It's great to be back! says Larry Ayre about his band's upcoming gig.

Steve Wallace is on acoustic Bass and Dan Craven is on tenor saxophone. The drum duties will be shared by Aaron Amar and Bob Grant. The band will be playing a variety of styles: some new, and others (like the Blues) very familiar to all who have heard Larry Ayre (aka Larry Ho) play the guitar.

Larry has played and taught in the Comox Valley for over 30 years. He was leader of The Larry Ho Blues Show and then Larry Ho's Jive Five. He continues to play Blues and Swing with a passion, but not exclusively. He also loves playing South American music on the nylon string guitar. There is a rich history of early Brazilian musicians who inspired the creators of Bossa Nova. In the first set the band will play pieces by Reis, Lauro and Segreras, arranged for a small group setting, as well as some more familiar Bossas. And then for something quite different, but not unexpected - a set of jumpin' and jivin' Blues!

About the fellow travellers on this musical voyage from Rio to Chicago: First, bassist Steve Wallace. "I am extremely fortunate to be able to play regularly with Steve" says Larry. It is difficult to say enough about his musical career, across Canada and around the world. He's played with the greats! Suffice it to say, if you haven't heard this guy, you are in for a treat

Aaron Amar will play drums for the first set. He has been in the Comox Valley playing with various jazz groups since 2009. Always working to improve his skills, he studied for 2 years with Canada's Jazz drumming guru Jim Blackley and was recently awarded a Canada Arts Council grant to study with Ari Hoenig in New York City.

Bob Grant is a fantastic drummer with a natural feel for the blues. An alumni of the Larry Ho Blues Show, Larry is looking forward to making music with him again. No one plays the Blue Light Boogie shuffle like Bob. He has toured with many blues artists, most recently Harpdog Brown.

Larry is once again excited to have Dan Craven with the band to play some swinging sax. Dan is a polished musician and music teacher who has played with the Arrowsmith Big Band, the Boss Tenors and Time Well Wasted, among many others.

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,

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

You're invited to experience 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.