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Jeni’s Picks for the week aheadDear Picks People, variety, variety. Added in a few seasonal favourites. And, what to attend on Friday December 16? An amazing array of choices! Please visit my website for additions as the week progresses. As usual make sure to check with venues for changes to schedule. Enjoy!  The Cultch – East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz (until January 6, 2019)December 10, 2018
Poor Dorothy! When a pipeline bursts, Dorothy and Toto are flung to the magical Land of Oz, aka Nanaimo and Hastings. There, Dorothy is pursued by a Wicked Witch, meets a trio of new friends, and embarks on a magical journey to the World’s Greenest City in search of brains, heart, courage … and Yoga Pants! East Van Panto returns for a sixth year, welcoming celebrated playwright Marcus Youssef to the creative team along with Panto favourites Veda Hille, Dawn Petten, and Raugi Yu. Tickets $24-69. All shows at the York Theatre. Playing until January 6, 2019 with exception of Mondays. Read review here  WISE Hall – Petunia & The Vipers By DonationThis event runs from November 5, 2018 until December 24, 2018.
Monday night Residency… Petunia & The Vipers Hillbilly-flavoured-swing inflected-ragtime-goodtime-thunderously rolling-one-of-a-kind music.  8East – Naomi Siegel with Gordon Grdina, Peggy Lee, & Dylan van der Schyff By DonationDecember 10, 2018 8:00 pm
Inventive, lyrical and exploratory Trombonist/Composer Naomi Moon Siegel is making her Vancouver Debut at 8East on her West Coast Tour! Naomi creates work geared towards authentic expression and honest connection. A winner of an Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for Emerging Artist of the Year, her expressive trombone playing is changing the way the trombone is heard and viewed. Fusing folk melodies with fantastical soundscapes and tight grooves, she plays her own style of indie-folk/pop/jazz that transcends genre. Her music is introspective and celebratory, intimate and full. Naomi Moon Siegel – Trombone Gordon Grdina – Guitar/Oud Peggy Lee – Cello Dylan van der Schyff – Drums  Orpheum Theatre – Redshift Music: Still Life Continuum Free eventDecember 11, 2018 7:30 pm
As the second installment of Redshift’s “Still Life” series, Still Life Continuum brings the lobby, theatre, and backstage areas of the Orpheum to life with offerings from the experimental music and theatre communities. Performances by Vancouver artists and works from the avant-garde repertoire delving into surrealism, myth, and the collective unconscious intersect in a collage of roving performances, sonic installations, and spatialized electroacoustics. For the entirety of the performance, audience members are free to wander throughout the space in and among the performances, becoming part of a moving tableau which conjures the ghosts of Orpheum performances past. With performances by Driftwood Percussion, Black Dog String Quartet, Debi Wong, Mike WT Allen, Jazz Palley, Spencer Schoening, Melanie Krueger, Mark McGregor, Ornament & Crime, Giorgio Magnanensi, Adrian Verdejo, Miranda Wong, and student and alumni from SFU’s School for the Contemporary Arts.  Provence Marinaside – Hip Pocket featuring Luis Giraldo Free eventDecember 12, 2018 6:00 pm
Hip Pocket Trio featuring Luis Giraldo Adam Rohrlick: tenor saxophone and electric guitar Louis Giraldo: keyboards and vocals Brent Gubbels: acoustic bass  Hood29 (formerly Cottage Bistro) – Karin Plato & Guido HeistekDecember 12, 2018 7:30 pm
The 4th concert of the Joy Of Jazz Concerts Series When Guido Heistek plays his uke and begins to sing a room becomes hushed and still. Karin Plato is a Vancouver based musician, jazz vocalist, composer, arranger and educator. She taught herself to play ukulele several years ago and began using it for a few songs at each of her gigs. The Plato/Heistek duo have developed quite an extensive repertoire of duets and solos since they first performed together last spring. $15.00 cash at the door. Concerts start at 7:30 PM – Please arrive by 7:15 PM.  Frankie’s Jazz Club – David Hodgson QuartetDecember 12, 2018 8:00 pm
Young Lions. A student at the University of Toronto, David Hodgson is quickly establishing himself as a unique and passionate musician. This show brings together some of BC’s most talented musicians, with Bjorn Kriel on piano, Dan Howard on bass, and Miles Wong on drums. The quartet will be playing original compositions, as well as music from composers such as Billy Strayhorn and Lennie Tristano. There may even be a few Seasonal tunes to celebrate winter festivities. Cover $10  Lana Lou’s – Mixtophonics 7 Pay-what-you-canDecember 12, 2018 8:00 pm
An evening of ambient groove electronica in the funky surroundings of LanaLous featuring: Erika Angell (Sweden, Montreal) – voice/ electronics Bernie Arai – drums Jesus Adrian Caballero – drums John Korsrud – trumpet/ electronics André Lachance – bass Jaewoo Lee – electronics Sami Majadla – electronics Ari Mansell – violin/ cello Lisa Cay Miller – keys John Oliver – guitar/ electronics Cole Schmidt – guitar Stefan Smulovitz – viola/ electronics Cover $5-10  Andina Brewing – Latin Acoustic Night with Stephanie Pedraza/ Andre Stepanien Free eventDecember 13, 2018 6:30 pm
