Those who know me know I’m a real sucker for live music. I play it, listen to it, live it…hell, I’d eat it is it were possible. The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is just around the corner this summer featuring some great concerts that we wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to hear. There are some big names coming through town playing the big venues (Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Cobb, Jose Gonzales and the Pink Martini Orchestra) but for me the best shows are always the ones at smaller venues. The sound and atmosphere is better, place I think music (especially jazz) isn’t really a concert music. You’re meant to be interacting with it (or someone on the dance floor) preferably with drink in hand.
I’m already buying tickets to go see legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdez with The Hugh Fraser Quintet at the Center. Other highlights include studio favourites The Heavy, James Danderfer and Cuban flautist Maraca. Plus there’s always Canada’s best jazz club, The Jazz Cellar, offering up the countries best jazz all year round.
Who’s with me?
Tags: concerts, entertainment, festial, Inspiration, jazz, Music
