The new edition of Mosaic Magazine is now on the stands in all your favourite places such as libraries, art galleries, theatres and tourist bureaus in Grey and Bruce counties. When you pick up your copy, please note some changes affecting this column, My Foggy Day.

Gremlins infected the printed text and wrong date is listed for Don and Diana’s delightful dinner music at Chaise Lounge, Owen Sound. Should be Saturday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. Reservations 519-371-8141

Stevie Vallance’s Masters of Jazz concert series has hit a snag and this month’s event, scheduled for March 13, has been cancelled. Plans are still going ahead for April 10th, with David Warrack, Kieran Overs and Steve Kennedy. Masters of Jazz

Late listings:

Stay up to date with jazz in our area by entering your email address for this newsletter in the box provided. Your updates will arrive in your inbo

Wow! I hope you didn’t miss many of the jazz gigs here in Grey and Bruce Counties in February. New and exciting performers as well as trusted musicians showed up in every area. If you kept in touch by subscribing to My Foggy Day or checking  in to Jazz By The Bay or, receive Tom Lewis’  free enewsletter you are up to date.

March calendar signals equally full schedule of jazz events, so mark your calendars for your favourite entertainers.

Wednesday, March 3, 4 and 5, Collingwood Musicfest at 8:00 p.m. involving more than 3000 musicians from across the province. Public is welcome at Collingwood Collegiate. The series culminateds on Saturday, March 6 with a concert by Central Command Band of the Armed Forces from Ottawa. Full schedule at  Collingwood Music Festival

Thursday, March 11, at 8:00 p.m. Top Flyte Trio’s offering this month includes Gene Parker, saxes with Mike Lorenz on keys at Top Flyte Lounge, Southampton. Reservations 519-797-3300. Cover charge. More info at Top Flyte Llounge

Saturday, March 13, at 7:00 p.m. Howlin’ Dog Vintage Jazz Band brings it’s special blend of Dixieland and standards for diners at Park House Tavern and Eatery, Port Elgin. Reservations 519-524-4968

Saturday March 13 at 7:00 p.m., lyrical vocalist Diana Wood with Don Buchanan on keyboard are sure to be pleasing company for dinner at the Chaise Lounge in Owen Sound. Don and Diana are collaborating on new compositions and Don’s unique arrangements are well worth hearing. This monthly gig has wowed patrons of this high end eatery. Reservations a must 519-371-8141

Saturday, March 6, Big Bad Wolf Jazz & Blues Quintet begins the month at The Queens Bush, Hanover, at 9:00 p.m. Reservations 519-364-6666. The Quintet has other gigs this month at Wismer House, Port Elgin as well as Coach Inn, Owen Sound. Full schedule at Big Bad Wolf Jazz & Blues

Note from Stevie Vallace tells us March 13 performance of Masters of Jazz series at Bruce County Museum is cancelled. Watch for news of April lineup. Listen to Stevie’s jazz Sunday nights from 8 to midnight on FM radio 98 The Beach

Sunday, March 7, 14 and 21, 2:00 p.m. You can listen and dance to the jazz and blues of Bobby Dean Blackburn who is at Sauble Dunes Restaurant, Sauble Beach. Bobby Dean Is sure to keyboard and sing some of the tunes on his CD, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The album title a song he wrote himself. With him is tireless drummer Frank deMatteis, as well as visiting musicians invited to sit in on occasion. For more information, call 519-422-2745. 

Bobby Dean Blackburn’s disc includes three songs penned by Bobby on a thoroughly listenable collection titled, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and includes that foot-stompin’ favourite, Mojo.Among those who have performed are Tom Hancock, harmonica, Steve Kennedy, saxes, John Haselmeyer, rhythm guitar, Kenny Baldwin, saxes. Sauble Dunes is now offering a buffet meal at $14. Listen to him on line at Bobby Dean Blackburn

The late Ernie Duff’s memorial CD has several big band favourites including My Secret Love, Old Black Magic and the poignant title tune, If I Never Sing Another Song. Contact Tom Lewis for details on where to buy.

Stay up to date with jazz in our area by entering your email address for this newsletter in the box provided. Your updates will arrive in your inbox.

Here’s a cheery note from trombonist Dave Schmalz, who leads my brother’s favourite local Dixieland jazz band with the quaint name, Howlin’ Dog Vintage Jazz Band. Yes, there is a dog, Jake,  but can’t say I’ve heard him howl.

