Cape Breton Jazz Festival
2020 Schedule
Location: New Dawn Cultural Centre
(37 Nepean St./George St.) Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Evening Indoor Shows
Friday and Saturday September 11 and 12 7:30 pm:
Featured Act Both Evening :
The Best in Jazz, Blues, and Vocals
The Bill Stevenson Piano Trio with Bill Stevenson, Geoff Arsenault, and Tom Easily
Opening Act:
Carl Getto Jazz Trio
featuring vocalist
Ticket $40 per show
Limited Seating
Tickets Available at: TBA
Free Afternoon Outdoor Shows
Front Lawn: New Dawn Cultural Centre
Friday September 11: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Saturday, September 12: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Performers Include: Red Mike MacDonald, Ron Leadbeater, James Munroe, Bruce McKinley, Chris McDonald, Scott Rodney, Matthew Nicholson, Shelley Allen, Joanne Rolls, Linda Muise, Janet Bickerton, Shirley Dalton, Bob Inglis, Carl Getto
Sunday, September 13: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Performers Include: Joe Waye, Elizabeth Patterson, David Burke, Red Mike MacDonald, Ron Leadbeater, And others
For further information:
webpage: capebretonjazzfestival.com
email: capebretonjazzfestival@gmail.com
phone: 902-565-1092
Bill Stevenson
One of the regular highlights of the Cape Breton Jazz Festival is always the appearance of Bill Stevenson, and once again the 2020 Cape Breton Jazz Festival is proud to present the Bill Stevenson Trio for a Sydney show on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, with location indoors at the New Dawn Cultural Centre. Based in Halifax, the trio which consists of Bill on piano, Geoff Arsenault on drums, and Tom Easley on bass never fails to deliver a high energy soulful performance. Through Bill's rich vocals and elegant yet blues filled piano playing the group entertains audiences with songs sung and played from throughout the jazz era - songs from the Great American Songbook, and from the lexicon of blues and popular standards. Sit back and enjoy or dance to this classy presentation of fun filled music.
Highlights From
Past Years
Mainstage Shows: Warren Chiasson, Kirk MacDonald, Ethan Ardelli, Bill Stevenson, Steppin’ Out, and others.
Every Afternoon Free Jazz Outdoor Shows Monday to Saturday (1 pm – 4 pm) with Various Jazz Players at Governor’s Pub Sydney.
Friday and Saturday - August 2 and 3
Late Night Jazz Festival Closing Celebrations
Governor's Pub
10 pm - 1 pm
Featuring Various Performers
$10 Admission
Featuring Local, National, and International Players Including:
Warren Chiasson (New York Vibraphonist)
Kirk MacDonald (Canada’s premiere tenor saxophonist)
Ethan Ardelli (Toronto based drummer)
Bill Stevenson (blues/jazz vocalist and pianist)
Geoff Arsenault
Tom Easley
Joe Waye
Mark Adam (percussionist)
Red Mike MacDonald
Ron Leadbeater
Michele Stephens
Carl Getto
Kevin Colford
Steppin’ Out
Jamie Gatti
Keith Mullins
Eric Burke
Fabio Miano (Spanish pianist)
Marcel Amoreds (Cuban instrumentalist)
Virginia MacDonald
Lucien Gray
Bruce MacKinley
James Munroe
Luiz Deniz
Chris Donnelly
Devon Henderson
Lazaro Monteserin
Gene Huh
Chris Cookson
Keith Mullins
Shelley Allen
Janet Bickerton
Shirley Dalton
Linda Muise
Jo-Anne Rolls
Lazaro Monteserin
Gene Huh
Chris Cookson
Keith Mullins
And Others
Featured Festival Shows
Saturday, August 3 2019
Sydney Location: Cape Breton University Boardmore Theatre
Legendary Vibraphonist
Warren Chiasson from New York
This show is dedicated to the memory of Heather Osler, of Glace Bay, formerly from New York. Heather was a generous patron of the jazz festival. She passed away in the spring of 2019. Heather, your support of the Cape Breton Jazz is greatly appreciated.
