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Georgia Straight Jazz Society presents critically acclaimed jazz vocalist Lauren Bush when she makes a rare return to her home turf on July 18, to present her 2-hour concert at 40 Knots Winery as part of her west coast tour. Lauren has been based in London, UK for the past 12 years, building a name for herself on the European jazz scene, touring England, Ireland, Italy and Germany this autumn. Most notable performances include the London Jazz Fest (2017, 2019 and upcoming 2024), Royal Albert Hall and the famous Ronnie Scott's. Lauren promises the show will be a night to remember, featuring James Darling on piano, Drake Shoemaker on basea Adam Robertson on drums and her father, trumpeter, Greg Bush
Lauren is a trailblazing jazz vocalist whose seamless fusion of traditional jazz with contemporary flair has garnered global acclaim. Renowned for her enchanting delivery and impeccable phrasing, Lauren is being hailed as a true standout on the international jazz scene. A rave performance at Ronnie Scott's in London has made Lauren a standout on the international jazz scene.
Lauren's highly anticipated third album Tide Rises, released late last year on Mighty Quinn Records, debuted at the iconic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club to a sold-out audience, showcases her evolving artistry. This album features even more dynamic arrangements (by Liam Dunachie) of popular favourites from Joni Mitchell and Rodgers and Hammerstein, but also takes a further look at Bush's budding prowess as a songwriter.
Her debut release, "All My Treasures" in 2016 was praised for its inventive arrangements and showcased her versatility, so much so that she was selected to compete in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in the same year, finishing 4th.
In 2021, "Dream Away" marked another milestone, earning recognition as one of the top ten albums of the year. Celebrated for its sophistication and featuring originals from both Lauren and her collaborators, the album achieved remarkable recognition, making it to the top 10 albums of the year on Bebop Spoken Here. (Tide Rises was also recognised on this list at number 2!)
Lauren's commitment to innovation and emotive storytelling continues to shine. With a voice that resonates across generations, she has captivated audiences worldwide and continues to push the boundaries of the genre. Mark your calendar if you want to be part of that growing population, when she promises to provide a summer evening spellbinding performance in a beautiful vineyard setting.
Downbeat is at 7:00 pm. Admission is $20 for members, and $25 for non-members. Wines and beer will be available throughout the performance.
For more information about forthcoming events in our 2024 calendar and the summer "Jazz in the Vineyard" concert series at 40 Knots Winery, please check the Calendar tab.
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| * | Reduced ticket prices for our GSJS-sponsored events, recouping the cost of membership. |
| * | Weekly emails to inform you of the next performance and a bi-monthly Newsletter to keep you up to date on the jazz scene. |
| * | Your opportunity to interact and personally influence the music and arts activities in your area! |
| * | Belong to an organization of like minded people and enjoy a great social network. |
| * | From January 2024, annual membership, expiring 31st December each year, is $25 per Adult. |
| Membership Type |
| If you are using PayPal please print your PayPal receipt or capture the receipt on your phone and bring it as proof of payment to the Membership person at Thursday night jazz. |
| Use this print-and-mail 2024 Membership Application Form or pay directly via cash, cheque or credit card to the Membership person in attendance at a GSJS performance night. |
Formed in 2006, the Georgia Straight Jazz Society is a non-profit society based in the Comox Valley. Its vision is to develop and sustain a healthy and vibrant jazz community in the Vancouver Island region.
The Georgia Straight Jazz Society is getting a name for itself in the Vancouver Island jazz scene, and beyond. Since its origin in 2006, the society has developed a popular weekly jazz club and offers some ticketed events with top-notch players from Vancouver, Victoria and abroad.
The GSJS is most proud of the high calibre of jazz now being played and appreciated by local musicians and audiences. With a regular venue and opportunities to play, veteran and emerging jazz musicians have supported and challenged each other to grow their skills and develop their chops.
Players and singers of all ages regularly appear on the jazz club stage, before engaged audiences that continue to show their support and interest and musical know-how as the months have passed. A committed group of volunteers keep the sounds happening and the audiences happy.
The goals of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society are:
| * | To increase public awareness of and to nurture an appreciation for all forms of jazz; |
| * | To present performances by a wide variety of musicians representing all forms of jazz; |
| * | To stimulate the local jazz communities by producing events and activities in which artists can interact creatively; |
| * | To provide opportunities for school aged musicians to create jazz for a public audience; |
| * | To augment the educational instruction of school aged musicians in jazz performance, improvisation and composition; |
| * | To establish and strengthen the jazz music community on Vancouver Island. |
| Board Meetings |
| Board Meetings are usually held once a month. GSJS Members are welcome to attend if they wish. |
| Contact the President at Genevieve Huchulak if you would like to know the date, time and location. |
| Board | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | Vice President | Treasurer | Secretary | Website, social media | Booking, Scheduling | Volunteer Co-ordinator | Membership | Director at large |
| Genevieve Huchulak | Malcolm Holt | VACANT | Monica Mooney | Yvonne Higgs | Malcolm Holt | Linda Stewart | Robert Reid | Jackie Holt |
The Treasurer works with the Bookkeeper to prepare the annual budget and monthly financial statements, provide oversight of revenue and expenditures and ensure that GSJS is on track financially.
