Press Release / Communiqué de presse – Although our website is entirely in English we are pleased to provide this press release in French; please click here. Malgré le fait que le site web ne soit disponible qu’en anglais, nous sommes fiers de fournir le présent communiqué de presse en français et d’accueillir les francophones amateurs de jazz de tous les coins de la région à Merrickville; veuillez cliquer ici.
MERRICKVILLE’S JAZZ FEST
ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR FIFTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 15–18, 2015
Merrickville, Ontario, September 28, 2015 – Come Celebrate Jazz at the 5th Annual Merrickville’s Jazz Fest (MJF) taking place October 15 – 18. The festival features an exciting line-up of talented musicians from Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau and our local area. As in past years, the 18 groups performing this season represent a variety of styles that appeal to all jazz fans, new and old. Highlights this year include Steve Berndt Featuring Brian Browne, the Miguel de Armas Quartet, Snaggle, Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats, The Allison Au Quartet and the Fern Lindzon Jazz Trio, with many other exciting artists as well.
“Inspired by the popular and critical success of the four previous years, we have put together another great festival that features exceptional jazz artists,” commented MJF director Peggy Holloway. “We look forward to meeting and surpassing expectations this year and to welcoming many repeat and new visitors to our village and festival. Our sincere appreciation goes out to all of our supporters and sponsors, volunteers and audience members. We especially want to acknowledge”, continued Peggy, “the support of our Platinum and Gold level sponsors: The Blue Pearl Foundation, Baldachin Inn, Merrickville Lions Club, Herb White Automotive, Karen Oxorn Jazz Vocalist, Metroland Media, RBC Royal Bank and an anonymous donor.
Come and explore our beautiful and historic village. Wander through the variety of interesting and unique shops, stop for a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a meal at one of our popular pubs and restaurants; better still, come and stay for the weekend at our Inn or one of our charming B & Bs: the perfect getaway and opportunity to enjoy wonderful music!
Sponsors and advance ticket/pass holders will be able to start a music filled weekend on Thursday, October 15 at our Opening Event at the Baldachin Inn Ballroom. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine will be offered courtesy of some of our generous sponsors. Join us to enjoy the toe-tapping tunes of New Orleans Express and the opportunity to meet with our sponsors and fellow committed jazz fans.
Friday, October 16 features five shows at different venues in the village all within easy walking distance of each other. Join us for the jazz fusion/Latin sounds of the Carlos Alberto Santana Trio, experience the original compositions of The Jazz CO-OP, enjoy the amazing vocals of Steve Berndt featuring one of Canada’s great jazz pianists Brian Browne, and end your evening with classic and modern jazz performed by The Tritones and the eclectic mood of Angele & the Swingin’ Devils.
Saturday, October 17 promises to be a full day of sensational jazz at six concerts. Start the day with a double bill featuring the unique interpretations of the Horizon Quintet followed by MJF favourite Miguel de Armas and his inspirational and energetic style of Afro-Cuban jazz compositions. For a change in mood, treat yourself to the sultry voice and engaging presence of Diane White, and don’t miss Snaggle presenting their hard-driving and quieter sides of jazz fusion. The evening concerts feature the appealing swing of Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats, who bring their own unique touch to old favourites, and a final musical treat ends the evening with Doreen Smith, a superb vocal interpreter of jazz.
Sunday, October 18 brings six more events including the unique all-saxophone quartet Sax Appeal and The Allison Au Quartet, led by the engaging alto saxophonist and rising star Allison Au. Later that afternoon, don’t miss the exciting rhythms of Terminal Baggage Claim, and the pure-toned, sensual vocals of Dominique Forest who offers a mix of standards and original songs. The closing event of the programme, our second double bill, begins with Richard Page’s Night on the Town Band featuring original compositions with flavours of world music and blues. Top off your evening and MJF 2105 experience with the adventurous and graceful interpretations of pianist/vocalist Fern Lindzon as the Fern Lindzon Jazz Trio presents the final concert of the festival.
Visit our website today for more programme information and to purchase tickets. Many of the events last year were sold out so don’t miss out on one of the most exciting Jazz Festivals in our region!
PROGRAMME – MERRICKVILLE’S JAZZ FEST 2015
THURSDAY OCTOBER 15
7:30 pm Grand Opening: New Orleans Express – Baldachin Inn Ballroom
Sponsor Appreciation & Opening Ceremonies
FRIDAY OCTOBER 16
3:00 pm Carlos Alberto Santana Jazz Trio – St. Ann Catholic Church
4:30 pm The Jazz CO-OP – Merrickville United Church
6:00 pm Steve Berndt Featuring Brian Browne – Baldachin Inn Restaurant
7:30 pm The Tritones – Holy Trinity Anglican Church
9:00 pm Angele & the Swingin’ Devils – Goose & Gridiron Restaurant & Pub
SATURDAY OCTOBER 17
12:00 pm Double Bill: Horizon Quintet and Miguel de Armas Quartet – Merrickville
Community Centre
3:30 pm Diane White – Holy Trinity Anglican Church
5:30 pm Snaggle – Goose & Gridiron Restaurant & Pub
7:30 pm Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats – Baldachin Inn Ballroom
9:30 pm Doreen Smith Trio – Baldachin Inn Restaurant
SUNDAY OCTOBER 18
12:00 pm Sax Appeal – Baldachin Inn Restaurant
1:30 pm Terminal Baggage Claim – St. Ann Catholic Church
3:00 pm The Allison Au Quartet – Merrickville United Church
5:00 pm Dominique Forest Duo – Baldachin Inn Restaurant
7:00 pm Closing Event: Richard Page’s Night On The Town Band and
Fern Lindzon Jazz Trio – Baldachin Inn Ballroom
For information on our programme, the artists, venues, tickets/passes and a complete list of this year’s sponsors please visit our web-site at merrickvillesjazzfest.com or find us on Facebook.
For additional information and for interviews, please contact Leanne Mundy at mediamerrijaz@gmail.com.