Here's a current item in the April edition of Mosaic Magazine. Pick up your free copy at local libraries, art galleries, theatres and museums in Grey and Bruce Counties. Let's support the arts in Ontario.

Musicians l to r: Brooke on guitar, Cory on drums, with their father, Bobby Dean Blackburn

The recent launch of a new edition of Northern Terminus:The African-Canadian History Journal packed a theatre at four-year-old Grey Roots Museum and Archives, located on the outskirts of Owen Sound.

The fifth edition, the largest yet at 67 pages, details a cycling tour taken last year by some 17 riders from Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound in celebration of those who mostly trekked the distance, escaping slavery by way of the Underground Railroad. Also in the spiral-bound volume are contributions from interviews with descendants of slaves who settled here as well as an extensive bibliography.

Designer of Black History Cairn at Harrison Park Bonita Johnson de Matteis read an excerpt from her book Going North: The story of Geraldine's Great Great Grandfather. The charming book geared to readers of all ages is published by Ginger Press, Owen Sound.

Local musician Bobby Dean Blackburn entertained at the keyboard while refreshments were served. Joining him from Toronto, two of his sons contributed to some hot jazz. Brooke, 44, on guitar and Cory, 30, on drums. Blackburn Sr, who lives in Stokes Bay said his grandmother had sung in the choir at the BME church, Owen Sound. His regular gig at Tamarac Island Hotel on Sunday afternoon, as well as other dates at restaurants in Grey and Bruce, keep the personable entertainer busy in his semi-retirement.

Visitors to the free event included local members of Ontario Genealogical Society. The date coincided with their February meeting.

Sales from all journal editions, at $10 each, go to support the 7th Annual Black History Event on April 26 at Durham Arena and Community Centre. Grey County Archives, West Grey Chamber of Commerce and Bruce Grey Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society combined to present the all day program. Agenda includes the relating of a true story of Thornton and Lucie Blackburn, who made their way to Canada in the early 1830s, by archaeologist historian, Dr.Karolyn Frost.

For more information check the website www.greyroots.com or call 519-376-3690

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My favourite song is A Foggy Day In London and musician friends often include this standard in their playlist when I am out front. Here's a sweet rendition you might like to listen to while you browse this first post.

Something Elwy Yost whispered to me during a boring rubber chicken dinner seems apropos. He said "what did the the earwig say as he fell off the wall?" The former TVO personality didn't wait for me to reply; chuckling he whispered "'ere we go!"

And so, my friends, 'ere we go again with my rejuvenated jazz column on its own blog page. Maybe signs of spring have also revived everyone's spirits and we can exchange some upbeat updates to share among jazz addicts.

Let's try to get as much info as we can on line - as well as into print with the support of Mosaic publisher Vi Bland, a free arts magazine covering Grey and Bruce counties.

Orchestrating jazz events? Here's what you do: email dates and copy to me - webcrone@gmail.com - before the deadline for the month to appear. Deadline? You may ask? That's before the 11th of the previous month! Of course, advertising has a bit more leeway - email copy to mosaic@bmts.com

It's been a long, cold, snowy winter here in Ontario, but the good news on the jazz scene, although taking some years to develop, is the genre is spreading.
And spread more it must to have our local musicians incorporated solidly into the fabric of our communities.

There is some light at the end of the downbeat. Progress due, in large part, to Tom Lewis and his diligent recording of happenings and distribution of a free emailed newsletter as well as his weekly newspaper column, Jazz Beat.

Tom's incredible resource of years addicted to jazz is hardly allowed ink in his Thursday wrap-up, thanks to editors at the Owen Sound Sun Times, and the largely obtuse attitude of staffer Bill Henry. Not that I fault Bill entirely as he is charged with covering ALL music in the readership area and jazz coverage in the newspaper is certainly better these days.

The local jazz scene was pretty thin a few years ago when one lone restaurant in town offered weekly jazz entertainment. Today that restaurant has switched to other music genres. A downtown jazz bar tried and failed to draw enough customers. An ownership change led to diminished smooth jazz gigs at a hotel restaurant.

Today, among several locations offering jazz for more than a year, is a local eatery showcasing jazz talent to entertain the Saturday night diners.. Rob Gasidlo, on keyboard, anchors the ongoing program drawing sellout crowds at Chaise Lounge, Owen Sound and he brings some excellent musicians to the weekly gig.

Recently it was standing room only when Chesley diva Carole Warren, husband Steve Kennedy, soprano sax, Don Buchanan, tenor sax and Rob on keyboard wowed the fans. Shelaugh Hart swooped in next from Barrie to deliver a mix of smooth and zingy vocals. Check out this and other events in the area at www.jazzbythebay.com

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