JazzWorks Canada launches its 2022-23 “JazzWorks Presents” Concert Series with saxophonist, flutist, composer, arranger and educator T.K. Blue on December 16th, 2022 from 7:30 to 10:30 pm at Festival Japan Restaurant, located at 149 Kent Street, in Ottawa.

“Blue’s brand of music is honest, sincere, graceful and direct. […]  He’s about the music and feeling it creates, both in the artist and the listener.”  - Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz.com

T.K. Blue is a musician of the highest calibre who is at the peak of his creative output.  T.K.’s artistry is found on over eighty-five recordings, and he has performed with a long list of great international artists such as Don Cherry, Jaki Byard’s Apollo Stompers, Ted Daniels’ Big Band and Abdullah Ibrahim, to name a few.  Blue released his 11th CD, entitled Amour, as band leader in 2017, and it was cited as one of the best jazz recordings of the year by Downbeat magazine.  Based in New York, Blue holds a master’s degree in Music Education from Columbia University.  He will be joined in concert by Ottawa pianist Steve Boudreau, Montreal bassist Alec Walkington and Ottawa drummer Michel Delage.

T.K. Blue will present a special Master Class on Thursday, December 15th from 4:30 to 6:00 pm entitled, “Using the Blues as a Vehicle for Jazz Improvisation: The African Aesthetic”.  The workshop will take place at Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ontario.  Limited parking is available off Argyle Avenue and in the Glashan Public School parking lot, located at 28 Arlington Avenue.

Advance tickets for both events are available here. Prices range from $20 to $45 – the workshop is FREE for high school students.

Check out T.K.’s music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEXCBGtbAFE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS6FBVSS79I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VwNbqP-7vg

More information about T.K. Blue is available at www.tkblue.com  For Information about the “JazzWorks Presents” Concert Series and Workshop, contact the Administrator at 613-220-3819 or by email at jazz@jazzworkscanada.com.

What a Wonderful Week! - Jazz Camp 2022
What an amazing experience this year at Jazz Camp 2022 has been.  Despite the past two and a half years of Covid uncertainty that have reigned over us, the last-minute start to registration and all the other challenges we faced to get to this moment in time, we made it happen - TOGETHER.

We had a fantastic turnout, considering lingering hesitation to commingle in public places.  Some of our faculty and campers came from far afield, and most took the two-hour drive to come to the beautiful CAMMAC facilities on Lac MacDonald and spend a wonderful week making music, meeting new friends, honing jazz skills and having fun.

We were so pleased to welcome many younger campers this year.  It was great to see the intergenerational feel that they brought to Camp.  It goes to show that making music is a universal endeavour that brings people together in wonderful ways.  We hope this trend continues as we approach our thirtieth year since our first Camp back in 1994!

SPECIAL THANKS...

To all our Volunteers...
who worked so hard to make this year's Camp a beautiful experience.
To our Sponsors...
whose support ensures our high quality of programming.
To our Campers...
who make Camp so special with their music and their very presence.

Composers' Symposium: August 22-25
Jazz Camp: August 25-28

Registration Opens June 15th!!
 
It has been two long years of waiting, and JazzWorks is thrilled to announce that our summer Jazz Camp and Composers' Symposium are ON this year! Located at the beautiful CAMMAC facilities on Lac MacDonald, these intensive jazz education sessions feature instruction and performances by Canadian and international guest musicians/educators and are ideal for anyone wishing to expand, improve and enjoy their jazz musicianship skills in a supportive and friendly environment. Whether you are a beginning jazz musician or a seasoned pro, the JazzWorks' Jazz Camp and Composers' Symposium is the perfect place to hone your skills. Learn from our highly esteemed faculty and play with your peers.

Among our esteemed faculty this year are Adrian Vedady as Musical Director, Sienna Dahlen, Roddy Ellias, Kirk MacDonald, Steve Boudreau, Nick Fraser, Derrick Gardner, Chad Linsley, Lorne Lofsky, Amy London, Nat Reeves, Jae Sinnett and Kate Wyatt.

We look forward to seeing you this summer at JazzWorks' 27th Jazz Camp!

Jazz Camp Registration

"JazzWorks Presents" Concert Series: Drummer-Composer Jae Sinnet
Join "JazzWorks Presents" on Friday, June 3, 2022 for an evening filled with top-notch jazz music accompanied by your favourite Japanese dishes. The concert features Virginia-based drummer-composer Jae Sinnett, accompanied by bassist Adrian Vedady and guitarist Roddy Ellias.