Warren's Biography
Warren Chiassonis a highly regarded musician in the jazz world who has been called "one of the six top vibraphonists of the last half century"by theNew York Times. Originally a member of the George Shearing Quintet, he has emerged as his own man with a distinctive four-mallet technique that he weaves into a percussive, melodic style.
Prior to forming his own group, Chiasson was for many years best known for his creative contributions to the Chet Baker Quartet, the Tal Farlow Trio, and jazz/pop diva Roberta Flack. In addition to recording his own albums, he has played on over 100 recordings with such artists as Eric Dolphy, Bill Dixon, HankCrawfordand was featured on a Grammy Award winning album with B.B. King.
His own albums include "Quartessence","Good Vibes for Kurt Weill"(which was selected as a Billboard Pick of the Week), and "Point Counterpoint"with guitarist Chuck Wayne.
Chiasson, a self-taught musician, was born in the tiny French Acadian fishing village of Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, and grew up in the rich, joyous culture of Cape Breton folk music. His family moved to the larger town of Sydney and his formal musical training began at age nine with classical violin lessons. By thirteen he was playing sessions with noted Scottish fiddlers of the day, performing at dances, stage shows and radio shows. Later, he played the trombone in high school.
When Chiasson was fifteen, he was profoundly inspired by a George Shearingrecording of "I'll Remember April"which led him to study modern jazz. He listened to the records of Shearing, Charlie Parker, Lennie Tristano, and Duke Ellington, practicing late into the night and memorizing their solos on the piano and guitar.
But the seeds of his career were not sown until he entered St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and bought a small xylophone after seeing Lionel Hamptonperform in his home town. Once he started practicing this instrument he decided immediately to make music his career somehow. He left college and enlisted as a trombone player in the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, all the while practicing the vibes over eight hours a day.
Finally, his jazz studies paid off during a trip to New York, when a chance meeting with a promoter led to a vibraphone audition with The George Shearing Quintet. A week later he was part of the quintet, touring the world and playing opposite the likes of Dave Brubeckand The Modern Jazz Quartet.
Since then Chiasson has collaborated with some of the finest musicians in jazz including Paul Bley, Ron Carter, Roland Hannaand the late Jimmy Garrisonfrom the original John Coltrane Quintet. In the late 60s and early 70s, the Warren Chiasson/Jimmy Garrison Duoplayed regularly at Gregory's in New York City, while Chiasson also hosted a weekly jam session at the Signs of the Zodiac in Harlem. Regular guests included Charlie Haden, Lee Konitz, Joe Farrell, Wilbur Wareand Joe Chambers.
Today, Chiasson is actively involved in jazz education and continues to travel extensively, performing at concerts and festivals. Recently, at the 20th anniversary of the Atlantic Jazz Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Chiasson was honored for his creative contributions to jazz and for being the first musician from eastern Canada to forge an international jazz career, thereby paving the way for others to follow. The concert was recorded by CBC RADIO for national air play.
Ticket information
All Ages Welcome
Ticket Pricing
Advance: $40
At the Door: $45
Tickets available on this website on-line on our schedule page or in Sydney at Gallery Ledrew, 331 Charlotte St., 902-500-0620, or at the door on the evening of the show.
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Friday, August 2 2019
Sydney Location: Cape Breton University Boardmore Theatre
Canada's Premiere Tenor Saxophonist
Kirk MacDonald from Toronto
With an established reputation as one of Canada's leading saxophonists, Kirk MacDonald cut his first record at the age of thirteen. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, and has worked with many leading musicians in a variety of musical genres. He has performed on over fifty CDs as both leader and side- man, and has participated in numerous national broadcast recordings for CBC Radio. In addition to performing extensively throughout Canada, he has also performed in the USA, Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Monaco, Aus- tralia, Korea, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.
