Hunter are featured at the Walker House in Southampton, for Friday Dinner Jazz. Third arm of the trio is Jack McFadden who I have heard on bass but you never know, he might sing also!
For other events offered by the Performing Arts of Saugeen Shores, check out the website www.jazzbythebay.ca

When weather permits (call ahead to 519-592-5810), a visit to Tamarac Island Inn, Stokes Bay on the Bruce Peninsula may prove entertaining. Not been there myself yet but I have it on good authority that Bobby Dean Blackburn, keyboard and vocals, Hart Richardson on trumpet help while away a Sunday afternoon with some good jazz.

Guitarist, singer Jeff Healey is back on the air hosting his radio show Monday nights at 91.1 Jazz FM in Toronto following a January lung operation. No plans to return to Owen Sound any time soon but you never know with this indomitable musicologist. His bouts with cancer extend back to his childhood having gone under the knife four times for cancer in eyes.

"I'm stretching further the definition of the word indestructible," quipped Jeff from his hospital bed three days after his recent operation.

Posted by doreen at 05:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)