Artists
- Georgian Sound Big Band
- Lighthouse Swing Band
- Toronto All Star Big Band
- Allister Bradley
- Chaverim
- Dave Randall
- Dawn Tyler Watson
- Howlin Dogs
- Jamie Ruben & Steve Zsirai
- Joe Huron & Dennis McAndrew
- Karen Holgate & Jan Menkal
- Louis Lefaive
- Louis Lefaive and The Kings of Swing
- Mike Grace Quartet and Heather Bambrick
- Noodle Factory Jazz Project
- Paul Reddick & Julian Fauth
- Regal Jazz Band
- Shawn Mei Trio
- The Martels
- The Sugar Shakers & The Shake Hop Swing Dancers
- Wayne Buttery
- Wayne Buttery & The Groove Project
Georgian Sound Big Band
Appearing at: Big Band Era - $25
Appearing at: 4 Decades of Dance - SOLD OUT
Based in Thornbury and drawing talent from the southern Georgian Bay region, the Georgian Sound Big Band has 18 enthusiastic musicians whose performances honour band founder, Bob Cringan.
Georgian Sound presents a wide variety of ballroom and swing music under the leadership of Don Doner, the musical direction of trombonist Brad Crawford and the vocals of Lisa Hutchinson and trumpeter Dave Watson.
The band's repertoire includes favourites from both past and recent decades that delight dancers at public and private parties, concerts in the parks and festivals. The Georgian Sound Big Band has been a driving force behind the Georgian Sound Festival since its inception and is delighted to continue to host Big Band Saturday performances.
Lighthouse Swing Band
Appearing at: Big Band Era - $25
Lighthouse Swing Band, directed by Don Johnson, was formed in 1984. This 18 member band features the musical talents of vocalist Shelley Parker and solo instrumentalists from within the band. Known for its ability to swing and dedicated to the music of the swing era, this award winning Big band has established a wide following of dance lovers. Though playing mainly in Bruce, Grey and Huron Counties, the band's popularity has taken it to Hamilton, Detroit, Oshawa, Barrie, Ottawa and regularly to London, Ontario. The Lighthouse Swing Band plays for public and private dances, fund raising events, service club dances and many "concerts in the park." For booking information contact Shelley at 519 353 5035.
Toronto All Star Big Band
Appearing at: Big Band Era - $25
Appearing at: 4 Decades of Dance - SOLD OUT
One of the most exciting bands around, the Toronto All Star Big Band consists of 17 musicians joined by the fabulous voices of the TABB five. The band revives the spirit, style and sound of 1930's and 40's - that golden age of the big bands. Armed with brilliant programming, slick choreography and witty cultural nostalgia, this vibrant cast of awesome young talent has earned its position at the top of the list of presenters throughout Ontario and in the U.S. Theatrical engagements are far-reaching. Recent performances have included the Port Hope Jazz Festival, Port Elgin Big Band Celebration, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Art Park in Lewiston N.Y. and Toronto's famed Palais Royale and Casa Loma.
Allister Bradley
Appearing at: Dinner Jazz
Allister Bradley didn’t think much about how to describe himself until early 2005, when he was embraced by radio programmers who told him he was a terrific match for Smooth Jazz radio. Up to that time, Allister had no idea what the Smooth Jazz genre was all about – he just wrote from the heart and infused his songs with the jazz-inspired harmonies that had played in his head since he first heard and played popular jazz standards as a young performer. It all makes sense, though, when you hear him play and sing his way through timeless classics like “All The Way”, “It Had To Be You”, or “I Could Write A Book”. He also sings more contemporary tunes by the likes of Harry Connick Jr. as well as his own songs which earned nominations for Best Original Composition at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards (2006, 2009). This singer/songwriter/pianist may not be a strictly-jazz artist, but the ingredients of fine jazz have always found their way into his musical creations. Look for a smooth and sometimes humorous interpretation of your favourite standards, plus a host of songs that appeal to lovers of story and melody.
