BlueShore at CapU programming manager Fiona Black tells us what’s up on the North Shore during the Festival.
We at the BlueShore at CapU are thrilled to unveil our 18th North Shore Jazz (NSJ) Series lineup in partnership with the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. It is our favourite time of the year when you can count on some sunshine, long summer nights and 10 days of eclectic, energizing and exhilarating music throughout Vancouver and the North Shore,
both free and ticketed.
The NSJ Series kicks off with Briga and the Absinthe Ensemble at Civic Plaza on Saturday, June 22 at 1pm. Presented with Le Centre Culturel as part of their Festival d’été, this performance is a unique collaboration between Montreal based Briga who mixes her audacious Balkan beats with Vancouver based Absinthe Ensemble, a classical chamber group. Admission is free and so is the sunshine!
We bring another free show to Lynn Valley Village on Sunday, June 23rd with Vancouver’s favourite rockabilly heroes, Cousin Harley. Led by local guitar legend, Paul Pigat, this band is sure to get you hopping and yelling for more.
Our BlueShore at CapU series unleashes itself with the fiery, feisty and fabulous Antonio Sanchez performing with his quintet Migration on Wednesday, June 26th. Arguably the best drummer of his generation, Sanchez has been Pat Metheny’s first call drummer since 2002. In addition to his busy career as a touring/recording artist, Sanchez had a ubiquitous presence in the Oscar winning film Birdman as he performed the soundtrack for the film as one long improvised solo. Don’t miss a chance to hear one of the Jazz world’s most exciting stars.
Also at the BlueShore at CapU, veteran singer-songwriter Greg Brown will make a rare Vancouver appearance on Thursday, June 27th. One of the most respected roots artists of his generation, Brown has built a solid career with timeless songs that resonate and intrigue. A born storyteller, Greg Brown casts a spell with his warmth, humour and deeply human musical expression.
The closing weekend of the festival will feature another free concert at the West Vancouver Memorial Library on Friday, June 28 th at 7:30pm. New York guitarist Luca Benedetti will collaborate with local stalwarts Jeremy Holmes (bass) and Nino DiPasquale (drums). A fixture in New York’s roots and jazz guitar scene, Benedetti happened to spend a couple of years in Vancouver a few years back and made a big impression on the local scene with his impeccable chops and charismatic performances. A magnet in the Vancouver local music scene, Benedetti had the ability to gather the a-list musicians and make every performance a collaborative jam. This performance will feature Benedetti’s jazz sensibilities and material from his brand new trio release that is getting rave reviews.
The collaborative spirit continues with a performance on Saturday, June 29 at 1pm at Civic Plaza with Scott Smith’s most excellent band Terminal Station and will feature Luca Benedetti as a special guest. Anytime we can reunite these two musical compadres is a special occasion. Terminal Station is one of Vancouver’s most in-demand acts and features a mix of musical styles from blues, rock, alt country and all points in between. They can jam with the best of them and will certainly be in great spirits and form with Benedetti added to the mix.
Our series wraps up on Sunday, June 30th at 3pm with Vancouver’s swamp boogie kings Gary Comeau and the Voodoo Allstars. Comeau has been entertaining audiences for years with his wonderful mix of Cajun, Zydeco, New Orleans jazz and a good dose of Maritime Acadian beats. The performance will take place at the Anavets Club #45 at 119 3rd street E, just east of Lonsdale, a new venue for our NSJ series. The venue has an old school legion feel with plenty of room to dance plus old school beer prices!
