Music fans arriving at the 18th annual Pender Harbour Jazz Festival last Sunday, Sept. 21, were met with the repeated question: “Did you see Wil Campa yesterday?” Campa and his Afro Cuban style band had 400 people on their feet dancing at Saturday’s outdoor Jazzapalooza main event. Reportedly, even hikers on Mount Daniel were dancing to the music below. Clearly if you weren’t there, you were square.
“Their energy is insane and their showmanship is hilarious,” said Jazz Festival organizer Carole Rubin.
Campa wasn’t the only highlight of the three-day jazz fest held every September in Madeira Park and Garden Bay. Another hot ticket was the George Cables Trio at the School of Music on Saturday night. The New York composer/pianist, now in his 60s, has been part of such jazz combos as the Dexter Gordon Quartet, and he gave a thrilling performance for a full house in Madeira Park.
“After the ballads you could hear the whole hall exhale,” sighed Rubin.
So, Saturday’s music was a hit, and Sunday was no slouch either.
At the Garden Bay Pub, Gary Comeau and friends delivered a long, non-stop, high energy, Louisiana-style set.
The Ben Henriques Quartet played some smooth sounds in the outdoors at Millennium Park that mingled with the aroma of jambalaya coming from the local food vendors.
The Dan Brubeck Quartet played non-stop on one long set, honouring some of the lyrics that Dan’s mother, Iola Brubeck, had written years ago and that greatly influenced his father, Dave Brubeck. The group closed with Take Five — everyone knew it, many had grown up with it. The audience exploded with applause.
And there was more to come.
Three generations of the Arntzen musicians reminded us that it don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing. Lloyd Arntzen, now 87, proved he still had that swing and sang a few cheeky tunes à la Jelly Roll Morton. Tom Arntzen crooned a Sinatra tune from his place at the keyboard and the youngest member of the Arntzen family, Arnt (Jeffrey) showed everyone why he’s in demand on the musical scene.
Another big highlight of this community festival is the work of many volunteers who pack chairs, take tickets and ensure musicians get to the stage on time. Even the local skateboard team contributed this year by putting up the tents.
Rubin has advice for next year. “Get your tickets early,” she said.
They go on sale in June and she doesn’t expect them to last long since she will be bringing in the Louis Hayes Quintet from New York for the evening concert.
For more see www.phjazz.ca