If you wish to make dinner reservations... please contact Festival Japan at 613-234-1224

Time: Friday, June 3, 2022 from 7:30-10:30 pm EST
Address: Festival Japan (149 Kent Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 6E6)

“The Rhythm of Jazz" Workshop: This workshop will provide a wonderful opportunity for students, professionals and jazz appreciators to experience and learn how the swinging pulse of jazz defines the foundation of jazz performance. Drummer, composer, music educator and Sonor and Sabian artist Jae Sinnett will conduct a masterclass workshop showcasing, discussing and demonstrating the feel of the intricate complexities of the swing rhythm.

Time: Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 pm EST
Address: Steve's Music Store (308 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y5)

*FREE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS*

About Jae Sinnett
 
A native of Donora, PA, Jae Sinnett came to Virginia in the mid-‘70s and after completing his military service, he began his music career by attending Norfolk State University as a Music Education major. He evolved into a consummate drummer, composer and bandleader who has produced fifteen albums. He has also created instructional videos, scores music for five documentaries and written over 250 original compositions. Jae hosts the popular radio show Sinnett in Session as well as The R&B Chronicles.

As a jazz educator, Jae taught history, theory and percussion at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA for eight years. He also directed the GSA Big Band and Jazz Combos. He was an adjunct drum set and jazz ensemble instructor at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. He is a Sonor Drums and Sabian Cymbals artist and has been sponsored by both companies for over twenty years. He is also a tutoring clinician and music educator, conducting master classes at many universities and appearing as a guest artist with the ensembles performing his compositions.

Jae has performed with many artists over the years, including Branford and Ellis Marsalis, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Chuck Mangione, Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis, Chico Freeman, Arthur Blythe, Carol Sloane, Jon Hendricks, Randy Brecker, James Moody, Kenny Drew Jr., Fred Hersch, Mulgrew Miller, James Williams, Jack Walrath, Makoto Ozone, JoAnne Brackeen, Andrew White and Frank Morgan, to name a few.
Jae’s awards include the prestigious Scott Willis Jazz Impact Award and the Duke Dubois Jazz Humanitarian Award at the JazzWeek Jazz Chart Summit. Jae has also been nominated several times for the Jazz Radio Programmer of the Year Award.

On Thursday, Apr. 21, 2022, JazzWorks revives its beloved monthly jam sessions. The music starts at 7:30 pm at Festival Japan, 149 Kent St. Admission is $10, $5 for JazzWorks Friends. The host band will be Off the Record, featuring Frank Edgerton (piano), Neil Sealy (bass), André Ferraton (drums), and Edwin Gans (sax). Following their set, the stage will be open to all musicians for the rest of the evening. Vocalists, feel free to bring your own mics.

For those of you who enjoy a meal at the jams, food from Festival Japan's dinner menu will be available. Please make dinner reservations by calling (613) 234-1224. For participants who like to arrive later in the evening, a selection of appetizers and drinks will be available. The kitchen closes at 9 pm.

:Looking further ahead, planning is underway for a JazzWorks Memorial Jam in June (exact date TBD) to celebrate the lives of our JazzWorks friends Marylise Chauvette, Howard Tweedle, Loic Martin, Ryszard Kowalski, and Tim Leah. We need volunteers to help make this happen. If you are able to help, please contact Leslie Toope.

Register NOW and join us at JazzWorks for a Virtual Mentored Vocal Jazz Open Mic Night with Los Angeles Songwriter/Vocalist Mark Winkler!
March 2nd, 2022
7-9 pm EST
SEVERAL PERFORMER SPACES STILL AVAILABLE & LISTENERS ARE WELCOME TOO!

About Mark Winkler
http://markwinklermusic.com/
“Mark Winkler is a musical marvel. Finally, a writer who sings, and a singer who swings.” Entertainment Critic - Rex Reed.

Mark Winkler is a Platinum Award Winning singer/lyricist who has had over 250 of his songs recorded and/or sung by such artists as Dianne Reeves, Liza Minnelli, Steve Tyrell, Jane Monheit, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kenny Rankin and Sara Gazarek. Charting high on the Jazz Week charts with his last 6 vocal releases, in 2018, Mark was voted ”Rising Star” Male Jazz Vocalist in Downbeat Magazine and has been featured in Jazziz and Jazz Times Magazines.

Mark’s most recent album, “Old Friends” with David Benoit, was #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Vocal Chart, went to #18 on the JazzWeek Charts and was singled out as the best Jazz CD of 2021 by Jonathan Widran in JAZZIZ magazine. His previous CDs received great reviews, including his album ”Jazz and Other Four Letter Words” which was awarded Four Stars in Downbeat and Five Stars in All About Jazz. Mark plans to release his new CD “Late Bloomin’ Jazzman” in April of 2022.

