THE UVIC VOCAL JAZZ MAINSTREAM & IMPROVISATIONAL ENSEMBLE has established a reputation for artistic excellence, stylistic flexibility and performances of original and inspiring arrangements. In addition to highly successful performances at the Powell River Vocal Summit and the Frank Demiero Jazz Fest, UVJMIE was the choral ensemble for The Best of Queen concert series with JEANS 'N CLASSICS and the VICTORIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA under Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia. The Ensemble is well known for its fun-filled, filled-to-capacity audience engaging concerts. Our Autumn and Spring Vocal Jazz Showcases feature the Signature Studio Ensemble and various Spotlight Combos including Ellavation, and the UVic Vocal Jazz Stage Orchestra. The Ensemble has opened for the internationally acclaimed vocal groups GROOVE FOR THOUGHT and THE REAL GROUP, Canadian sensation COUNTERMEASURE, and has received high praise from legends Kirby Shaw and Dave Barduhn, and from master educators Vijay Singh, Peter Taylor and Janet Warren. Among our many distinguished alumni are MIKE EDEL and TWIN KENNEDY.

Monday, 21 March 2016

March 2016 Demiero Jazz Festival

The UVic Vocal Jazz Ensemble sixteen voice touring group "Lush Life" ventured south to the city of Edmonds, Washington, for the Frank Demiero Jazz Fest. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Festival, March 10th-12th, the group had the privilege of performing four works for legendary educators and musicians Dave Barduhn and Kirby Shaw. The group and soloists received glowing reviews from the adjudicators, organizers and an enthusiastic audience.

Brittney Jette, Taylor Caswell, Ryan Narciso, Jilaine Orton and Natasha Penfield received Outstanding Artist recognition for their solo performances.

The Ensemble was accompanied by Gabriel Lagos, pianist, who performed brilliantly as always!

Members of the Ensemble attended the Friday evening concert featuring Carmen Bradford, Dee Daniels, Charenee Wade, Kirby Shaw, Seattle Voices, Dave Barduhn and the DeMiero Jazz Fest All Star Band composed of Bruce Forman, Dave Tull, Jay Leonhart and Josh Nelson.

The Ensemble also participated in an engaging and highly informative scat singing workshop on Saturday with the amazing vocalist and mentor Greta Matassa.

Ensemble members noted and appreciated how there was equal emphasis both on music education and performance during the Festival. To be sure, we were among master educators and exceptional performers at the Frank Demiero Jazz Festival.

After Saturday's performance, the group went for dinner at Ohana's where by chance they met Ensemble alumni Chris Adams (2006-2007) who happened to be travelling back from Oregon en route to Vancouver, BC.

"All aboard!" Performance for BC Ferry passengers.

Kirk Marcy | FDJFestival

Kirk Marcy | FDJFestival


Ensemble with Kirby Shaw


Kirk Marcy | FDJFestival
at
Labels: ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)