November 17th at 7:30pm

Jake Masri, Louis Armstrong Tribute

Members $10, non members $12

Jake Masri, well known to local jazz aficionados as the inspiration behind the most popular Herb Alpert Tribute concerts during the past four years, has done it again! In response to many requests we've received for New Orleans Jazz (Traditional Jazz), Jake has assembled a line-up of some of our finest local musicians to create a Tribute to Louis Armstrong. If you are among those traditionalists, this is the show for you. Alternatively, if you're just curious to find out why it is that Courtenay has got the best jazz scene on Vancouver Island, why not just come down to the Avalanche Bar and Grill on Thursday night?

Jake's line-up includes himself on trumpet and vocals; Mike Eddy, piano; Paul Nuez, trombone; Grahame Edwards, Bass; Tom Tinsley, drums and vibes, and Claudio Fantinato on reeds.

Michael Eddy is one of the hardest working and sought after pianists in the valley. Although relatively new to the area, he has been fortunate enough to collaborate with many of the finest local musicians over the past few years. His music degree in classical piano performance has greatly enhanced his love for jazz. During a long and distinguished career, he has performed with a multitude of groups from Dixie to rock & roll.

Grahame Edwards studied music at the University of British Columbia and holds a Diploma in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary. He has appeared with countless local ensembles and productions in every genre from Choral to Musical Theatre, Big Band Jazz to Classical. His first musical love, however, lies with improvised music and he enjoys playing and composing his own jazz tunes.

Joining the sextet on drums and vibes is special guest Tom Tinsley. In addition to teaching drums at various points in his life, Tom has appeared in a variety of groups performing genres of music including jazz (with Al Matheson), rock (with Jerry Doucette), Latin, pop, big band (with CBC), musical theater (with Disney), symphonic (with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), choral, and modern dance. His first passion remains the vibraphone, both as a solo instrument and in small group settings.

Originally from Port Alberni, Claudio Fantinato studied music at Malaspina University College, and later Berklee College of Music. Claudio is one of the jazz society's favourite musicians, and we are often asked when he will next be appearing. For the past 25 years, he has performed in a wide variety of musical groups including big bands, small jazz ensembles, and musical theatre.

No stranger to the local music scene, Jake Masri draws his inspiration from classical repertoire to musical theater to Afro-Cuban/New Orleans, Latin, and bebop styles. His passion for jazz is directly linked to artists such as Herb Alpert, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, & Arturo Sandoval. His studies in jazz exposed him to pros such as Mike Herriot, Bill Clarke, and Hugh Fraser during the local CYMC summer program. Since moving to Comox in 2002, Jake has appeared with many of the Valley's leading groups, ensembles and choirs.

This is the premier performance for the Louis Armstrong Tribute: a performance not to be missed. For more information about the jazz Society and its forthcoming winter and spring concerts, browse ourwebsite or find us on Facebook. Most important, come down to The Av this Thursday, and experience a great musical high. You'll be glad you did.

Tickets for the B3 Kings December 15th Christmas concert are now on sale at Bop City and Red Carpet, and at Thursday Night Jazz; $16 for members, $20 for non-members. These will sell quickly, so don't delay and be disappointed.

GSJS showcases jazz live in the Comox Valley, giving music lovers an opportunity to enjoys local, regional and internationally-known jazz musicians.