“It’s that time of year,” says Dave, “when a little shot of live music and good food can go a long way. You can get both at the Park House, 168 West St, Goderich on Saturday February 20th.The Howlin” Dog Vintage Jazz Band will be performing from 7.00 pm and as usual the Park House always leads the way in good food and warm hospitality.”   For reservations call (519) 524-4968

Howlin’ Dog Vintage Jazz Band

Also this week in the area:

Thursday. February 18, at 6:30 p.m. Collingwood Jazz and Blues Society are bringing in guitarist Wayne Buttery and blues harp notable Roly Platt to entertain at 163 Hurontario Street, Collingwood. Advance tickets $10 from Crow’s Nest 705-444-4449 or $15 at the door.

Wayne Buttery

Collingwood Jazz & Blues Society

Friday, February 19, at 6:30 p.m. Stardust Big Band takes over Queen’s Bar and Grill, Port Elgin, for an evening of dinner music for three hours. Cover charge. Reservations 519-832-2041.

Stardust Big Band

Saturday, February 20, at 1:30 p.m. multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Roselyn Brown will entertain visitors at Grey Roots Museum, Owen Sound. Celebration of Black history month event and launch of the African Canadian History Journal Volume 7.  Free concert and refreshments available.  Read about this talented musician at

Smooth Jazz

Grey Roots Museum

Wind up the week on Sunday, February 21 at 2:30 p.m. with Bobby Dean Blackburn and friends at Sauble Dunes Restaurant, Sauble Beach. Bobby Dean, keyboard, Frank deMatteis, drums and others invited to sit in. Hart Richardson, trumpet, John Haselmeyer, guitar, Tom Hancock, harmonica are additions to a great jam session I recently enjoyed. Reservations 519-422-2745

Bobby Dean Blackburn

While you are here at My Foggy Day, add your email address in the box provided to receive updates as soon as they are posted.

Don’t forget to listen to Stevie Vallance, host of Sunday night jazz on FM Radio 98thebeach.ca from 8:00 p.m.to midnight.

More details on all upcoming jazz gigs in Grey and Bruce counties, Jazz By The Bay

There goes January and come to think of it, we had some great gigs considering the weather in southern Ontario!Now we’re looking for hot jazz in February.  Sign up for free jazz Enewsletter

February 5 & 6 Big Bad Wolf Jazz & Blues Quintet entertain at Jason’s Pub, Owen Sound, at 10:00 p.m. with Stehanie Reidpathe on vocals. Reservations 519-376-2262. For info:

Big Bad Wolf Jazz & Blues

February 6 Karen Holgate & Jan Menkal entertain diners at Georgian Manor Resort, Blue Mountain at 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations 705-445-9422 or 1-800-486-0485.

Looking ahead to Valentine’s Day weekend? Several top artists will entertain  including Karen & Jan at two different locations, Walter’s Falls Inn and Tamarac Island Inn.

Bobby Dean Blackburn at his weekly Sunday afternoon gig at Sauble Dunes, where Ian Burbidge and Paul Danard’s Friday gig takes place. Paul also accompanies Neil Morley at Owen Sound’s Downtown Bookstore next weekend.

Diana Campbell and Don Buchanan return to Chaise Lounge, Owen Sound,  Georgian Sound’s Big Band Valentine Dance for swing and sway folk is happening at Clarksburg and Stevie Vallance Quintet kicks off a Masters of Jazz series at Bruce County Museum in Southampton.

That’s quite a lineup to fill your weekend.  For dates, times and other details click on calendar tab at

Jazz By The Bay .

Last week of January ends on a upbeat note for jazz in Grey and Bruce. Check out www.jazzbythebay.ca for last-minute listings.

Friday, January 29 – Phoenix Jazz Group perking up diners from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Queen’s Bar & Grill, Port Elgin. Performing Arts of Saugeen Shores (PASS) last gig of the month features Charlie Bell, saxes and clarinet, John McClelland, keyboard artist, Art Lang, bass, Nick Macerollo, drums and that lovely songstress, Rebecca Binnedyck. Reservations 519-832-2041.

Sunday, January 31 – Bobby Dean Blackburn works his magic on keys with enthusiastic drummer Frank deMatteis, who has been known to knock over his high-hat, bring a mix of innovative and traditional renditions to Sauble Dunes Restaurant, Sauble Beach, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.. Each week, Bobby Dean welcomes guest musicians to sit in. Among those who have performed are Tom Hancock, harmonica, Steve Kennedy, saxes, John Haselmeyer, rhythm guitar, Kenny Baldwin, saxes. Sauble Dunes is now offering a buffet meal at $14.