Chaverim
Appearing at: Concert - $15
Chaverim (from the Hebrew, meaning good friends or comrades)
Chaverim is a group of young Christian singers and musicians aged 11 to 20. The members represent many denominations; Alliance, Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian and United, to name a few. Chaverim began in Vasey United Church and now rehearses at Grace United Church in Barrie. The members of the group come from the Midland, Orillia, Barrie and Stayner area of Central Ontario. Each season, Chaverim performs up to 20 times in locations across Ontario. They join congregations for Sunday morning and evening worship as well as Saturday evening praise services. Being a member of Chaverim is a way to express their Christian beliefs through music, which is something they all enjoy. It also gives the young people a chance to meet people they might not know if not for Chaverim.They have a lot of fun in Chaverim, singing and performing Christian music. Because they are good friends and love to do what they do, Chaverim is one reason each member looks forward to the weekends when they perform.
Dave Randall
Appearing at: Concert - $15
David was raised in Michigan. Along with his parents, Jim and Darlene, and 5 siblings, Dave spent most of his years growing up in a small farming community near Battle Creek. At a young age, Dave’s passion for music was fostered by singing with his family on those long road trips to visit his grandparents and later singing in church.
After high school, David pursued his education at Spring Arbor College, where he met his wife, Jayne (Hewgill). They traveled with the college vocal group, Common Bond, around the United States. Not long after graduating from college they were married. Since recording his first CD in June 2001, Dave has traveled around the United States and Canada singing gospel music at many churches, festivals and community events. In September 2004, David won the Solo Talent Competition at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. Along with singing on the TV show, 100 Huntley Street, Dave has performed the national anthems at the Skydome in Toronto and at Comerica Park in Detroit. Dave acknowledges that this ministry is not something he set out to do.
He says of it all, “There were a lot of small steps that I took, not realizing it was God moving me in this direction. I had no idea where I was going, but still kept stepping through the open doors. The few final pushes into this ministry were undoubtedly orchestrated by the Holy Spirit.” Looking back, David sees God’s hand clearly leading him to this place. "It's a wonderful opportunity to tell the gospel story that I love."
Dawn Tyler Watson
Appearing at: Jazz at The Westin Trillium House - $30
Dawn is a six-time consecutive winner of the Quebec Lys Blues Award for Best Female Artist, and her last recording effort entitled “en duo” with guitarist extrordinaire, Paul Deslauriers, took home the 2009 Album of the Year Award. She is also 2 time Female Vocalist winner of the prestigious Canadian Maple Blues Award.
Dawn continues to tour extensively with upcoming concerts and festivals in Moscow and France. And recently, Dawn was selected to compete in this year’s International Blues Competition in Memphis in February. Her third album is slated for release this spring; and when not on the road, she has been honing her jazz chops back home in Montreal, working towards yet another recording project set to begin later this year.
"Watson, in a nutshell, smokes. She has a kit bag full of smooth moves, and a personality that lifts off the page." Blues Review Magazine.
http://www.bluemountainvillage.ca/1.news.events/1.1.events.asp.
Howlin Dogs
Appearing at: Music Crawl - $15
The Howlin Dog Vintage Jazz Band plays a mixture of traditional Jazz styles including New Orleans Dixieland, Blues, and Swing. Based in the Kincardine area of Bruce County, this six piece group plays mostly along the Canadian Lake Huron shoreline and throughout Ontario.
The frontline is made up of Dave Jewett on trumpet and flugelhorn. Dave, who lives in Burlington is very much in demand as a trumpeter and plays with several groups in the Toronto and Hamilton area including the Mississauga Big Band and Big Smoke. Steve Hasbury on clarinet, alto and tenor saxes is one of the few remaining musicians playing jazz who use the clarinet as their principal instrument. Dave Schmalz on trombone played for many years with "The Empire Stove & Furnace Company" and several other traditional jazz groups locally and in Michigan. The rhythm section consists of Ron Daniels on guitar, Karen Weber on bass and Mike Kelley on drums. If you enjoy the sizzling sounds of hot Jazz, this band is for you. 519 396 0077
Jamie Ruben & Steve Zsirai
Appearing at: Dinner Jazz
Jamie Ruben and Steve Zsirai
Jamie and Steve have been performing as a duo for more than ten years. They began collaborating and working together in 1999 when both were students in the renowned Humber College Jazz program. Since then they have gone on to perform together around Canada and Europe. They have forged a unique, modern and eclectic style as a duo incorporating influences from wide spectrum of modern music. Their repertoire consists of a combination of original music, unique takes on old standards and selections of pieces from the likes of Frank Zappa, Bill Frisell, Kenny Wheeler and a few surprise selections from the pop world.