It is the Treasurer's responsibility to:
ensure that all revenues are properly collected, deposited and recorded and
that all expenditures are approved, appropriate and properly recorded
For more information contact Genevieve
Founded in 2008, the Liam Grimm Music Bursary is awarded to a deserving student who meets the following criteria:
| * | Is currently enrolled in Grade 12 in Campbell River, Qualicum or Comox Valley School District or is a Grade 12 graduate from one of these same school districts. |
| * | Has a letter of recommendation from a school or private music teacher, and |
| * | Has a letter of recommendation from a community music contact. |
| * | Will attend a college or university jazz music programme in the same calendar year or the year thereafter, or will enrol in the Jazz Programme at the summer Courtenay Youth Music Centre |
| * | For applicants attending Grade 12, bursary application and all pertinent documentation should be submitted to school counseling office by April 30th of the student's Grade 12 year. Application is then forwarded to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society for consideration. For applicants who have already graduated from high school, application and documentation should be forwarded directly to the Georgia Straight Jazz Society no later than April 30th. |
| * | The applicant should submit a letter demonstrating his/her personal qualities that exemplify the following attributes of Liam Grimm: |
| * | The joy of studying and playing music in school and in turn, sharing one's personal music talents with community organizations i.e. community bands/choirs/pit orchestras/church choirs. The applicant should also describe his/her musical accomplishments and future plans in continuing to study in the jazz genre. |
Funding of the Bursary is by a percentage of funds raised at events hosted by the Georgia Straight Jazz Society. Depending on funds raised, more than one student may be awarded a bursary.
For more information on the Bursary please contact georgiastraightjazz@gmail.com
2008/2009 - Nicolas Sieber, attending VIU jazz studies on trombone.
2009/2010 - Danielle Fortin, from Highland Secondary, Comox, also a trombonist.
2010/2011 - Annaleesa Leach, Highalnd Secondary, Comox, baritone sax, piano and vocals.
2010/2011 - Josh Dieleman, Ballenas Secondary, Parksville, drums
2012/2013 - Tyson Foster
2016/2017 - Evie Kinney and Aidan Reimer
2018/2019 - Lachlan Craven and Towa Syewart
2024/2025 - Brett Sinclair
The jazz community lost a great friend and musician with the passing in March 2009 of Liam Grimm. A gentleman, always supportive, great fun to perform with, he will be missed.
Liam developed a taste for jazz from age 10, quickly becoming a fan of Harry James and infatuated with the harmonies and trumpet power of the "Maynard Ferguson" versions of the Stan Kenton band. He obtained his Bachelor of Music on trumpet at the University of Idaho (where he instigated jazz activities that ultimately became the internationally renown Lionel Hampton School of Music), and went on to acquire his M.A. in trumpet from Denver University as well as taking graduate studies in composition.
An improviser in the casual "West Coast" style, he was influenced by Pete Candoli with the Henry Mancini band and Don Fagerquist and Shorty Rogers with the Dave Pell Octet. Others influences included the intimate styles of Jack Sheldon and Chet Baker and the "bop" sounds of early Miles and Kenny Dorham.
His favourite group setting was the mid-sized 8 to 12 piece 'small band', allowing for tasty arrangements and plenty of solo space. He greatly enjoyed backing vocalists.
Resident in Campbell River, Liam was busy on the local jazz scene, playing with Jazztown, The Blue Monks, First Pressing, Jazzberry Jam, Annie Siegel and Jazz Noir. His trumpet playing was a highlight of the Georgia Straight and Campbell River Big Bands.
| See the GSJS performances through the lens of several photographers | |||||||||||
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| Bob Ell | Katie Hubberstey | Judy Johnston | Bruce Johnstone | Bill Jorgensen | Sean O'Connel | Norm Prince | Wink Richardson | Don Tait | Laura Tait | Fernanda Gimenez | List of films |
| Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | List of Jazz Films |
| Comox Valley Record Newsaper | Performing Arts Comox Valley | Britiish Columbia Arts Council |
| 765 McPhee Ave, Courtenay 250-338-581 comoxvalleyrecord.com |  |
 We do not receive funding from this organization |