For over thirty years Kirk has worked and recorded with many leading Canadian, U.S. and International jazz musicians including Claude Ranger, Dave Young, Sam Noto, Sonny Greenwich, Kenny Wheeler, Eddie Hender- son, Harold Mabern, Walter Bishop Jr., Tom Harrell, Lorne Lofsky, Bob Mover, Pat LaBarbera, John Taylor, Ron McClure, Jack DeJohnette, Mike Stern, Jim McNeely, Bob Mintzer, Vince Mendoza, John Clayton, Chris Potter, Glenn Ferris, Maria Schneider, Dave Grusin, Danilo Perez, Adam Rogers, Dennis Mackrel, Nancy Walker, Barry Romberg, Andre White, Rob Smith, Brian Dickinson, Denny Christianson, Bernie Senensky, Phil Nimmons, James Moody, Rosemary Clooney, Humber College Faculty Ensemble.
Ticket Information
All Ages Welcome
Ticket Pricing
Advance: $40
At the Door: $45
Tickets available on this website on-line on our schedule page or in Sydney at Gallery Ledrew, 331 Charlotte St., 902-500-0620, or at the door on the evening of the show.
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Thursday, August 1 2019
Jazz Fest Celebration
International, National, and Local
Featuring: Virginia MacDonald, Lucien Gray, Jamie Gatti, Fabio Miano, Joe Waye, Kirk MacDonald, Ethan Ardelli, and others
Location: Cape Breton University Boardmore Theatre
Ticket Information
All Ages Welcome
Ticket Pricing
Advance: $30
At the Door: $35
Tickets available on this website on-line on our schedule page or in Sydney at Gallery Ledrew, 331. Charlotte St., 902-500-0620, or at the door on the evening of the show.
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019
One of Toronto's Leading Jazz Drummers
Ethan Ardelli and his Quartet
Sydney Location: Hearthstone Inn Outdoor Courtyard, Kings Rd. Sydney, Nova Scotia
Drummer and composer Ethan Ardelli has been one of Canada’s most acclaimed jazz musicians for more than a decade. Always a cultural omnivore, Ardelli has sought out inspiration in a wide variety of places, from foreign and experimental films to classical composition from around the world, in particular the music of Cuba.
After playing in many notable Canadian bands (David Virelles, Brian Dickinson, Nancy Walker, and Darren Sigesmund), Ardelli was primed to become a bandleader.
Since 2014, Ethan has been leading his own ensemble showcasing his original compositions. The quartet features saxophonist Luis Deniz, pianist Chris Donnelly, and bassist Devon Henderson.
His debut album, The Island of Form, is a showcase for Ardelli’s highly developed compositional skills and drumming prowess. The album was recorded by James Farber, the engineer behind many touchstone jazz recordings, including works by Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, and Brad Mehldau.
As well as leading his own ensemble, Ethan is a member of the Darren Sigesmund Quintet, Nancy Walker Quintet, Alexander Brown Sextet, Brian Dickinson Trio, and the Harley Card Quintet. Ethan has been on faculty at The University of Manitoba in Winnipeg and is currently on faculty at the Humber College Community Music Program.
Ticket Information
Show Begins at 6:30 pm. Show scheduled for outdoors (bring a sweater); if weather is inclement, show will be moved indoors.
Ages: Show is an 19 years and over event.
Ticket Pricing
Advance: $30
At the Door: $35
Tickets available on this website on-line on our schedule page or in Sydney at Gallery Ledrew, 331 Charlotte St., 902-500-0620, or at the door on the evening of the show.
