| Schedule | Membership | Tickets | About Us | Bursary | Photos | Archives | Feb 25 Newsletter |  |
| Schedule | Membership | Tickets | About Us | Bursary | Photos | Archives | Feb 25 Newsletter | |
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Nanaimo's jazz legacy lives on! From its roots in the legendary Pygmy Ballroom,where icons like Louis Armstrong and Harry James once played, the Nanaimo Musicians Association (NMA) Band has been keeping the spirit of big band jazz alive since 1967.
For 57 years, the NMA has thrilled audiences with dynamic performances, showcased top Island soloists, and nurtured rising stars like Diana Krall, Phil Dwyer, and the Jensen sisters. The band has also awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, helping young musicians take their first steps into the professional jazz world.
Join us on April 5th for an unforgettable afternoon of swinging classics, modern big band charts, and soulful vocals from Tasha Adams. Whether you're a dancer or a listener, this concert promises to keep your toes tapping and your spirits high.
Warming up for NMA will be Groove Masters Band, a dynamic youth jazz combo, all students from the Comox Valley. Featuring William Ilag on drums, Simon Craig on piano, Kingsley Waite on bari sax, and Caelan MacKenzie on trombone. They play a variety of songs from classic jazz standards to fusion with the skills and passion that belies their years.
BECOME A G.S.J.S. MEMBER
* Reduced ticket prices for our GSJS-sponsod events, recouping the cost of membership.
* Weekly emails to inform you of the next performance and a quarterly Newsletter to keep you up to date on the jazz scene.
* Your opportunity to interact and personally influence the music and arts activities in your area!
* Belong to an organization of like minded people and enjoy a great social network.
* From January 1st each year an annual membership, expiring 31st December each year, is $25 per Adult and $10 for a child under 18.
| Membership Type |
If you are using PayPal please print your PayPal receipt or capture the receipt on your phone and bring it as proof of payment to the Membership person at a jazz performance.
OR pay directly via cash, cheque or credit card to the Membership person in attendance at a GSJS performance night.
Jump to HomeTICKETS
A limited number of tickets are available through EventBrite $27.96 Nanaimo Musicians Association Band
Tickets will be also be available at the door: $25 ($20 for GSJS Members) and $10 Students
Jump to HomeABOUT US
Formed in 2006, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society is a non-profit society based in the Comox Valley. Its vision is to develop and sustain a healthy and vibrant jazz community in the Vancouver Island region.
The Georgia Straight Jazz Society is getting a name for itself in the Vancouver Island jazz scene and beyond. Since its origin in 2006, the society has developed a popular weekly, now bi-weekly jazz club and offers some ticketed events with top-notch players from Vancouver, Victoria and abroad.
The GSJS is most proud of the high calibre of jazz now being played and appreciated by local musicians and audiences. With a regular venue and opportunities to play, veteran and emerging jazz musicians have supported and challenged each other to grow their skills and develop their chops.
Players and singers of all ages regularly appear on the jazz club stage, before engaged audiences that continue to show their support and interest and musical know-how as the months have passed. A committed group of volunteers keep the sounds happening and the audiences happy.
The goals of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society are to:
Devlop and sustain a viable and vibrant jazz community on Vancouver Island.
Increase awareness of all forms of jazz.
Present diverse styles of jazz.
Collaborate with youth organizations to enrich their musical education.
Provide opportunities to showcase aspiring young jazz musicians.
BOARD MEETINGS
Board Meetings are usually held once a month. GSJS Members are welcome to attend if they wish.
Contact the President at Genevieve Huchulak if you would like to know the date, time and location.
| Board | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (President) | (Treasurer) | (Secretary) | (Website, social media) | (Booking, Scheduling) | (Volunteer Co-ordinator) | (Membership, Bookkeeper) | (Director at large) | |
| Genevieve Huchulak | C Roberts | Vacant | Yvonne Higgs | Genevieve | Vacant | Robert Reid | Dave Stevenson | |
THE LIAM GRIMM BURSARY
Founded in 2008, the Liam Grimm Music Bursary is awarded to a deserving student who meets the following criteria:
* Is currently enrolled in Grade 12 in Campbell River, Qualicum or Comox Valley School District or is a Grade 12 graduate from one of these same school districts.