Mark Winkler has sung at Birdland, the Bluenote and the Iridium in NYC and in San Francisco and also in Los Angeles, London, Tokyo and Australia. As part of his “West Coast Cool” project with Cheryl Bentyne of Manhattan Transfer, he has performed at the Syracuse Jazz Festival, in Tuscon, Arizona, Toronto, Canada and Madison, Wisconsin among many other cities.

As a lyricist Mark has 6 musicals to his credit, that are playing across the US - including one that has been Off Broadway for 21 years and is the 2nd longest running show in Off Broadway history - Naked Boys Singing! Mark’s  jazz film noir musical, “Play It Cool” played Off Broadway in 2011 and his musical “Bark!” has played in LA and over 25 other cities as well as going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.

As an educator Mark Winkler has been teaching his lyric-writing “Crafting Great Lyrics: A Songwriters Workshop” at UCLA Extension for the past 17 years and also at the Los Angeles School of Song writing. Mark also writes columns for Music Connection Magazine and jazz interviews and reviews for LA Jazz Scene.

Please email Peggy Cameron to register for the event and receive the Zoom link.

JazzWorks has just been awarded a “targeted program grant” through the Arts Presentation Canada (APC) Fund of the Dept of Canadian Heritage to support our “JazzWorks Presents”  Concert Series for 2021-22. These live concert events will feature visiting guest artists, along with JazzWorks Faculty and other local and Canadian jazz artists. The concert dates and artist lineup will be announced soon . . . so stay tuned for details!

Our Board has also begun making plans for our Annual Jazz Camp and Composers’ Symposium to be held in August 2022 at the CAMMAC Music Centre. We hope to resume live JazzWorks Jam Sessions soon, as well as to get our vocalists off Zoom and back to singing with a live accompanist for our Vocal Open-Mic Nights starting in January.  

We will need your ideas . . . and your help to make this happen. Covid has been very challenging for JazzWorks and our community of jazz lovers, on many fronts.  A JazzWorks board member or volunteer will be contacting each of you individually over the next several weeks to seek your input and your support to make Jazz Camp and our jazz community activities happen again in 2022.

Judith Humenick, Flutist and Executive Director/Producer  

 JazzWorks Board 2021-22
Peggy Cameron, Vocalist and Chair
Raymond Vles, Guitarist and Vice-Chair
Ira Abrams, Jazz lover and Treasurer
Leslie Toope, Vocalist and Member at large
Catherine McKenna, Vocalist and Member at large
Lynn Hanson, Percussionist and Member at large
Tom Bryant, Jazz lover and Member at large

RACHEL BEAUSOLEIL
VOCAL MASTERCLASS
Thursday, November 4
7-9 PM EST
Free for all to attend!
 
For more information and to register to perform in the masterclass, please email Peggy Cameron. All others are welcome to join, listen, and learn! 

Zoom link
 DONATIONS APPRECIATED

We would like to extend a warm, and heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us Thursday, June 10 for our very first virtual tasting event!
 
Jazz, Wine… & Chocolate was a smashing success; the organization was able to raise over $2,500 to help cover future operating expenses. The feedback from participants has been wonderful, and we are so pleased that JazzWorks was able to create a magical, decadent evening for everyone involved!

Check out images from this event in the JazzWorks Gallery.

The response to Jazz, Wine… & Chocolate was so incredible that we are already looking towards creating our next fundraising event – don’t forget to follow us on social media, and sign up for the Ottawa Jazz Happenings newsletter to stay informed as details become available!
 
We would also like to thank Debbie Trenholm and her team at Savvy Company, Don Braden, Derrick Gardner, Harvey Glatt, Graham Lindsay, and our JazzWorks volunteer team for their contributions to the evening’s programming.
 
As the world collectively moves toward it’s “new normal”, it is reassuring to see that our Ottawa (and beyond) jazz community is alive and well. We are so excited to offer more virtual programming in the coming months, and we hope you join us again to share our passion for community, education, and most importantly… the magic of jazz music!

Sit back, heighten your senses with a glass of red, and enjoy the decadent flavour of artisanal chocolate for an evening filled with the magic and lustre of top-quality jazz!

JazzWorks is hosting our very first virtual tasting & music event - Wine, Jazz, & Chocolate - on Zoom, in collaboration with Savvy Company.  Savour some of the best wine and chocolate pairings featuring jazz mini concerts from our special guests; New York saxophonist/composer Don Braden - with pianist Oscar Perez, and Winnipeg based composer/trumpeter Derrick Gardner - with bassist/pianist power couple Marc & Candice Tugby.