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Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Outstanding Blues/Jazz Pianist and Singer
From Halifax
Bill Stevenson Trio with Geoff Arsenault and Tom Easley
Sydney Location: Hearthstone Inn Outdoor Courtyard, Kings Rd., Sydney, Nova Scotia
One of the regular highlights of the Cape Breton Jazz Festival is always the appearance of Bill Stevenson, and once again the 2019 Cape Breton Jazz Festival is proud to present the Bill Stevenson Trio for a Sydney show on Tuesday July 30 2019, with location TBA. Based in Halifax, the trio which consists of Bill on piano, Geoff Arsenault on drums, and Tom Easley on bass never fails to deliver a high energy soulful performance. Through Bill's rich vocals and elegant yet blues filled piano playing the group entertains audiences with songs sung and played from throughout the jazz era - songs from the Great American Songbook, and from the lexicon of blues and popular standards. Sit back and enjoy or dance to this classy presentation of fun filled music.
Ticket Information
Show Begins at 6:30 pm. Show scheduled for outdoors (bring a sweater); if weather is inclement, show will be moved indoors.
Ages: Show is an 19 years and over event.
Ticket Pricing
Advance: $30
At the Door: $35
Tickets available on this website on-line on our schedule page or in Sydney at Gallery Ledrew, 331 Charlotte St., 902-500-0620, or at the door on the evening of the show.
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Monday July 29
6:30 pm
Opening Show's Outdoor Gala
Hearthstone Inn, Kings Rd. Sydney
3 Groups Playing
Cuban Musicians: Marcel Amores & His Group: Plan Ashe
Kevin Colford and Steppin' Out, the Little Big Band
Opening Act: Michele Stephens Trio with Ron Leadbeater on drums and Red Mike MacDonald on bass
Ticket Information
Show Begins at 6:30 pm. Show scheduled for outdoors (bring a sweater); if weather is inclement, show will be moved indoors.
Ages: Show is an 19 years and over event.
Ticket Pricing
Advance: $30
At the Door: $35
Tickets available on this website on-line on our schedule page or in Sydney at Gallery Ledrew, 331. Charlotte St., 902-500-0620, or at the door on the evening of the show.
Marcel Amores & Plan Ashé
Marcel Amores & Plan Ashé (M.A.P.A), is an upbeat Cuban contemporary music band based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With members from the beautiful Island of Cuba, Hungary and Canada, our music delivers a new sound influenced by Cuban, Spanish and African rhythms that blend in common waters with Latin Jazz and Funk.
Plan Ashé has performed at The Halifax Jazz Festival 2019, Cuban Cultural Fest in Dartmouth 2017, Multicultural Festivals around the province. Also they are lively present in the local music scene in Halifax performing at venues such as Stayner’s, Halifax Distilling Co., Timber Lounge, Obladee Bar & Wine, Doolittle’s, Alderney Landing, The Halifax Club among others. In 2018 they showcased three original songs at the ECMA radio during ECMA week. Marcel is constantly working in new music and arrangements to provide a new platform to the Latin music history in Nova Scotia and Canada.
Ashé: in Yoruba language (Yoruba tribe, Nigeria) represents the concept of the power to make things happen and produce a change. In Cuba, the term Ashé has become part of the popular culture to express gratitude, and best of luck to our beloved friends and family. The Yorubas were brought from Africa to the Western hemisphere and they influenced Cuba, the Caribbean, North and Latin-America with their culture, music, magic and language.
“ Some of our new music has lyrics in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese. This project is a great journey and I am very humble to have the opportunity to work and have worked with incredible Nova Scotian, Canadian, Cuban, Puerto Rican and Venezuelan artists, this mix of artists and influences only make the our music greater and unique. I am also trilled to have the opportunity to collaborate again with Cape Breton artists, Hola Keith Mullins!, who will be joining the stage with us in Sydney. His versatility as a musician is inspiring, and also to know that he have learned Cuban percussion in Cuba!, this is indeed a very exciting time for music”
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Highlights From Past Years
Cape Breton Jazz Festival
2018
www.capebretonjazzfestival.com
August 2-11, 2018
Sydney, Cape Breton
With 'Jazz on the Water' as its theme, the 2018 Cape Breton Jazz Festival will be the best ever.
