Performing cool Uptown Jazz in uptown Gibsons, three unique singers accompanied by stellar musicians showcase a diverse repertoire at the Heritage Playhouse on Friday, July 16, starting at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $12.50, at Coast Books, Talewind Books and Hallmark Cards.
Terming the event "a lovely way to spend an evening" (the title of the opening song), vocalists Jacquie Allan-Gye, Karin Bergen and Susann Richter are backed by the legendary Walter Martella on piano, Paul Steenhuis on bass and John Rule on drums. Inspired by the music and vocal artists of the swing and bebop eras, Allan-Gye's magnetic stage presence grew from studies with legendary vocalist Sheila Jordan at the Banff Centre for the Arts and at the University of Massachusetts vocal jazz program. One of the emerging fine jazz singers of the Coast, Bergen will perform her best-loved jazz tunes.
Just as she wowed the audience at the Billy Holiday Birthday Celebration, singer/ songwriter/recording artist Richter will return to knock 'em dead with a selection of songs by Tom Waits (ranging from the strange to the sublime.) Vancouver-born Richter has recorded and toured extensively with the Art Bergmann Band under Duke Street/MCA Records, and has recorded and performed with the Tea Party, Rhys Fulber of Delirium and Swing Machine. Pianist, trumpet virtuoso and intuitive accompanist Martella is one of the jewels of the Coast - performing internationally with artists such as Brad Turner, Rene Worst and Dee Daniels. Martella has also worked with the Seoul National Orchestra.
Bass/guitarist Steenhuis has recorded extensively with artists from around the world and is founder and President of the Ontario Institute of Audio and Recording Technology.
Drummer Rule is a grad of the UBC School of Music with a Bachelor's degree in percussion. He has toured Canada, the USA and Europe with Bob's Your Uncle and has played and toured with the Colourifics (featuring original music) for 20 years.
