Georgia Straight Jazz Society has the privilege of presenting one of the finest big bands in BC when The Nanaimo Musicians Association (NMA) Big Band takes the stage . Thanks to COVID and our changes in venue, this will be the first big band performance we've been able to present in over three years.

NMA Big Band has been thrilling discerning jazz lovers since 1967, featuring some of the best soloists on the island.,/p.

Brian Stovell, NMA's Musical Director, told me recently, "The pursuit of the craft of jazz is the main glue that binds us. But, of course, it's our audiences - whether they are dancers or listeners - that push us to get our hands on new (and often challenging) charts. This concert will be no different: we're excited to bring you the best of the old along with swinging modern charts; familiar vocal tunes and, in this concert, an original score from one of our own".

"During its 56 years, the band has given emerging talents their first step up to the professional scene and awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships".

"A few of the band's celebrated alumni include Diana Krall, Phil Dwyer, and Ingrid and Christine Jensen. More recently, saxophonist Connor Stewart and trumpeter Jon Bauer left us to pursue careers in New Orleans and tour the world. Award winning high school altoist, Kenton Willem - who was invited to play at the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival - left us to study at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. We're honoured to have Kenton back as our current pianist. Other returning artists are guitarist and composer/arranger, Jesse Marshall, and drummer Graham Villette who both earned a master's degree in music at the University of Toronto".

"As well, dams, our new singer, Tasha Adams, will be joining us this Thursday. Her beautiful, powerful, and authentic voice will satiate all the emotional voids COVID left us with!"

So this Thursday evening is your opportunity to celebrate Big Band music with us! Bian promises it'll be a swinging evening.

Doors open at 7pm. Admission is $15 for members, $20 for non-members. 2023 memberships ($20) will be for sale at the front desk. We have an abundance of comfortable seating, and our layout for this exceptional concert will include a dance floor area..

Since no food or beverages will be served, you are encouraged to bring your own food and drink.

You're invited to expose yourself to an amazing jazz performance in a warm, safe and friendly atmosphere. If you're new to the valley and still exploring what's new and exciting, you will be surprised to discover a jazz performance scene equal to any large city. Select the Calendar tab to see the forthcoming acts in our schedule.

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