Partnering with the Sydney Port, Flavor On The Water restaurant, the Sydney Waterfront Festival, the 'Ride for the Cure', in conjunction with the Cape Breton Bike Rally, and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, the Festival welcomes tourists and local residents.
The Festival will present an exciting program of ticketed shows and free outdoor events.
Most Evening Concerts will be held at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion (Big Fiddle) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. Free outdoor shows will be held in downtown Sydney, and in the adjacent community of Membertou.
.
For the indoor shows tickets can be purchased at the Cape Breton Curiosity Shop, 296 Charlotte St. Sydney. Tickets Cost: $20 Advance, $25 at the door. Dining menus and drinks available; Indoor Shows are Family Friendly events with all ages welcome.
The Festival very much appreciates support from the following
corporate and government partners:
Cape Breton University Alumni Department, Sydney Credit Union,
the Coast 89.7FM, Destination Cape Breton, Cape Breton Regional
Municipality, Flavor on the Water, Port of Sydney, New Dawn
Corporation, NKearns Event and Project Solutions.
Event Information
Juno Award Winning Jazz Saxophonist Kirk MacDonald from Toronto and special guests will be the Festival's closing concert Saturday, August 11
Kirk MacDonald Appearing Saturday August 11 2011
Festival Schedule:
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Bill Stevenson Trio with Geoff Arsenault and Ron Hines
at 7:30 at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion, Sydney
Kicking off the 2018 Cape Breton Jazz Festival is a Festival favourite the Bill Stevenson Trio. Based in Halifax, the trio which consists of Bill on piano, Geoff Arsenault on drums, and Ron Hines on bass never fails to deliver a high energy soulful performance. Through Bill's rich vocals and elegant yet blues filled piano playing the group entertains audiences with songs sung and played from throughout the jazz era - songs from the Great American Songbook, and from the lexicon of blues and popular standards. Sit back and enjoy or dance to this classy presentation of fun filled music.
Bill Stevenson
The Bill Stevenson Trio
Friday, August 3, 2018
Joe Way with Special Guests singer Charlotte MacDonald,
Blues vocalist Theresa Malenfant and guitarist Scott Medford
at 7:30 at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion, Sydney
Jazz guitarist Joe Waye has been a featured attraction at the Cape Breton Jazz Festival for the past several years. Through his melodic improvised jazz guitar playing, Joe has delighted those attending his shows, resulting in his shows becoming one of the better attended shows of the Festival. Joe will be joined for this show by vocalist Charlotte MacDonald, who has been a favourite performer at the Cape Breton Jazz Festival for the past few years.
Joe Waye
Saturday, August 4, 2018
The Whiskysmoke Blues Band
at 8:00 pm at the Outdoor Beer Tent - 19 years and over - Free Admission– in Membertou (next to Membertou Trade Centre)
Presented by the Ride for the Cure in conjunction with the Cape Breton Bike Rally
The Jazz Festival's Blues Night will be headlined by the Whiskysmoke Blues Band from Antigonish. The event will be an outdoor beer tent adjacent to the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Membertou near Sydney. The event is sponsored by the 'Ride for the Cure' in conjunction with the Cape Breton Bike Rally. The event will run from 8 pm until midnight. The Band is comprised of some of the top players in eastern Nova Scotia, including Mike Melchin on vocals, guitar, keyboards, and harmonica, Jake Hanlon on guitar, Ryan Billington on vocals and keyboards, Carl Laudadio on vocals and bass, and Allan Fraser on drums.
The Whiskysmoke Blues Band
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Blues Vocalist Theresa Malenfant and guitarist Scott Medford
at 8:00 pm at the Outdoor Beer Tent - 19 years and over - Free Admission– in Membertou (MTCC)
Presented by the Ride for the Cure in conjunction with the Cape Breton Bike Rally
Theresa Malenfant has been entertaining east coast blues fans for a number of years. She sings the blues with a soulful earthy style which is seldom matched by vocal performances on the east coast. Accompanied by New Brunswick blues guitarist Scott Medford, Theresa will heat up the audience with her blues infused style.
