Admission is $10 for society members, $12 for non-members.
One of the key acts of each season is when the Nanaimo Musicians Association (NMA) Big Band takes the stage at the Avalanche Bar. This performance year, September through May, we have been fortunate to have this great band on our stage on two occasions: the result of the stunning show in November which resulted in a standing ovation from a capacity audience, with a promise that the band would return as soon as possible for an encore presentation. This Thursday, the band returns with exciting jazz vocalist Sydney Needham.
The Nanaimo Musicians' Association Big Band was founded in 1967 by Bryan Stovell, recently retired Chairman of the Vancouver Island University Music Department. Bryan has been active over that entire period. The band comprises some of the best big band musicians from the Mid-Island. A few of the band's celebrated alumni are Diana Krall, Phil Dwyer, and Ingrid and Christine Jensen. More recently, saxophonist Connor Stewart and trumpeter Jon Bauer have moved on to pursue careers in New Orleans. An exciting addition this Spring is award winning high school alto sax player, Kenton Dick, who has been invited to play at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
The band promotes the performance of big band music through jazz concerts and ballroom dances and annually awards scholarships to deserving young student musicians.
NMA's previous appearances at the Avalanche on the extended stage have been stunning. With the stage thrusting into lower floor area, the sound is amazing, and the atmosphere electric. Famous alumni include Diana Krall, Ingrid and Christine Jensen, and Phil Dwyer.
Food is served before and during the show. Adult accompanied teenagers are welcome (encouraged) to attend our shows. For more information about the Jazz Society's activities, browse the website or look for us on Facebook.
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The Nanaimo Musicians' Association Big Band was founded in 1967 by 
