Sunday Jazz Matinee presents the Traditional Jazz All-Stars featuring Toni Blodgett, Al Pease and more!
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon featuring four of the city's most beloved traditional jazz musicians: pianist and vocalist Toni Blodgett, clarinetist extraordinaire Al Pease, bassist Joey Smith, and drummer and vocalist Kelby MacNayr.
Pianist Toni Blodgett has been a vital proponent of ragtime and traditional jazz piano in Victoria for over 30 years. Hailing from the Canadian Prairies, Toni developed her sound through a deep love and appreciation of the great early jazz pianists Teddy Wilson, Erroll Garner, Jelly Roll Morton, and others. After relocating to Victoria, Toni turned her passion into her profession, becoming one of the region's most sought-after pianists, vocalists, and bandleaders. She has performed at festivals across North America, including a featured performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Clarinetist Al Pease has been setting the bar for jazz clarinet on Canada's West Coast for over 40 years! A former member of the prestigious NORAD Band, Al has performed around the world and has long been a favourite of jazz audiences and fellow musicians alike. In Victoria, he has performed with Toni Blodgett's CANUS, Lloyd Arntzen's Black Stick, Kelby MacNayr's Swing Rhythm Kings, the Dixieland Xpress, and many more.
Bassist Joey Smith has toured the world with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Marc Atkinson Trio, and in countless performances with leading artists across Canada and the United States. A renowned guitarist, arranger, bassist, and educator, Joey brings phenomenal wisdom and eloquence to his musicianship.
Drummer Kelby MacNayr honed his skills performing with a who's who of contemporary jazz artists in Canada and the United States, including Victoria's own Ian McDougall, Louise Rose, and Neil Swainson, as well as international stars Ingrid Jensen, John Clayton, and Larry Fuller.
Admission by donation ($20 suggested, but all are welcome)