Theresa Malenfant
Sunday, August 5 2018
Out of the Jazz Box:
Dwayne Cote on fiddle and Jason MacDonald on guitar, along with theCrowds Bridge Band, and solo performance by Jordan Musycsyn
at 7:30 pm at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion, Sydney
Presented by The Coast radio station 89.7 FM
Dwayne Cote
Cape Breton fiddling standout Dwayne Cote will be part of the featured 'Outside the Jazz Box' program on Sunday, August 5 2018. Dwayne is well known for his eclectic playing style which encompasses all different genres. Dwayne along with guitar player, vocalist, and songwriter Jason MacDonald will have the house shaking as their high energy will delight everyone attending. Both players have been featured performers on the Cape Breton music scene for many years. They are both delighted to be making their first appearance at the Cape Breton Jazz Festival. A full house is expected for this show.
Crowds Bridge
From multiple ECMA performances to busking with Matt Anderson on the PEI ferry, Crowdis Bridge has been entertaining folks in small towns and strange places since 2008. Lovers and purveyors of roots and traditional music, they are steeped in bluegrass, old-time, folk, Celtic and country-blues. This Cape Breton group of multi-instrumentalists, vocalists & songwriters creates a musical landscape as amazing and diverse as the island they call home.
In 2012, their sophomore album, The Seasons & The Rhymes garnered national radio attention on CBC and was nominated by Music Nova Scotia for Country/Bluegrass album of the year. They have performed at countless festivals and venues across the Maritimes. Currently midway through recording their long awaited third album of original songs, Crowdis Bridge is sure to make you tap your foot with a smile.
Band Members
* Andrew Fedora: Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin
* Ben Furey: Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin
* Kyle Legere: Banjo, Vocals, Guitar
* Jason Rudderham: Upright Bass, Vocals
* Colin Grant: Fiddle
Crowds Bridge
Jordan Musycsyn
Wednesday, August 8 2018
Jazz Fest Celebration
Featuring Lots of Local Performers Including:
Lots of local musicians sharing the stage, including Ethan Ardelli, Russell LeBlanc, Bruce MacKinley, Johnny Hawkins, Matt Nicholson, Debbie Keating, Scott Rodney, Ward Glogowski, Shane MacLean, Roy Dawson, Darren MacNeil, Mike Glick, Tanner MacDonald, and more.
at 7:30 pm Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion, Sydney
Thursday, August 9 2018
New York Stories:
With former Nylon Group singer Micah Barnes
and
Jazz Pianist Holly Arsenault!
at 7:30 pm Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion, Sydney
“New York Stories” takes audiences on a musical tour of The Big Apple starting uptown at The Apollo Theatre and The Cotton Club and moving midtown to Times Square & Broadway before landing downtown at legendary Jazz Clubs such as Birdland and The Blue Note in The Village!
Canadian Jazz crooner, Micah Barnes and critically acclaimed Jazz Pianist Holly Arsenault will be performing classic songs from legendary New York songwriters like Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Carole King & Burt Bacharach, as well as material from Micah’s critically acclaimed album “New York Stories” (eOne Music) which he and Holly are touring the Atlantic provinces with!
Don’t miss the chance to spend an evening in Manhattan!
Micahbarnes.com Hollyarsenaultmusic.com
Micah Barnes
Micah Barnes
Holly Arsenault
Friday, August 10 2018 at 7:00-9:00 pm
Free Outdoor Show Charlotte St. Sydney
Presented by the Sydney Waterfront Festival
The Booty Boppin' Brass Band
Led by Halifax Trumpet player and vocalist Mike Cowie with a selection of some of Atlantic Canada's top jazz players, this high energy band includes: Rick Waychesko on trumpet, Martin Davidson on tenor sax, Dan Martin on trombone and vocals, Pierre Devillers on Tuba, and Dave Burton on drums. The group will have people dancing in the aisles.
