Big jazz night coming with VIU Big Band

The University students are serious musicians, many of whom will be embarking on full time careers in the music industry..

On the heels of two stellar evenings of music, the monthly Fall Jazz Series at the Little Red Church in Comox continues this Thursday at 7:30.

Prof. Gregory Bush is thrilled to bring the 17-piece Vancouver Island University Big Band for an evening performance.

The University students are serious musicians, many of whom will be embarking on full time careers in the music industry, upon receiving their music degrees at Vancouver Island University. This will be another exceptional evening of entertainment as these music stars of tomorrow present their musical interpretation of the great standards and more.

Bush expertly conducts the band. He’s the Valley’s very own Marathon Music Man, having logged in excess of 40,000 kilometres over the years from his home in Nanaimo, to support and conduct the Georgia Strait Big Band.

Greg is a major contributor to the jazz and music education scene in the Valley and is a fine musician who loves to teach. Greg is originally from Montreal and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University and Master of Music in Jazz Performance from McGill University.

In addition to a university teaching career, Greg has enjoyed a career as a busy freelance trumpet player, arranger and composer. As a sideman, Greg has had the good fortune of playing in bands that have accompanied artists such as Big Miller, Bobby Shew, Lee Konitz and Dizzy Gillespie.

For this month’s opening act, you will experience the Mystic Valley Voices choral group, which is dedicated to the art of universal devotional chanting, with soothing harmonic meditations.

Joining the Jazz Series team are Heather and Allison, otherwise known as the JazzVille Café. They will offer home-baked goodies, tea and coffee.

The Little Red Church, along with JazzVille Promotions, are looking forward to another fantastic evening of music and entertainment.

Doors open at 7. Advance tickets are available at Bop City Records, the Red Carpet Boutique in Comox and at the door.

— Little Red Church

Comox Valley Record