Andina Brewing Company proudly presents: Acoustic Latin Duo Night with Stephanie Pedraza and Andre Stepanien Get ready for another great evening of tunes, delicious Colombian snacks and of course beer! No cover charge.  VPL Central Branch – Urbana Big Band Free eventDecember 13, 2018 7:00 pm
The Urbana Big Band is returning to Vancouver Public Library ( Alice McKay Room) for another concert of Swingin’ Jazz, from classics by Ellington and Basie, to contemporary charts by today’s top Canadian and international composers. The group will be under the direction of jazz musician, composer and music educator, Robin Shier.  Rogue Folk Club – Reeb Willms & Caleb KaulderDecember 13, 2018 8:00 pm
Reeb Willms and Caleb Klauder, of the internationally acclaimed Foghorn Stringband, make a dynamic duo that has been playing and singing together since 2008, performing professionally across Europe, Scandinavia, Australia and North America. With wonderful harmonies, strong mandolin, and solid guitar playing, Caleb and Reeb deliver a pure and classic sound that makes you want to cry out in joy and tears, at the same time Tickets $24/20  WISE Hall – Change Play featuring Dalava/Ian Mcfarlane/Skye Brooks/Erika Angell/Roisin Adams/Peggy LeeDecember 13, 2018 8:00 pm
Sawdust Collector, Live at the WISE and Barking Sphinx Performance Society present ‘Change Play’. An evening of creative/improvised music, puppetry and new collaborations. DÁLAVA & IAN MCFARLANE (puppetry) SKYE BROOKS (solo drums) & IAN MCFARLANE (puppetry) ERIKA ANGELL (Thus Owls), RÓISÍN ADAMS & PEGGY LEE “Beatings are in the body” Doors 7:30 Show 8:00 PM $15-20 sliding, PWYC. No one turned away for lack of funds. Cash at the door.  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – Tony Wilson Trio By DonationDecember 13, 2018 8:30 pm
Acclaimed guitarist Tony Wilson has been part of the Westcoast music scene for many years. His work with such groups as the Peggy Lee Band and the Pugs and Crows displays his beautiful sound and thoughtful approach. With Russell Scholberg – bass and Kenton Loewen – drums  Vancity Theatre – RomaDecember 14, 2018 5:45 pm
Mexico’s Alfonso Cuaron’s thrillingly diverse career encompasses everything from Gravity to Children of Men, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to Y Tu Mama Tambien. Roma is his masterpiece. An evocation of middle-class household in Mexico City in 1970 (Cuaron would have been nine years old at the time), this scintillating black and white film focusses on Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a live-in maid, who tends to the two children, cleans and cooks, and observes, discreetly, as her employers’ marriage falls apart. But Cleo’s own love life is just as fraught… Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in September, and placing in the top 3 in TIFFs’ Audience Awards, Roma has received rapturous reviews from the critics and is being touted as a serious prospect for Best Picture in the Oscars race. Tickets $13/11 ** Showing multiple times until January 3 but several days already sold out. Book early!**  Libra Room – Jimi James Fraser Trio featuring John Gross By DonationDecember 14, 2018 7:00 pm
The Jimi James Fraser trio was started 2 years ago when several students of music decided to move in together and create Jazz House. Since then they have been practicing and jamming almost every night with amazing musicians from all over Vancouver. John Gross the great L.A tenor player has been a big inspiration to the band.  Cafe deux Soleils – Ilhan Saferali QuartetDecember 14, 2018 8:00 pm
Ilhan Saferali Quartet back once again at Cafe Deux Soleils featuring a new band with some musicians from Toronto. Piano: Ilhan Saferali Saxophone: David Hodgson Bass: Ben Broadman Drums: Evan Ng Cover $10  Rogue Folk Club – Cool Yule: Van Django with LJ Mounteney & Keith BennettDecember 14, 2018 8:00 pm
A huge success when Van Djanjo presented their Christmas show at the St James Hall at Christmas in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the band returns to the Rogue again this year! Renowned for the quality of their musicianship and as great entertainers, the show is a festive Christmas mix of nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, pop tunes, classical elements, and sing-alongs, plus a few surprises – all delivered in swinging gypsy jazz style. Folks of all ages can celebrate the season at this fun and festive yule-time show. Joining Van Django’s violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Budge Schachte, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Brent Gubbels are harmonica virtuoso Keith Bennett, and stellar vocalist L.J. Mounteney. Tickets $26 at Highlife, Tapestry, and online  8East -Houle Younger Loewen Hubert Miller By DonationDecember 14, 2018 8:00 pm
Viviane Houle : voice Jeff Younger : guitar Lisa Cay Miller : piano Melissa Hubert : flute Kenton Loeween : drums improvised music $10 – 20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds  Frankie’s Jazz Club – From NYC: Peter BernsteinThis event runs from December 14, 2018 until December 15, 2018.
Jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. Peter has appeared in groups led by Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, George Coleman, Lou Donaldson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Fathead Newman, Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Diana Krall, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Cobb and many more. Peter’s guitar sound knocks your socks off. It’s clear, warm, and singing from top to bottom. Like a great grand piano whose eighty-eight keys sound equal and true, Peter’s rich sonority is present no matter what register he plays in. With Nick Peck piano, Paul Rushka bass and Jesse Cahill drums Cover $22.50  Tyrant Studios – Tony Wilson QuartetDecember 14, 2018 9:30 pm
Russell Sholberg / Tony Wilson / Skye Brooks / Josh Zubot – Progressive Jazz This new supergroup is composed of four of Vancouver’s heavyweight jazz players and improvisers. An evolution of the band Longhand — a co-operative trio comprised of Syke Brooks (drums), Russell Sholberg (bass), and Tony Wilson (guitar) — this lineup adds the incomparable Josh Zubot on violin. The repertoire ranges from high energy free improv to melancholy tunes with beautiful melodies. Along with original music, the quartet offers their unique interpretations of jazz, blues and classic Motown tunes. $10 cover at the door.  Jazz @ The Pat – Dan Gaucher Quintet plays Monk Free eventDecember 15, 2018 3:00 pm
What? No piano? Dave Sikula – guitar Dave Say – saxophones Brad Turner – trumpet James Meger – bass Dan Gaucher – drums  WISE Hall – A Sumner Brothers Xmas XIIIDecember 15, 2018 9:00 pm
A Sumner Brothers Xmas is back for it’s 13th year! All Proceeds to charity. Featuring an outstanding line-up… The Sumner Brothers w/ Kenton Loewen & James Meger The WILD NORTH Viper Central PETUNIA Etienne Tremblay Colleen Rennison Lady Mystics Twin Bandit Matt Kelly’s Steelin’ Xmas Real Ponchos A Million Dollars in Pennies Tickets $10 advance, $12 at door  St.Andrews Wesley – Jazz Vespers:Old Time Family Christmas By DonationDecember 16, 2018 4:00 pm
The Annual Old Time Sing A Long Event with Marcus Mosely and friends including Don Stewart, Saul Berson, Jillian Lebeck, Wayne Stewart and more.  Jazz at Tangent Cafe – from Toronto : The Geoff Claridge Quartet By DonationDecember 16, 2018 6:30 pm
Woodwind phenom Geoff Claridge can play anything with a reed. Usually he is armed with a tenor sax and clarinet but don’t be surprised if he brings a bassoon. With Brad Turner – keys, Conrad Good – bass, Bernie Arai – drums  8East – Boost8East Fundraiser By DonationDecember 16, 2018 8:00 pm
Holiday Celebration! Doors at 7:30, music at 8pm – by Donation Peggy Lee – cello, JP Carter – trumpet Lisa Cay Miller – piano, Torsten Muller – bass Dylan van der Schyff – drums and.. more to come! All the proceeds from the evening will support the installation of a wheel chair accessible restroom at 8EAST.  Merge – Captain Future!December 16, 2018 8:00 pm
Extra special EARLY SHOW for Captain Future’s first voyage at Merge! Doors 7pm, music at 8pm. Whether intuiting or charting its course, Captain Future proves brave in the face of the singularity.. Wanderlust melodies, tripping textures, space rocks, all come together in an interstellar collision of such force it colludes with fantastical reality to search out a sublime haven of truth. $10 cash at the door. Featuring: Michael Simpsonelli – guitar, effects Sean Fulton(e) – keys, synths, electronics Scott Paulley – the bass Amrit Basi – the drums |
"Jeni's Picks" is a curated list of eclectic events that I feel are of particular interest to my readership. If you know of an event of interest, let me know and I'll consider it for inclusion.
Jeni Mastin, JenisPicks.com
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