April 19th 2018 at 7:30pm

Ryan Oliver

Members $10, non-members $12

The excitement continues! Georgia Straight Jazz Society introduces one of Canada's great sax artists when Ryan Oliver takes the stage.

Juno-nominated saxophonist Ryan Oliver honed his craft living on Canada's west coast, and in Amsterdam, Toronto and New York. He has maintained a busy schedule as one of Canada's most in-demand saxophonists, recently releasing Strive! featuring jazz legend Victor Lewis. Over the last 10 years, Oliver has toured throughout the world with legendary Canadian group, The Shuffle Demons. He is a member of Juno-award-winning Aboriginal blues/rock performer Derek Miller's band, and appears on Miller's most recent recording, featuring Stevie Ray Vaughn's rhythm section Double Trouble and Willie Nelson. Oliver is also a member of the house band for Miller's television series, airing on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

Oliver's band, The Cookers, has toured extensively throughout Canada, appearing on numerous recordings and broadcasts including live video and radio broadcasts for CBC. He has received numerous Canada and Ontario Arts Council grants for touring, recording and education and was nominated for the 2013 Prix De Jazz.

Ryan Oliver holds a Master's Degree in Music Performance from Rutgers University, where he led the undergraduate big band, and has taught saxophone and ensemble clinics at universities and schools throughout the world for over 20 years. He has worked as an adjudicator for the Fraser MacPherson Scholarship Fund and the Victoria Jazz Festival. In 2017, Ryan took over as the new Executive Director for the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC). For more information, go to www.ryanoliver.ca

"Ryan Oliver is one of the most promising Canadian jazz musicians to emerge on the scene at the dawn of the 21st century" - ALL MUSIC GUIDE

"Canadian jazz is in good hands with players like Ryan Oliver." - Pat Labarbera

Browse the website for more information about this season’s remaining jazz performances, and scheduled concerts in the 2018-19 season,. That way, you will quickly read why Courtenay has become a significant performance destination on the Canadian jazz scene.

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