Sunday, January 17 – 2:00 p.m. Sauble Beach. I’m pleased to report that Bobby Dean Blackburn’s gig at Sauble Dunes Restaurant continues every Sunday afternoon. With local musicians sitting in lately – sax player Steve Kennedy expected this Sunday – it’s been an interesting winter so far at this cavernous and comfy location.  Sometimes there’s room for dancing. Contact Bobby Dean if you would like to sit in or to listen to him. Go to http://www.myspace.com/bobbydeanblackburn

Sauble Dunes Restaurant 519-422-2745

Thursday, January 21, 6:30 p.m. Collingwood – Spring Blues Series begins the 2010 season with Curley Bridges, legendary performer of ‘jump, jive and low down dirty blues’ according to his web site. Seating is limited at Crow’s Nest, 239 Hurontario Street and with a ticket price of $10 better get yours now. Call 795-444-4449. Memberships available from sponsor Collingwood Jazz & Blues Society. Click on Curley Bridges http//:www.electrofi.com/curleybio.htm

Friday, January 22, 7:00 p.m. Port Elgin -  Noodle Factory Jazz Project presents a Jazzy Night at Jangles Pub  & Eatery, Port Elgin that includes a buffet. Admission $20. At their last concert, I was much impressed by what trombone player Peter Rissi succintly phrased ‘eclectic arrangements’ of standards as well as original compositions by band members.  Many of the 10 band members play elsewhere with local big bands and combos and several are music teachers. Led by saxophone player Ian Burbidge, band members  include Wayne McGrath, trumpet, Paul Danard, guitar, Jason Hunter, saxophone, David Melito, drums, Don Buchanan, keyboard, Cam Porter, saxophone. Brian Windross, trumpet and Ron Code, trombone are the only two musicians I did not recall hearing before. It is obvious that the band is on the way to achieving their ‘goal to provide an outlet for creative original writing.’  Let’s hope this outfit fulfills all their goals.  Reservations 519-832-2883

Saturday January 23, 9:30 p.m. Port Elgin. Big Bad Wolf Jazz & Blues takes over the Wismer House for the evening featuring Stephanie Reidpathe on vocals with this vibant quartet. Reservations 519-832-6656.

Great CD’s Available:

Bobby Dean Blackburn includes three songs penned by Bobby on a thoroughly listenable CD collection titled, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and includes that foot-stompin’ favourite, Mojo.
Also, the late Ernie Duff’s memorial CD has several big band favourites including My Secret Love, Old Black Magic and the poignant title tune, If I Never Sing Another Song. Contact tomlewis@jazzbythebay.ca for details on where to buy.
Upcoming jazz events are posted on http://jazzbythebay.ca. Click on calendar or your area for details. Let  me - webcrone@gmail.com know if you hear about new jazz in our area.

January 14 is Tuba Madness at Top Flyte Jazz Club, Southampton.
N.Jay Burr is a Canadian tuba virtuoso who has toured internationally the past 20 years performing a variety of musical styles among them mainstream tunes as well as standards. He will be playing with regulars Charlie Bell, sax, Andy Harasymchuk, guitar, Mike Grace, double bass, with Charlie Cooley on drums. Music begins at 8:00 p.m. Cover $15. Reservations 519-797-3300
This is part of Winter Jazz Series and features special guests every second Thursday of the month at the popular jazz club located upstairs to the Phoenix Lounge, Southampton. Promote your business and bring one of the jazz greats to play with this professional combo. To sponsor a Top Flyte Jazz Guest Artist go to Top Flyte Jazz and click on the sponsor tab for a promotional opportunity.
Howlin’ Dog on Saturday
For Goderich fans of Howlin’ Dog Vintage Jazz Band, reserve Saturday, January 16 for a night at Park House Tavern & Eatery on West Street. Band plays Dixieland and standards from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Call 519-524-4968
For up to date listings of jazz in the southern Georgian Bay area, check out Jazz By The Bay