Jamie Ruben
Born into the lack of turbulence of the Toronto suburbs in 1980, Jamie's life as an imaginative daydreamer, artist, creative voice and, eventually, an adventurous musician, composer and journeyman began. From the start, Jamie's approach to music was tirelessly eclectic and his approach to life was daring and unconventional. While having not yet achieved wide recognition on his home continent of North America, Jamie made a living for 7 years performing jazz full time around the Far East in places as remote as Katmandu and Siem Reap, as well as Bangkok, Shanghai, Koh Samui and many more.
Steve Zsirai
Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Stephen Zsirai is a versatile bassist who has risen to top levels of Canadian music. Apart from being a mainstay of Toronto’s eclectic Jazz scene, Steve’s current projects include performing and touring with Jill Barber, Royal Wood and David Usher, this past summer he toured with Steven Paige of Barenaked Ladies fame. He is also in high demand as one of Toronto’s top studio bassists and has far too many album credits to name.
Joe Huron & Dennis McAndrew
Appearing at: Dinner Jazz
Joe Huron and Dennis McAndrew have been playing in the Barrie, Collingwood, Blue Mountain area for over 5 years. With Joe on guitar and Dennis on sax and keyboard, this group has a unique sound that they have developed for that intimate jazz resonance.
Karen Holgate & Jan Menkal
Appearing at: Dinner Jazz
As life-long musicians, Karen & Jan both share a special love for jazz. Karen is a writer and guitar teacher, accomplished in performing many musical styles, and has produced a CD of her original songs. Jan started playing guitar at age 10, introduced to jazz at 16, and has performed with all kinds of artists and bands over the years. He is past-president of the Canadian Guitar Players Association where he has been able to share his love of music with many fellow guitar players. Karen and Jan bring a fresh synergy to favourites of the jazz era. Together with Karen's sweet vocals and Jan's smooth guitar style they deliver a classy professional act.
http://home.netscape.ca/~jmenkal/jazz.htm. karen.jan.jazz@gmail.com
Louis Lefaive
Appearing at: Dinner Jazz
Louis has been a fixture in Simcoe County for most of his life. His varied musical interests have reflected in a career as producer, educator, recording artist, singer songwriter, arranger and bandleader. Louis gigs frequently as soloist, accompanist, with his family "La famille Lefaive" (celtic and french folk music), with his bands "Louis Lefaive and the Kings of Swing". "Rubber Soul" (a Beatles tribute band), in his local church, Par Hasard (French original music) as well as a sub in many local bands. Louis also has his own recording studio called The Pocket Studio.
Louis Lefaive and The Kings of Swing
Appearing at: Music Crawl - $15
This most entertaining and versatile band combines jazz and fun to reach the highest level. Hold on to your seats listening to this well-known and talented group, with Louis Lefaive on trombone, vocals and keyboard, Rick Patenaude on drums, Bruce Rumble on bass, Ken Meyer on woodwinds, Kelly Lefaive on violin (Kelly is a recent grad from the University of Toronto in the jazz program.) Jill Lefaive on violin (Jill is studying film and music at York University.)
Mike Grace Quartet and Heather Bambrick
Appearing at: Music Crawl - $15
The Mike Grace Quartet is something very special. Its leader, bassist Mike Grace, holds Masters Degrees in drums, bassoon, clarinet and bass and a PhD in Clarinet. He has travelled the world with jazz bands he has developed during a 35 teaching career.
