Whether on a casual jazz gig at a local pub or touring on the cruise ships, Clark’s playing was always lyrical, driving and full of humour. Photo by Bill Jorgensen

Whether on a casual jazz gig at a local pub or touring on the cruise ships, Clark’s playing was always lyrical, driving and full of humour. Photo by Bill Jorgensen

Celebration of life with jazz

The Herb Alpert Tribute, Indigo Jazz, Mose Lives!, Ralph Barrat and the Sharp Seven and others are some of the musicians in these and other bands have for years had the honour of sharing the stage with drummer Neil Clark.

The Herb Alpert Tribute, Indigo Jazz, Mose Lives!, Ralph Barrat and the Sharp Seven and others are some of the musicians in these and other bands have for years had the honour of sharing the stage with drummer Neil Clark.

Whether on a casual jazz gig at a local pub or touring on the cruise ships, Clark’s playing was always lyrical, driving and full of humour.

Sadly, we lost Clark to cancer a few weeks ago. Soon after, Clark’s wife Johanna sent a note to his musician friends, expressing the hope that we could come together, play some music, and “celebrate Neil’s love of music, his friends, his funny stories, and just him.”

On Thursday, June 7, that’s just what will happen. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., musicians will perform in tribute to Clark.

Thanks to the board and volunteers of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society and the Avalanche Bar and Grill for extending the jazz season to accommodate this event.

Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to the Comox Valley Hospice Society.

Please join us for an evening of great music, great memories, and – as Clark would want – great fun.

Comox Valley Record