Something completely different, presenting The Palace Band, in response to an overwhelming request to re-live the excitement of last year's great show.

It's impossible to talk about the creation of The Palace Band without first describing the production that formed them, 'A Night at the Palace'.

Every year, for the past 17 years, in the depths of winter, the community of Errington comes together to don their sequins, feathers, flapper dresses and frock coats to put on a completely original night of Vaudeville, Comedy and Burlesque Theatre. While there was always music involved, somewhere around the middle of this dynasty, a solid core band was formed, to be known as The Palace Band. It soon became apparent that performing two sold out weekends a year was not going to be enough to satisfy the appetites of these musical mavericks. Drawing on their collective history of musical theatre, jazz programs and a wealth of other musical projects, they created a repertoire inspired by the jazz music of the 20's to the 40's.

As the band told me recently, "It will be an evening of musical fun and laughter based on an act that was reborn from the era of rum smugglers and late-night cabaret, when music bubbled with swinging emotion and soul. Get ready for the return of the raw sounds of old school jazz, with an energy that will put your feet into motion and a smile on your face. We'll be combining soaring vocals with a flash of trumpet and the thunder of drums, to make the old times new again".

The Palace band is Tom Bradbrooke on Vocals and Piano, Kevin Robinson on Standup Bass, Luke Sales on Trumpet, James McRae on Drums, Ashlee Sales on Lead Vocals and Galen Mongeau on Vocals and Guitar. Claudio Fantinato will be our special guest on alto sax.

You're invited to join the regular crowd to experience the fun and discover what a warm, friendly and safe atmosphere awaits you. Bring a friend, put on your feathers and sequins and enjoy a happy escape!

Doors open at 7:00 pm. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Admission is $15 for society members, $20 for non-members. Memberships will be available at the door.

For your added information, tickets ($35) for Maureen Washington's December 14th seasonal concert "A Sprinkle of Jazz and Blues" are for sale at House of Colour in Courtenay and Blue Heron Books in Comox, and at the door to Thursday Night Jazz.

Please select the Calendar tab to see the scheduled outdoor summer concerts at The Anderton Gardens during July and August, as well as the emerging 2023-24 performances on the new calendar.

The Georgia Straight Jazz Society endeavours to feature fine jazz performances of all genres, in an effort to sustain live music, and further the art. This is your opportunity to listen to live modern jazz music from the leading edge. Don't miss it!