March 2nd 2017 at 7:30pm

Centerpiece Jazz

The Connor Stewart & the Bon Temps' March 23rd ticketed event is sold out.

Members $10 - non members $12

Centerpiece Jazz is a group new to Comox Valley. The ensemble, comprised of a vocalist, string bass, guitar, percussion and trombone. They perform Swing, Latin, Fusion, throwing in the odd surprise.

Charity Munro has proven herself to be a dynamic performer on any stage and in any style including Celtic, R&B and Jazz. Charity is a member of Courtenay's Time Well Wasted, a 12 piece R&B band. Known for her range of skill, covering everything from Kiki Dee and Donna Summers to Steely Dan and Michael Jackson. As a past member of the Celtic groups Hollow Promise and later Hazelwood, she has performed at MusicFest, the Duncan Celtic Festival, the Vancouver Celtic Festival, private venues, coffee houses and farmers' markets up and down the island. She is comfortable in these venues ranging from wearing no shoes to the full horn-driven 'Wasted' dance band. Charity has experience with several vocal jazz groups in the Valley and has been a guest performer with numerous others. Her enjoyment of the lines of music are evident and she doesn't disappoint with her smooth tone and ability to get the audiences' attention.

David Stevenson brings a wealth of experience to the sound of Centerpiece. A recent addition to the community of the Comox Valley, he has over 30 years of experience of performing music. He has played in a variety of groups ranging from rock bands to classical ensembles to jazz groups. He has accompanied great jazz artists such as P.J. Perry and Louise Rose. Dave is enthusiastic about all music and is up for filling in for a band or playing at a jam night. As a bass player, he is versatile and shows skill in both standard jazz tunes and modern pieces.

Brian McNiff has been playing percussion and drums for over 40 years. Born and raised in B.C. Brian's earlier career involved performing in many bands and ensembles. He studied music in the U.S. before traveling to Central and South America. He moved to Vancouver Island a few years ago and has recently established himself in the music community of the Comox Valley.

Larry Ayre is an accomplished guitarist and music teacher who has been performing in the Comox Valley for over 25 years. He plays many styles and several instruments. With Centrepiece Jazz, Larry will be going back to his Jazz roots, the basics of which he learned while attending the York University Jazz program in Toronto during the late 1970s. He lived in Vancouver for a decade, playing many gigs in many different styles, honing his musical skills on guitar and bass. Larry has also studied classical guitar with the guitar faculty of the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Larry moved to the Comox Valley in 1990. He was leader of "The Larry Ho Blues Show" and then went on to lead "Larry Ho's Jive Five" with his wife, vocalist and award winning songwriter Marki Nickerson.

Jeff Agopsowicz's passion for the trombone began in high school band and continued through a performance diploma at Mohawk College in Hamilton. This led to a twenty-five year career as a musician in the Canadian military with service in various military bands around the country including several years with the Naden Band in Victoria. Jeff’s military career was accented with featured solo performances and multiple civilian musical opportunities. Since retiring from the military, Jeff has relocated to Vancouver Island, settling in the Courtenay. Most recently, Jeff has worked as a band member for Cunard Cruise Lines traveling to ports from Italy to Africa to the Caribbean. Retirement now finds him active in the Comox Valley music scene with time to perfect his practicing and to pursue his interest in musical compositions.

Please browse the Calendar page of the website to see the full line-up of acts between now and the end of May to discover the amazing range of performances you can experience without leaving the Comox Valley. We really have become a jazz destination for many out-of-town artists, and you have the opportunity to expose yourself to live jazz on a weekly basis. You'll be glad you did.

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