Mark Keiswsetter began his musical life at age five, studying to become a classical pianist. He has played in the orchestra for many professional touring companies, including productions of Guys and Dolls, A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, the Fantasticks, and Sweet Charity. He has performed with the great composers and conductors Henry Mancini and Bill Conte. Mark has also performed alongside jazz greats Richie Cole, Jack Sheldon, Eddie Daniels,Joe Williams, James Moody, Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, Carl Fontana, Louis Smith, and Phil Wilson. While jazz is his primary motivator, playing rock, soul, classical, klezmer and country music have also been strong influences in Mark's life. His feeling is that in music, as in life, the more languages one can speak, the wider one's community.
Drummer Steve James is a veteran instructor whose command of diverse musical styles permits performing for eighteen years with the Stardust Big Band and playing with Backroom 11, a tribute band to classic soul/funk and R+B.
They are joined by Gene Parker, whose extraordinary versatility on all the saxes, clarinet, flute, piccolo, trumpet, trombone, vibes and piano always astounds audiences. Gene has played with the biggest names in the business; names like Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., J.C Heard and Dizzy Gillespie. When not teaching, Gene leads a Vibe Trio, a Jazz Quartet, The Parker/Cook Jazz Quintet, The Parker/Wolkins Big Band with trumpeter Ric Wolkins, and a very hot 5 piece party band.
To borrow a line from the Sun Times’ Bill Henry, these jazz veterans know “how to shape the notes, how to lift the music from the page and how to make it tell a story.” It doesn’t get better than this!
Heather Bambrick will also be joining this award winning group.
Heather has been singing for about as long as she’s been talking. Born and raised in
As an educator and clinician, Heather has worked with groups at the Huntington Society Jazz Camp, the Toronto District School Board, Ontario Vocal Jazz Festivals, Musicfest
Heather is quite active in the
Noodle Factory Jazz Project
Noodle Factory Jazz Project is a ten piece band using traditional jazz instrumentation. The players are Ian Burbidge, Jason Hunter and Cam Porter on Saxophone, Wayne McGrath on trumpet, Brian Windross on trumpet and vocals, Peter Rissi and Ron Code on Trombone, Mike Grace on bass, Fred Parsons on piano and David Malito on drums. The band members are all heavily involved in music in the area, many playing with several bands. The music is an eclectic mix including some original compositions as well as new takes on jazz standards, jazzed up Beatles tunes and some Tower of Power funk.
Paul Reddick & Julian Fauth
Appearing at: Music Crawl - $15
Paul Reddick and Julian Fauth met in the summer of 2000. They formed a musical friendship based on a deep knowledge of early American music, particularly blues, and a shared lack of orthodoxy: they treat the music they love as a living, evolving organism, not as a mummified museum piece, a tradition to be adopted, adapted and added to. Over the years, they have performed as a duo on various occasions.
Paul Reddick began playing the harmonica at age 12. He came to prominence in the early 1990s as the leader of the acclaimed band The Sidemen. In addition to his work with that band, he has pursued a number of solo projects and collaborations with Colin Linden, Garth Hudson and others. He has a warm, expressive baritone voice and a distinctive, rhythmic harmonica style, and easily ranks as one of the best Canadian exponents of that instrument. In addition, he is a strikingly original, poetic songwriter, whose large and growing body of work draws on an encyclopedic knowledge of early American blues, folk and country music, a deep study of literary poetry and a highly personal, imaginative use of metaphor and imagery. That his non-musical passions include bird-watching illustrates his reflective turn of mind. Reddick has released several CDs, among them Dig In (1999), Rattlebag (2001), Villanelle (2004) and SugarBird (2009). His music has been featured in several TV shows and movies and even a Coca Cola commercial. Paul Reddick has won several Maple Blues Awards, recognizing his prowess as a harmonica player, vocalist and songwriter, and has been nominated for the Juno and W.C. Handy awards. He has toured Canada, the USA and Europe extensively.