Join us for a fantastic evening celebrating the art of jazz, and discover select Ontario-made red wines, paired with decadent local chocolates created by artisan chocolatiers.

The goal of this Special Fundraising event - with the help of your donation, is to provide JazzWorks with the funds to maintain operations and remain an active part of our music community, and continue to develop exciting new programming for Jazz enthusiasts at all levels.

Save the Date:
DATE: Thursday June 10, 2021
TIME: 7 pm – 9 pm
ZOOM DETAILS: Included in each Red Wine & Chocolate Box

Packages:
The Full Experience...
Purchase of a Premium Package includes 2 event tickets, as well as your Red Wine & Chocolate Box (shipping and HST costs based on your address), which contains everything you’ll need for this fun-filled evening.  Each box includes:

• Two outstanding, Ontario red wines (unavailable at the LCBO) – curated by our Sommeliers:
  • Sprucewood Shores Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Pelee Island)
  • Creekside Estate Syrah (Niagara)
• A collection of Canadian-made artisan chocolates & bonbons:
  • Hisponola Chocolate Bar from Hummingbird Chocolate
    
  • 6-piece box of chocolates & bonbons from Anna Stubbe Chocolates
    
• Front row seats for the live jazz performances by our special guests: uber-talented New York saxophonist Don Braden, and Winnipeg based trumpeter/composer extraordinaire Derrick Gardner – Their combination of original tunes and jazz standards are sure to liven up your living room!
  

Plus…you’ll meet the winemakers, chocolate makers & learn from Somelliers too!
To enjoy this unique & blissful experience, you’ll be introduced to the art of wine and chocolate tasting by the makers themselves as well as a Sommelier from Savvy Company. Their tips will enrichen your enjoyment of the featured wines & chocolates to ensure you get the most out of these wonderful pairings.

Delivered right to your door, anywhere in Ontario!
For this event, Savvy Chocolate negotiated with their courier partners to get the best rates for you! The following shipping flat fees per Premium Package order will apply:

• $10 to Ottawa
• $15 to Rural Ottawa (Carp, Dunrobin, Manotick, South Gloucester, Rockland, Cumberland, etc)
• $20 to Gatineau
• $20 to Kingston
• $25 to GTA

*HST will be added once shipping fee is determined*

Are you located beyond these cities? No problem, Savvy Company certainly deliver to you too! After you place your order, the Savvy Team will contact you with Purolator’s estimated delivery fee before processing your order.

Premium Package event ticket: 135$ + shipping/HST
*Includes 2 bottles of wine, chocolate for 2 and 2 event tickets*
*Comes with 60$ tax receipt*

*Deadline for purchasing Premium Package tickets is Tuesday, June 8th
to allow for processing and shipment of Wine & Chocolate box.
Outside Ontario the deadline is June 4th.*

JazzWorks is taking the opportunity of this event to honour our dear friend,  jazz enthusiast and benefactor Harvey Glatt, for his significant and wide-reaching contributions to the worlds of music and jazz.

For The Music Lover…
For those who prefer to focus on the music - or have their own preferred pairings for live shows, a “Concert Only” event ticket is available, which will give you full access to the concert performances from Don Braden and Derrick Gardner, with none of the extras. In the absence of wine, these two musicians are sure to have you buzzing with their unique compositions and stellar performances!

Concert Only event ticket: 45$
*Includes ticket for one person*
*Comes with $30 tax receipt*
Purchase a ticket for the concert only by clicking the "Buy Now" button below.

*If you are unable to attend, please consider donating directly to JazzWorks ! Tax receipts are available for any donation of $20 or more!*

About the Musicians:
For over 30 years, Don Braden has toured the world leading his own ensembles on saxophone and flute, in addition to performing with Jazz greats such as Betty Carter, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, and Roy Haynes among others, as a special guest or sideman.  He has composed music in many styles for ensembles ranging from duo to full symphonic orchestra, for recordings, film, and television networks such as NIckelodeon and CBS.  He is an imaginative, soulful saxophonist, and his harmonic and rhythmic sophistication give him a unique approach to improvising, as well as composing and arranging.  Most important of all: he has a beautiful sound, and he swings!  All of this, combined with his joyous yet disciplined personality, makes him one of the most important musicians working today. For more information: www.donbraden.com

Performer, composer, and veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra and Harry Connick Jr. Big Bands, Derrick Gardner has worked with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Frank Foster, and Tony Bennet to name only a few. Recently, Derrick put together his 18-piece Big dig! Band for the recording of Still I Rise (Impact Jazz) - a powerful, explosive album released in July 2020 that spent over thirty weeks on the JazzWeek Top 50 chart. For more information: www.derrickgardnermusic.com