NEWS RELEASE
BRASSWORKS
4TH STREET JAZZ PROJECT
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Orillia Brassworks and 4th Street Jazz Project present a concert featuring saxophonist Alex Dean, vocalist Christina Bosco and the Orillia Secondary School Dixieland Band.
When the Orillia Rotary Aqua Theatre Sunday Evening Band Concert Series was cancelled, the jazz bands decided to go ahead with their own plans. As the concert title suggests, Why Not? The concert takes place on Sunday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Orillia Salvation Army Citadel. It promises to be an exciting afternoon of all types of jazz such as traditional, swing, vocal, Latin and fusion.
Brassworks, the Orillia-based group of five brass players with piano, bass and drums, has been reinvigorating the big-band tradition for a number of years. As band member Curtis Metcalf puts it, “The ensemble’s mission is to honour the traditions of this art form and at the same time place it in a unique context without offending too many patrons.”
They will be joined by Alex Dean, who is one of Canada’s foremost jazz saxophonists. He has played with a who’s-who of jazz musicians including Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole and Harry Connick Jr. Also, Orillia’s Christina Bosco will join Brassworks singing Fly Me to the Moon and Sway. Christina is an extremely versatile soloist who performs jazz and many other genres.
Brassworks will kick the concert off with selections including Wave, St. Thomas, James and Why Not.
The Orillia Secondary School Dixieland Band achieved a gold at the MusicFest nationals in May. They will recreate that outstanding performance by playing Hello, Dolly! and Wade in the Water.
4th Street Jazz Project is a garage band of jazz musicians who meet weekly. Members range in age from 16 to 76. Included are high school and university students, individuals in trades, business, education and health care as well as retired members. All just love to play jazz. Their selections are September, Times Are Gettin’ Better, Trofeo de Bolos, Jericho and The Chicken.
A highlight of the concert will be the combined performances of Knocks Me Off My Feet and Copacabana.
Admission is free. Optional donations can be made to help children with financial need go to summer camp through the Salvation Army.
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