Julian Fauth started listening to blues as a little boy. In the mid-1990s he came to Toronto to study philosophy. He soon began playing piano and occasionally guitar at various venues, either solo or with a shifting assortment of musicians. His collaborators included some of Canada’s finest up-and-coming blues musicians (such as David Rotundo), but the unconventional way in which Fauth interprets blues and gospel led many musicians from other genres to adopt him along the way, among them exponents of jazz, folk, bluegrass, Malagasy music and others. His playing is rooted in the pre-war barrelhouse piano style but is not afraid of harmonic innovation, and his songs are in the storytelling tradition of American roots ballads. Fauth has released several CDs, among them Songs of Vice and Sorrow (2005) and Ramblin’ Son (2008). He was nominated for the Juno Award in 2006 and won it in 2009. He has also been nominated for the Canadian Independent Music Award and several Maple Blues Award, winning one in 2010. Fauth has performed across Canada as well as in Russia, Cuba and the USA. He also appears in an upcoming independent movie.
Reddick and Fauth are both working on CDs that will be released later this year.
Combining the soaring melodic inventions of the harp with the driving left hand and treble runs of the keyboard, the Paul Reddick and Julian Fauth give you a take on classic American blues that appeals equally to the head, the heart and the feet.
Regal Jazz Band
Appearing at: Brunch - $40
Regal Jazz Band is a 7 piece Dixie style jazz band made up of members from Thornbury, Collingwood and Simcoe County. They have performed for Jazz by the Bay, The Arts Festival in Meaford as well as other events in Collingwood and the surrounding area. The band features Don Doner - trumpet; Bob Muir - trombone, Geoff Lowe - banjo, Ralph Johnson - bass, Al Beardsall - keyboard, Clayton Skinner - drums and special guest Mick Lewis on clarinet.
Shawn Mei Trio
Appearing at: Dinner Jazz
Shawn Mei (pronounced "May" - of Italian and Irish descent) has been performing at bars and ightclubs since the age of fifteen. Although club owners were unaware of his age at that time, Mei began working with his father’s jazz quartet and gradually branched out to pursue his own musical interests. His rigorous performance schedule has enabled Shawn to develop a unique piano and vocal style that includes Blues, Funk, Rock and Jazz. A native of Barrie Ontario, Canada, Mei performs throughout Central and Southern Ontario at local clubs, Casinos, the Muskoka resort circuit as well as live concert venues and festivals.
This swingin' trio consists of Shawn Mei on piano & vocals, Graham Hilliam on tenor & alto with Neil Mavor on drums. Mei's piano stylings (blues, funk, jazz) along with his popular crooning style (Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bouble etc.) will complete your dining experience! But "fasten your seat belts" as the trio "Breaks up the house" with Louis Prima, Colin James, Brian Setzer, and many more! Bring your dancin' shoes and a "shout chorus!" The Shawn Mei Trio is a definite Festival "Must See" experience!
The Martels
Appearing at: 4 Decades of Dance - SOLD OUT
The original 5 members have been playing together since 1957! This group of Midland musicians comprised of Tom Ambeau (drums, guitar), Milt Budarick (bass guitar), Bert DesRochers (piano), Larry French (lead guitar, vocals) and Gary French (lead vocals, drums), grew up playing new music for a new age. In 1957, the teenagers formed The Corvettes and played for Teen Town sock hops throughout Ontario. A few years later the manager for Canada's first teen idol Bobby Curtola, discovered the band and hired them to work with Bobby full time. The Corvettes became Bobby Curtola & The Martells in 1961 when an American band with the name "The Corvettes" appeared on the scene.
The name Martells came from Curtola's manager, Maria Martell, and the name has been with the band ever since. The Martells went on to record hit songs such as Indian Giver, Hand in Hand with You and Fortune Teller with Curtola, Canada's first teen idol. Recording and touring took the band on the first cross Canada rock n' roll tour with stops at Massey hall, Klondike Days, the Calgary Stampede and the Pacific Exhibition. Back home the band continued to play backing up such stars as Del Shannon ("Runaway") until the British Invasion took rock n' roll in a new direction and The Martels eventually disbanded in the late 1960's.
