JAZZ.FM91 - Canada's Premier Jazz Station

Humber music students

Coming up: a great opportunity for budding Don Thompsons, Rob McConnells and Jane Bunnetts on Tuesday, February 16th and Wednesday, February 17th. I always love an excuse to head out to Humber College and hear music; I've been to numerous concerts and recitals and I'd say it's one of the best deals for jazz in the city. The festival is a regional qualifier for MusicFest Canada which happens in Ottawa in May.

Moreen Murray

Now in its third year, this is a wonderful experience for some 20 different institutions and over 40 bands; from the GTA and beyond, as far afield as Napanee and Lakefield. From big bands to smaller combos, after their performances (of which they receive a recording) they get invaluable advice with a half hour session with an adjudicator; this year: Mike Downes, Kirk MacDonald, Alex Dean, Brian Dickinson and Ted Quinlan; a pretty decent panel, I would say. The bands not only get to show their stuff but listen to what other young musicians are doing with their talents.

Lest you think all this great music is limited to the participants, concerts, workshops and performances are open to the public. There are two concerts:

The Humber Studio Jazz Ensemble led by Denny Christianson at 2 p.m on Tuesday

Next Generation All-Star Combo at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

Plus an improvisation workshop on 11 a.m. both days and a rhythm section workshop at 12:30 both days.

Many thanks to the effervescent and highly efficient Marsha Duggan (regional coordinator with Brian Lillos). Marsha is also our liaison for the Humber students that appear on "Jazzology" with Larry Green. For more information visit www.humber.ca/nextgenjazz or contact Marsha at marsha.duggan@humber.ca. or 416 675-6622 ext. 3578.