The Booty Boppin' Brass Band plays blues based high energy music with driving 2nd line, Funk, Hip Hop and Latin beats. The BBBB is about impossible horn arrangements, a Sousaphone that doesn't stop and fun vocals.
The Booty Boppin’ Brass Band gets our audience singing, stomping, and playing percussion on stage with us - we also feature some cool choreography and audience march throughs.
The BBBB was featured on the main stage at The 2016 Halifax Jazz Festival with Preservation Hall. In 2017 the band is featured 5 times on the CBC stage during the Halifax Tall Ships Festival.
The Booty Boppin' Brass Band
Friday, August 10 2018 at 6:00 pm
Free Outdoor Show Charlotte St. Sydney
The Carl Getto Jazz Group
The Carl Getto Jazz Group features vocalists singing classic jazz standards accompanied by some of Cape Breton's top jazz players, including Ethan Ardelli, Red Mike MacDonald, Russell LeBlanc.
Carl Getto Jazz Group
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Juno Award winner Kirk MacDonald
with Special Guests:
Virginia MacDonald, Lucian Gray, Paul Tynan, and Jake Hanlon
at 7:30 at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion, Sydney
Kirk MacDonald
With an established reputation as one of Canada's leading saxophonists, Kirk MacDonald cut his first record at the age of thirteen. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, and has worked with many leading musicians in a variety of musical genres. He has performed on over fifty CDs as both leader and side- man, and has participated in numerous national broadcast recordings for CBC Radio. In addition to performing extensively throughout Canada, he has also performed in the USA, Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Monaco, Aus- tralia, Korea, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.
For over thirty years Kirk has worked and recorded with many leading Canadian, U.S. and International jazz musicians including Claude Ranger, Dave Young, Sam Noto, Sonny Greenwich, Kenny Wheeler, Eddie Hender- son, Harold Mabern, Walter Bishop Jr., Tom Harrell, Lorne Lofsky, Bob Mover, Pat LaBarbera, John Taylor, Ron McClure, Jack DeJohnette, Mike Stern, Jim McNeely, Bob Mintzer, Vince Mendoza, John Clayton, Chris Potter, Glenn Ferris, Maria Schneider, Dave Grusin, Danilo Perez, Adam Rogers, Dennis Mackrel, Nancy Walker, Barry Romberg, Andre White, Rob Smith, Brian Dickinson, Denny Christianson, Bernie Senensky, Phil Nimmons, James Moody, Rosemary Clooney, Humber College Faculty Ensemble.
Kirk will highlight the Cape Breton Jazz Festival with his closing show on Saturday, August 11 at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion (Big Fiddle), Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Virginia MacDonald on clarinet and Lucian Gray on guitar
Lucian Gray
Known for his relaxed feel and commanding sound, Lucian Gray is an virtuosic young guitarist with a deep respect for the jazz tradition. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Lucian Gray was born into a musical family. His father is one of Canada's foremost trumpet players, and his mother the head of her own music school. He started playing the piano at the age of 4. Upon entering high school, Lucian decided to pick up the guitar and played in various rock and fusion groups throughout his teens. After being introduced to the music of Wes Montgomery, he decided he wanted to be a jazz guitarist. In 2008, Lucian was awarded the Slaight Scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. He graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor's Degree of Music Performance. During his time at Berklee, Lucian studied with guitar guru Mick Goodrick. In 2009, Lucian was awarded the Rising Young Star at the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival. In 2015, Lucian entered the first Wes Montgomery International Jazz Guitar Competition and was one of five finalists selected to perform at the culminating concert of the competition. Lucian is currently active in the Toronto jazz scene, performing with his own group and as a sideman, as well as teaching privately.
