EVENTS CALENDAR

Sourpuss Capone & Chad Chai Present: The Sweet Tooth Spotlight Debuts! Our January Fundraiser show to raise funds for our upcoming shows and events. The show features new performers and new performances by both seasoned performers and first time performers!

Busheikin/Villette Presents: Ray Gallon Meets Connor Stewart: When: Friday January 16th, 7pm-9pm Where: St Andrew's United Church, 315 Fitzwilliam St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3A6 Busheikin/Villette Presents is proud to bring you the fantastic Ray Gallon from NYC and Nanaimo’s own Connor Stewart by way of New Orleans! A lifelong New Yorker, pianist Ray Gallon has been a mainstay on the jazz scene for over three decades, with a resume that includes touring and recording with many legendary jazz masters, including Ron Carter, Art Farmer, Lionel Hampton/Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Hendricks, and Sheila Jordan. Rooted in bebop and blues, Ray’s expressive, swingin’ playing melds old and new into a fresh, original style. Born and raised in Nanaimo, Connor Stewart is a gifted saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist based in New Orleans, known for his extraordinary versatility and mastery of traditional jazz, swing, and bebop. The Band: Ray Gallon - Piano Connor Stewart - Saxophone Kosma Busheikin - Upright Bass Graham Villette - Drums The music for this evening has been selected by Gallon and Stewart to create a unique musical experience taking influence from both New York and New Orleans. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/busheikinvillette-presents-ray-gallon-meets-connor-stewart-tickets-1979259408170?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl More on Ray Gallon and Connor Stewart: Ray Gallon: Ray’s 2023 trio album “Grand Company” features the illustrious rhythm section of Maestro Ron Carter and Lewis Nash. Recorded at the iconic Van Gelder Studio, the album showcases a mix of Ray's distinctive original compositions along with his fresh perspectives on several classic standards. Bill Charlap, in his liner notes, calls the album “a milestone”. Ray’s 2021 trio album, “Make Your Move”, was greeted with unanimous critical acclaim and features the stellar rhythm section of David Wong and Kenny Washington. Both of these albums are available through Cellar Live via Bandcamp and are also available for streaming on all platforms. Ray lives in Hell's Kitchen Manhattan. He teaches jazz at City College of New York in Harlem, performs frequently in New York City, and tours internationally several times a year. https://raygallon.com/ Connor Stewart: Connor began playing the saxophone at an early age and quickly developed a style that blends technical brilliance with heartfelt expression. His performances reflect the spirit of New Orleans, drawing from the city's rich jazz traditions while incorporating modern influences to create a sound that is both timeless and innovative. Over the years, Connor has performed at renowned jazz festivals and venues worldwide, captivating audiences with his dynamic stage presence and virtuosic improvisation. Connor has shared the stage with Irma Thomas, Branford Marsalis, David Torkanowsky, Shannon Powell, Leroy Jones and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. “Busheikin/Villette Presents” is a monthly jazz concert series that brings the best in live jazz straight to Nanaimo. As longtime friends and musical collaborators, the curators of this series, drummer Graham Villette and bassist Kosma Busheikin wanted to create an experience for the community of Nanaimo. As they join forces with local and visiting artists, their mission is to bring great music and unforgettable nights to the many jazz lovers of Nanaimo.

AN ENCHANTING EVENING OF SINATRA AT KNOX UNITED CHURCH, PARKSVILLE ANGELA VERBRUGGE NOMINATED JAZZ ARTIST OF THE YEAR (WESTERN CON MUSIC AWARDS) RAY GALLON ACCLAIMED NYC PIANIST KEN LISTER JUNO WINNING VANCOUVER ISLAND BASSIST

Immerse yourself in a diverse musical journey with the Vancouver Island Symphony;s upcoming concert, showcasing an exquisite blend of classical and contemporary works. Under the masterful direction of Cosette Justo Valdés, experience the elegant charm of Grieg’s Holberg Suite, the vibrant rhythms of Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances, and the playful energy of Britten’s Simple Symphony. Discover the modern vibrancy of Jessie Montgomery’s Strum and the rhythmic allure of Lopez-Gavilán’s Guaguancó. Join us for an evening where tradition meets innovation in a celebration of string orchestra brilliance! CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés PROGRAMME E. GRIEG: Holberg Suite, op. 40 B. BARTOK: Rumanian Folk Dances B. BRITTEN: Simple Symphony, for string orchestra, op. 4 J. MONTGOMERY: Strum G. LOPEZ-GAVILAN: Guaguancó

Get ready for Nanaimo’s sweetest seasoned improv team… Phat Ask! Join Brendan, Kenneth, and Haydn (with the chance for different special guest performers) for a monthly night of live improv comedy. You can expect a variety of games that will turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes on the spot. By the end or our show, we can almost guarantee you will be a Phat Ask lover! Due to the nature of improv comedy, there may be mature (and some immature) content that could be inappropriate for younger audience members.

“Why see a show when you can BE the show!?” Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh, dance and SING! your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited! So grab a friend (or ten), and come out ready to GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT! - all voices welcome, no experience necessary. They Teach, You Sing! Everyone Wins!