10th March 2022 Jeff Agopsowicz
Dear Jazz Society Members & Friends of Jazz:
Thursday Night Jazz at The Flying Canoe opened two weeks ago with a blockbuster evening, great music, a capacity turn-out and many accolades of excitement and gratitude that Georgia Straight Jazz Society was moving towards a resumption of regular shows. The dynamic continues Thursday evening (March 10th) at 7:30pm when the Jeff Agopsowicz Group takes the stage.
As Jeff said in his recent interview, "We're thankful for the hard work of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society in keeping live music happening in the Comox Valley despite the challenges of these last two years! As band leader, I can point to my own challenges of arranging COVID safe rehearsals with a constantly changing band line - up."
Jeff, like many musicians, has an indomitable musical spirit that craves expression. He stated, "We are excited and very pleased to be performing some original compositions and arrangements written during this pandemic. This terrible virus didn't take away our creativity and love for enjoying live jazz music."
The band's music for the show includes brand new compositions and arrangements written by Jeff specifically for the group. "In particular we will be performing an arrangement of Artie Shaw's Clarinet Concerto featuring accomplished Comox Valley clarinetist Rachel Cooper."
Jeff is a jazz trombonist fixture in the Comox Valley. He particularly also mentioned looking forward to performing music written in memory of his mother, who passed away during the COVID pandemic. For Thursday's show Jeff has invited a broad line up of musicians, many familiar to Jazz Society members, to join him for various parts of the evening. Accompanying Jeff will be Rachel Cooper, Kelly Thomas on piano, Grahame Edwards on bass, Mike Berman on drums along with special guest Paoul Gagnon on keyboards.
Admission for this performance will be $15 for Society members, or $20 for non-members. Memberships ($15 annually) to the Society will be available at the show. The full food menu will be available during the evening.
We received many appreciative comments about our first concert at Flying Canoe, as well as several inquiries. As well, we have met with Flying Canoe and Westin Hotel staff to compare notes. The following comments arise from those discussions:
The Flying Canoe cannot take reservations. If you want the "best" tables, or plan on sitting with specific friends, you will have to arrive early.
Treat the seating like a cruise ship - join people at a table where there is room, and enjoy the company.
Keep track of your tab. If you move, let your server know.
Please be patient. Flying Canoe has lots of new staff, and they're getting used to us as we create a Thursday Night crush.
The plan is to remove the plastic screens around the booths as soon as possible in the next week or two.
Since we're still learning how to best accommodate each other's needs, you are encouraged to share your thoughts/ideas, and we will continue to keep you up to date in the event of changes.
Thank you for reviewing this information.
Malcolm Holt
FC March24th 2022 at 7:30pm Sweet Santa Fe
FC April 7th 2022 at 7:30pm Indigo Jazz
FC April 21st 2022 at 7:30pm Dan Craven Quartet
FC May 5th 2022 at 7:30pm Greg Bush Quintet
FC May 19th 2022 at 7:30pm Jenn Forsland and Friends
GoA July 14th 2022 at 5:00pm TBA
GoAJuly 28th 2022 at 5:00pm TBA
GoA August 11th 2022 at 5:00pm TBA
GoA August 25th 2022 at 5:00pm TBA
FC - Flying Canoe at the Westerly Hotel. Covid protocols in place. You need your vaccine passport for admission. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
SW - Sid Williams Theater. Covid protocols in place. You need your vaccine passport for admission. Tickets are available on line from the Sid from December 15th 2021.
GoA - The Gardens on Anderton Rd. You need your vaccine passport for admission. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
GSJS showcases jazz live in the Comox Valley, giving music lovers an opportunity to enjoys local, regional and internationally-known jazz musicians.
Photo Credit - Bruce Johnston here
| 