* Has a letter of recommendation from a community music contact.
* Has a letter of recommendation from a school or private music teacher, and
* Will attend a college or university jazz music programme in the same calendar year or the year thereafter, or will enrol in the Jazz Programme at the summer Courtenay Youth Music Centre
* The applicant should submit a letter demonstrating his/her personal qualities that exemplify the following attributes of Liam Grimm :-
The joy of studying and playing music in school and in turn, sharing one's personal music talents with community organizations i.e. community bands/choirs/pit orchestras/church choirs. The applicant should also describe his/her musical accomplishments and future plans in continuing to study in the jazz genre.
For applicants attending Grade 12, bursary application and all pertinent documentation should be submitted to school counseling office by April 30th of the student's Grade 12 year. Application is then forwarded to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society for consideration. For applicants who have already graduated from high school, application and documentation should be forwarded directly to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society no later than April 30th.
Funding of the Bursary is by a percentage of funds raised at events hosted by the Georgia Straight Jazz Society. Depending on funds raised, more than one student may be awarded a bursary.
For more information on the Bursary please contact georgiastraightjazz@gmail.com
Bursary Recipients:
Jump to Home
2008/2009 - Nicolas Sieber, attending VIU jazz studies on trombone.
2009/2010 - Danielle Fortin, from Highland Secondary, Comox, also a trombonist.
2010/2011 - Annaleesa Leach, Highalnd Secondary, Comox, baritone sax, piano and vocals.
2010/2011 - Josh Dieleman, Ballenas Secondary, Parksville, drums
2012/2013 - Tyson Foster
2016/2017 - Evie Kinney and Aidan Reimer
2018/2019 - Lachlan Craven and Towa Syewart
2024/2025 - Brett Sinclair
About Liam Grimm
The jazz community lost a great friend and musician with the passing in March 2009 of Liam Grimm. A gentleman, always supportive, great fun to perform with, he will be missed.
Liam developed a taste for jazz from age 10, quickly becoming a fan of Harry James and infatuated with the harmonies and trumpet power of the "Maynard Ferguson" versions of the Stan Kenton band. He obtained his Bachelor of Music on trumpet at the University of Idaho (where he instigated jazz activities that ultimately became the internationally renowned Lionel Hampton School of Music) went on to acquire his M.A. in trumpet from Denver University as well as taking graduate studies in composition.
An improviser in the casual "West Coast" style, he was influenced by Pete Candoli with the Henry Mancini band and Don Fagerquist and Shorty Rogers with the Dave Pell Octet. Others influences included the intimate styles of Jack Sheldon and Chet Baker and the "bop" sounds of early Miles and Kenny Dorham.
His favourite group setting was the mid-sized 8 to 12 piece 'small band', allowing for tasty arrangements and plenty of solo space. He greatly enjoyed backing vocalists.
Resident in Campbell River, Liam was busy on the local jazz scene, playing with Jazztown, The Blue Monks, First Pressing, Jazzberry Jam, Annie Siegel and Jazz Noir. His trumpet playing was a highlight of the Georgia Straight and Campbell River Big Bands.
Jump to HomePHOTOGRAPHERS
| See the GSJS performances through the lens of several photographers | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Ell | Katie Hubberstey | Judy Johnston | Bruce Johnstone | Bill Jorgensen | Sean O'Connel | Norm Prince | Wink Richardson | Don Tait | Laura Tait | Fernanda Gimenez | List of films |
| Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | List of Jazz Films |
BUSINESS SPONSORS and ASSOCIATIONS
Jump to Home| Comox Valley Record Newsaper | Performing Arts Comox Valley | Britiish Columbia Arts Council |
| 765 McPhee Ave, Courtenay 250-338-581 comoxvalleyrecord.com |  |
 We do not receive funding from this organization |