Canadian Big Band Celebration
“Friday Night Jazz & Blues”
September 15, 2023
Enjoy a smorgasbord of jazz & blues shows in Saugeen Shores. A $25 passport gives you access to 7 shows at 7 different locations and a FREE shuttle bus to get you between venues.
Port Elgin Venues:
Queens Bar & Grill
7:00 pm
Noodle Factory Jazz Project - Bruce County’s Original Little Big Band
This 10-piece band plays original arrangements and compositions in the jazz tradition but they are by no means traditional. Their music often blurs the lines between genres and draws its inspiration from many sources including classical, rock, funk, jazz and R&B. With some of the best musicians from the area, this band has plenty of great soloists to feature and is sure to entertain. Ian Burbidge, alto sax; Jason Hunter, tenor sax; Cam Porter, baritone sax; Kerrie Lynn Boys, trombone; Hugh McGregor, trombone; Brian Windross, vocals and trumpet; Al Mullen, Trumpet; Don Buchanan, piano; Mike Grace, bass; Steve Wood, drums.
Three Sheets Brewing
7:00 pm
JV’s Boogaloo Squad
Toronto-based keyboardist and composer Joel Visentin is a proud Winnipeg export with a passion for the Hammond B3 organ. Originally a pianist, the organ first grabbed him while studying music at Humber College. In 2015 he joined up with the unparalleled guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk to form the group of his dreams, JV’s Boogaloo Squad. This group has truly crafted a unique and soulful sound that is both thrilling on impact and deeply evocative of a timeless musical nostalgia. With an extensive repertoire combining original music and soul hits, along with a palatable energy on stage, a show with JV's Boogaloo squad is guaranteed to have audiences dancing on their feet and calling out for more.
Wismer House
8:00 pm
Blues Night featuring Patrick Dunning and “Rising Stars”
Patrick Dunning is a well-known and respected blues guitarist, singer and band leader from the area who has a true passion for live Blues performance. He has established a very popular monthly Blues Jam to the delight of many guitarists, harmonica and horn players in the region and beyond. The Blues Jam aXracts performers of all ages for an enjoyable evening of listening, performing and sharing of musical approaches to performing the Blues. Patrick performs regularly throughout the area with his own band.
- Ensemble:
- Patrick Dunning - Blues Machine
- Patrick Dunning - guitar
- Mike McDonald -guitar
- Ray Thaw - bass guitar
- Brian Benner - piano
- Dave Banks - drums
- featured youth performer Johnny Ballard - guitar
Southampton Venues:
The Southampton Inn
7:00 pm
Drew Jurecka Trio
Drew Jurecka, a Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated jazz violin prodigy, saxophonist, vocalist, and veteran of Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards. An alumnus of the Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angelis, Jurecka frequently tours with Nicole Stoffman’s Jazz Boheme, leads his own gypsy jazz ensemble, Continental Rhythm, and performs with the legendary Diana Krall.
- Ensemble:
- Drew Jurecka - violin/vocals
- Nathan Hiltz - guitar
- Clark Johnston -double bass
Southampton Legion Branch #155
8:00 pm
The Sapsuckers
The Sapsuckers have been entertaining bar and festival crowds for the last 16 years with their own high energy brand of Blues, Rock and Country. Covering artists such as Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Elvis, CCR, Johnny Cash and a few originals. With howling guitar licks and wailing harmonica solos the band will get you movin’. Stacey John, drums; Gabe Ritchie, bass; Greg Ritchie, lead guitar and vocals; Tyler Pantlin, harmonica and vocals.
Outlaw Brew Co.
8:00 pm
Tyler Yarema
Tyler Yarema has played on over fifty albums ranging in genres from blues and jazz to reggae and pop. Tyler is a must-see performer with an aggressive and entertaining stage presence, fingers-ablur style of piano playing, and crooner’s voice often compared to Chet Baker.
- Ensemble:
- Tyler Yarema - piano and vocals
- Al Baby Webster - drums
- Jack McFadden - double bass
- Charles Bell - tenor sax
Southampton Town Hall
8:00 pm
Barry Elmes Quintet featuring Heather Bambrick
JUNO-nominated vocalist Heather Bambrick’s performances have been described as what happens when Ella Fitzgerald meets Carol Burnett at a Newfoundland kitchen party. Joined by Canada’s top jazz musicians, Barry Elmes, drums; Neil Swainson, bass; Ted Quinlan, guitar; and Vern Dorge, saxophone; this show will be a performance you’ll never forget.;