In 1979 the group reunited for one show and they have been playing together ever since. Over that time, they have evolved into a premier show band adding Doug Woods(vocals, percussion), Landon French (vocals, percussion), Madeleine French (vocals, piano), Dr. Sax (a.k.a. Russ Strathdee), and former 60's DJ Ken Rowland as emcee. Since then, The Martels Rock n' Roll show has undergone a couple of changes and have currently introduced Bill Chambers to the Martels family.
The Sugar Shakers & The Shake Hop Swing Dancers
The Sugar Shakers are a 1920’s Solo Charleston performance group lead by instructor and performer Joanna Kassoulides. The group has entertained and competed in and outside of Toronto at Festivals, Competitions, Private Functions and on Stage. You may have seen these Fabulous Flappers at the Toronto International Film Festival and many other exciting events. Be sure to catch their performance at the festival as well as join in and do the Charleston with them on the social dance floor!
For more information please visit www.SugarShakers.ca
Toronto Lindy Hop Swing Dancers will join in the fun at the Georgian Sound Festival. Featuring Joanna Kassoulides they specialize in dances from the 1920’s - 1950’s. These dancers will be sure to entertain!
Wayne Buttery
Appearing at: Dinner Jazz
Wayne has been entertaining audiences for more than four decades. In the early 1970's Wayne was one of the founding members of the well known Toronto based nostalgia show band, "Bananas". Later in the mid 1980's he went on to perform with "Middle Aged Crazy's" and in 1989 founded "The Bluenotes".
In 1993 Wayne and his family moved to Central Ontario's Orr Lake community near the town of Elmvale where he often performs in local venues and resorts. In March of 1998 he formed "Wayne Buttery & The Groove Project" and has never looked back. Over Wayne's career he has made several guest appearances with such well known artists as Wilson Pickett, Tina Turner, Gary US Bonds and Tony Flaim.
Wayne Buttery & The Groove Project
Appearing at: Music Crawl - $15
Wayne Buttery and the Groove Project is a dynamic, entertaining collective with a big soulful sound. Their bluesy, engaging music just makes you want to jump up and move.
Joining Wayne will be
DENNIS KING Drums / Percussion / Vocals
At the core of the band's foundation you will find Dennis King. A.K.A. The Shuffle King. Dennis's Chicago Shuffle is reminiscent of a fast moving freight train. Along with his obvious talent as a drummer Dennis brings both lead and harmony vocals to the table. Some of Dennis's former credits include: ART LARMAND & ODESSA, THE HITCHHIKERS, THE MIKE ROBERTS BAND, GORD WARD & THE RECOLLECTIONS, LEE HOLLINGSWORTH, THE MARTELLS and THE JOHN MARSHALL BAND. Dennis has also appeared with MARTY ROBINS, THE OAKRIDGE BOYS and THE BELLAMY BROTHERS.
CHARLIE HINKEL - Electric Bass & Vocalist.
Every well-built structure begins with a strong and solid foundation. This is certainly the case when it comes to Charlie's unique and funky style of playing bass. His clear, natural lead vocals and song writing skills make for a winning musical combination. Charlie's former credits include: WEST AVENUE, JENNETTE BRANTLEY, JOEY HOLLINGSWORTH, PAUL CHRISTOPHER, RETRO, THE BARREL WORKS BAND. Charlie also performed several times as a session player for CATCH A RISING STAR.
ROLY PLATT - Harmonica
Roly is a Canadian diatonic harmonica player. For the past 30 years, Toronto native Roly Platt remains one of Canada's premier harmonica players. Roly's versatility and skill on harmonica has enabled him to become one of Canada's most sought-after live and studio musicians. To date, he has been recorded on over 800 national commercials, TV/ film scores and album cuts. Roly's early years on the road quickly introduced him to a wide variety of music including blues, country-swing, country-rock, R&B & Jazz. This experience of having to incorporate harp into non-traditional roles helped form his melodic approach, defining his unique style. Roly now makes his home in Barrie, Ontario.
