York University’s upcoming Jazz Festival, running Nov. 23 to 26, promises to deliver everything a festival should: great music, brimming with spirit. The event spotlights exceptional emerging talent in York's Department of Music, Faculty of Fine Arts, directed by some of the most celebrated musicians on the Canadian jazz scene.
Among the jazz headliners directing this year’s festival are Lorne Lofsky, renowned for his distinctive guitar stylings; classy pianist Richard Whiteman; and guitarist Roy Patterson, who turns every tune into a stimulating experience with his big, round and dominating sound. They and their faculty colleagues Mike Cado, Mark Eisenman, Frank Falco, Rita di Ghent, Bob Hamper, Al Henderson, Mike Malone, Lynn McDonald, Anthony Michelli, Sundar Viswanathan and Sasha Williamson will be on hand as the next generation of jazz artists steps to the stage.
The festival will highlight the sound and style of jazz classics that are being performed today by some of the hottest young talent on the international jazz circuit, such as crooner Matt Dusk (BFA ‘02) and New York City chanteuse Stacey Kent. Additionally, there will be some original works, a sensual touch of Brasilian bossa nova, sensitive accompaniment, and stimulating variations in instrumentation and voice to add a change of pace.
The lineup features instrumentalists and vocalists in small combos, large ensembles and solos. There are six shows, with midday and evening performances each day.
- Tues Nov. 23, 12:30 & 7:30pm
Jazz lovers are invited to meet and mingle in a club setting at the McLaughlin Performance Hall at the Keele campus. Midday concerts are free, while admission to the evening performances is $10 and $5 for students and seniors. A cash bar is available during evening shows.
CHRY 105.5 FM is sponsoring this year’s festival with Rob Fogle, host of CHRY’s Some Experiences in Jazz, taking to the stage as master of ceremonies.
This fall’s bi-annual festival continues to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the jazz program at York, which pioneered university-level jazz studies in Canada and continues to enjoy a national reputation as one of the country’s leading jazz schools.
Many of the leading lights of Canada’s jazz scene are York alumni. They include multiple Juno Award-winning saxophonist Mike Murley; Aaron Davis, composer and pianist with the Holly Cole Trio; guitarist Michael Occhipinti and pianist Paul Neufeld, leaders of the award-winning big band NOJO; Shuffle Demon Stich Wynston; pianist Marilyn Lerner; National Guitar champion Don Ross; and Time Warp co-leader, bassist and composer Al Henderson, to name just a few.
For more information about the Jazz Festival, contact the Department of Music at ext. 55186.