Note to self: be considerate of others, particularly wait staff, when dining out.
I was reminded recently of a Maclean’s magazine article about restaurant patrons who are noted for bad behavior.A waiter’s hit list includes those who routinely send back wine, pinch the pepper grinder, or constantly complain, among other unacceptable behaviors.
This came to mind while awaiting a table on New Year’s Eve at The Chaise Lounge. Two couples were still dawdling over their desserts, aware that their two-hour sitting had passed and that other diners were waiting to be seated as the early show had ended. The sittings had been clearly indicated and exceptionally good local jazz musicians had ended their set.
Could it be this sneaky foursome realized their error in booking too early for theIr favourite entertainment?
But staff was ahead of them and quietly asked the featured duo, Don Buchanan and Diana Campbell, to take a break as “they won’t leave while you are still playing.”
Some curt comments such as “wouldn’t have ordered a bottle of wine had we known” were easily heard by many and it soon became obvious that these uncouth people were determined to make the servers uncomfortable by voicing their discontent, while an offer of another table was scorned.
The men in the party were somewhat less churlish – one offered his seat and assured me their party would be leaving as soon as the bill was paid. The women, however, patently ignored everyone, even when addressed directly.
As they pored over the bill continuing to complain of being rushed out “at these prices,” I was sorely tempted to remind them that high maintenance diners often get poor service. But no, I waited until they had noisily left, determined not to sink to their uncivilized level.
I am sure the restaurateurs and staff keep track of undesirable patrons, as it appears others do, and there will be no tables available when a party of rude, inconsiderate people call again for a reservation.

Countdown to year’s end and New Year festivities for jazz lovers in Grey and Bruce Counties. But first, there’s a weekend coming up chock full of great jazz with Toronto All Stars Big Band, Don Buchanan & Diana Wood, and Bobby Dean Blackburn.
Saturday, December 19, 2009:
Toronto All Stars Big Band return with their fast paced new Christmas show at the Roxy Theatre, Owen Sound on Saturday afternoon, 2:00 p.m. Tickets may still be available for this popular band of youngsters who play as though they have been doing it for years. And their music sounds so much like the 30s and 40s jazz it’ll take you back. TABB is composed of current students and some alumni return to join newcomers each year for what’s promised to be a ‘cool Yule show’ of swinging arrangements. For ticket availability call 519-371-2833 or 1-800-446-7699
For an evening of song in the spirit of Christmas on Saturday at 7:00 p.m., lyrical vocalist Diana Wood with Don Buchanan on keyboard are sure to be pleasing company for dinner at the Chaise Lounge in Owen Sound. Don and Diana are collaborating on new compositions and Don’s unique arrangements are well worth hearing. This monthly gig has wowed patrons of this high end eatery. Reservations a must 519-371-8141
Sunday, December 20, 2009:
Wind up the weekend with an afternoon listening and dancing to the jazz and blues of Bobby Dean Blackburn who has settled in for a date every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Sauble Dunes Restaurant, Sauble Beach. Bobby Dean Is sure to keyboard and sing some of the tunes on his CD, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The album title a song he wrote himself. With him is tireless drummer Frank deMatteis, as well as visiting musicians invited to sit in on occasion. For more information, call 519-422-2745
Hear him now at Bobby Dean Blackburn.
For all the gigs around the area on New Year’s Eve, go to Jazz By The Bay or sign up for free enewsletter, send request to Tom Lewis.

Highlights this week are Christmas Jazz in Southampton as well as Jazz & Blues in Owen Sound. For up to the minute listings of jazz events in Grey and Bruce Counties, check out Jazz By The Bay.
Thursday, December 10 – Charlie Bell has lined up some special guests for Top Flyte Lounge in Southampton from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm. John McLelland, piano, John McLeon, trumpet and flugelhorn, Al Kay, trombone and Charlie Cooley, drums. Also returning to Top Flyte is young dynamo vocalist Mackenzie Aromba joining Top Flyte Trio of Charlie on saxophones, Andy Harsymczuk, guitar, and Mike Grace, double bass. Should be a great evening of Christmas jazz and mainstream played by this group of professionals. Cover charge $25. Reservations 519-797-3300
Top Flyte Jazz
Friday and Saturday, December 11&12 – Big Bad Wolff Jazz & Blues Quintet move into Jason’s Pub at Coach Inn, Owen Sound, 10:00 pm to 2:00 am. Vocalist Stephanie Reidpathe is joined by Brian O’Rourke, guitar, Larry White, piano, Pete Novar, bass and Mark Marish, drums. First time for jazz at this location for some years, I believe, and this group, who have been heard recently in Flesherton, should be welcome event for night owls.
Jason’s Pub
Looking for Christmas gifts for jazz fans? Consider a CD or two by local talent.
Bobby Dean Blackburn’s disc includes three songs penned by Bobby on a thoroughly listenable collection titled, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and includes that foot-stompin’ favourite, Mojo.
Also, the late Ernie Duff’s memorial CD has several big band favourites including My Secret Love, Old Black Magic and the poignant title tune, If I Never Sing Another Song. Contact Tom Lewis for details on where to buy.
More listing of upcoming events, including New Year’s Eve, are posted on Jazz By The Bay. Click on calendar or your area for details. Let me know if you hear about jazz in our area