Virginia MacDonald
Virginia grew up in a musical family and started playing clarinet when she was seven years old. She was accepted into the prestigious high school band program at the Etobicoke School of the Arts in Toronto, and had the chance to play and study music more extensively throughout her time there. While in high school, Virginia was accepted into the Youth Jazz Canada Honour Combo three years in a row, and had the chance to study with some of Canada’s finest musicians. Since then, she has established herself as a respected and sought after musician in the Toronto jazz scene, and has performed extensively as a leader and sidewoman at several venues across the city, including the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the Jazz Bistro, the Rex Jazz & Blues Bar, Poetry Jazz Cafe, and in several Canadian festivals including the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, the Beaches Jazz Festival, and the Cape Breton Jazz Festival. She currently attends Humber College, and has had the opportunity to study with the great Pat LaBarbera (Buddy Rich Big Band, Elvin Jones Quartet) for the past three years. She’s worked with many local musicians including Kirk MacDonald, Pat LaBarbera, Lorne Lofsky, Neil Swainson, Nancy Walker, Kieran Overs, Bruce Cassidy, David Occhipinti. She’s had the opportunity to work internationally in Europe, at well-known jazz clubs such as Bogui Jazz and Jimmy Glass Jazz Club, and has had the chance to share the stage with many renowned jazz musicians such as Dick Oatts, Rich Perry, Adam Nussbaum, Peter Bernstein, and Harold Mabern.
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Highlights From 2017:
Guitarist/Vocalist: Mike Rud
Pianist/Vocalist: Steve Amirault
Island to Island Cuban Group Los Primos:
Featuring Augusto Enriquez and Jeff Goodspeed
Steppin’ Out :
Vocals by Kevin Colford on Classic Jazz Standards
Ethan Ardelli Quartet:
featuring: Kirk MacDonald (sax)
Ted Quinlan (guitar), Steve Amirault (piano),
Eric Burke (bass, Ethan Ardelli (drums)
Cookin’ Blues Night:
Joe Murphy Band,
featuring Curtis Matheson on guitar
Dan Dorion Band
Festival Closing Party:
Joe Waye, Michele Stephens, Carl Getto,
Charlotte MacDonald, Red Mike MacDonald,
Johnny Hawkins, and others
Festival Performers
Kirk MacDonald, Island to Island Presents Los Primos, Augusto
Enriquez, Jeff Goodspeed, Matt MacLennan, Shelley Allen,
EthanArdelli, Kevin Colford, Red Mike MacDonald,
Ken Howatson, Steve MacInnis,
Bruce MacKinley, Russell LeBlanc, Ronnie Leadbeater, Peter
MacDonald, Mike Rud, Steve Amirault, Ted Quinlan,
Eric Burke,
Joe Murphy Blues Band, Dan Doiron Blues Band,
Curtis Matheson,
Joe Waye, Michele Stephens, Johnny Hawkins,
Carl Getto, ChrisMcDonald, Charlotte MacDonald, Take Note
Drummers, Scott Rodney,
Matthew Nicholson, Doug Johnson, Tyler MacDonald, and others
Email capebretonjazzfestival@gmail.com
Phone Carl at 902-565-1092
2017 Community Sponsors:
Hearthstone Inn,
Coastal Community Radio,
New Dawn,
Pharmasave,
ACOA,
Cape Breton Regional Municipality,
Destination Cape Breton,
Nkearns Event and Project Solutions,
Coda Recording Studio.
Kevin Colford and Steppin' Out, the Little Big Band
Ticket Information
Show Begins at 6:30 pm. Show scheduled for outdoors (bring a sweater); if weather is inclement, show will be moved indoors.
Ages: Show is an 19 years and over event.
Ticket Pricing
Advance: $30
At the Door: $35
Tickets available on this website on-line on our schedule page or in Sydney at Gallery Ledrew, 331. Charlotte St., 902-500-0620, or at the door on the evening of the show.
New York Stories with former Nylon Group singer Micah Barnes and Jazz Pianist Holly Arsenault!