PERFORMERS: COAST CAPITAL SAVINGS JAZZILLA

Tom Arntzen

Keyboardist and vocalist Tom Arntzen has been a full-time pro musician all his working life. He has toured to Europe, Asia, and throughout Canada and the U.S. He has been featured at Victoria, Pender Harbour, and Gibson’s Jazz festivals. As a stage performer and musical director, he's done everything from Carousel and The Rocky Horror Show, to the '50s of Red Rock Diner and Forever Plaid. He's a versatile studio musician, and recently he sung chorus vocals for the new movie musical "Reefer Madness". And onscreen, he landed a principal role in the film. He was also vocal coach to Will Ferrell on the hit movie Elf. Tom composed, musically directed and sang on the national C.B.C. TV specials the Western Alienation Comedy Hour (Leo Award winner) and Comedy Night In Canada. www.tomarntzen.com

 

Katherine Borthwick

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Katherine Borthwick has been playing music from the time she was 3 years old.  Katherine is the siren voice in several projects including a 10 piece cover band, a gospel choir, and an original reggae band.  She has appeared at several notable corporate and charitable events including the The CIBC Run for the Cure, the Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay, and FMA at the Centre for the Performing Arts. She is currently working with the Stanton Music Group and is excited to be writing and recording her original pop/r&b album, featuring her sweet, soulful tone, hard hitting beats, and infectious hooks

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn Chubai

You may recognize her as one of the Hosts of Breakfast Television on City TV, but over the last decade, Dawn has gained a reputation as a talented and passionate singer, performing with award-winning musicians in Canada and international venues. Dawn independently released her debut CD, New Chapters for an Old Book, and was recognized by the Alberta Recording Industry Association (ARIA) as the Best Jazz Artist of 1999. Dawn has performed with the likes of George Blondheim, Senator Tommy Banks and his orchestra as well as bass player Mike Lent (bass player for Jann Arden and co-writer of her hit "Wunderdrug"). She has graced the stage in famous venues such as the Yardbird Suite, the Jubilee Auditorium and the Winspear Centre in Edmonton. In 2001, Dawn performed a Christmas Concert in support of our troops with Juno award winner Alfie Zappacosta. This past December, Dawn also had the honour of performing with Victoria’s Naden Band in support of the Salvation Army. Dawn continues to perform intimate jazz concerts, corporate and private functions and receptions. www.dawnchubai.com

 

Melody Diachun

Vancouver based MELODY DIACHUN has been hailed as “one of the world’s finest young jazz composers and vocalists” (Gerry Young, BRAVO!TV). She has starred in her own episode of the television series JAZZMAN which airs regularly on BRAVO!TV, Cool TV and The BET Network. Praised for her exquisite phrasing, warm sound and understated approach, she is becoming known as one of Canada’s best emerging jazz vocalists. Look for her new album on the Cellar Live label. www.MelodyDiachun.com

 

 

 

Sami Douba

Sami Douba is a Lebanese-Canadian singer-songwriter currently residing in Vancouver. Unable to return to their war-torn homeland, his parents migrated across the Atlantic numerous times. As a result, Sami was exposed to many different rhythms and countless untold stories. To Sami, the appeal of music dwells in its universality, its ability to tell a narrative anywhere and perhaps even reflect the listener's own story. Jazz certainly mirrors Sami's life. It is a rare form of art that uses its complex cosmogony to maintain a certain primitive principle. www.samidouba.com

 

 

 

Alita Dupray

Alita Dupray lays down the standards with finesse and a creative approach. Her smooth, swinging style, improvisational talents and impeccable delivery get to the very heart of the lyric. A beautiful young chanteuse possessed of an uncanny ability to bring another time spirit, mood, and place and conjure them present, Alita pours bluesy woe, spinning a web of purring delight, illuminating both lyric and melody with a sound and feel  obviously    her own. www.alitadupray.com

 

 

 

 

June Katz

June Katz is in the coterie of Vancouver’s leading jazz singers. Renowned for her smooth, tender and haunting vocal style, she has been a cherished and enduring jazz vocalist on the Vancouver scene since she arrived here 30 years ago. Katz’s intimate delivery blends an urban sophistication with a relaxed West Coast style that resonates authenticity. She is an intuitive and expressive performer whose rendition of jazz standards is simultaneously knowing, naive, and completely charming. She has released 5 fabulous CDS.

 

 

 

 

Deborah Ledon

“Captivating…. Electrifying…. Unforgettable”…. Singer-songwriter Deborah Ledon is the epitome of charisma, fierce determination and exotic beauty. Born in Havana, this Cuban born Canadian diva is a vocally versatile, high-energy dynamo who has a spellbinding stage presence and boasts a varied and eclectic background as an entertainer and performer. CBC Radio’s “Hot Air” program showcased Deborah including a recording session and an hour-long interview. As well, her performances at the CBC studios for the 2009 Vancouver International Jazz Festival were recorded for broadcast across the country. She has performed at Harmony Arts Festival for 4 years in a row, shared the stage with Paul Anka, and this year marks Deborah’s 3rd year as a regular showcase performer at the River Rock Casino. Deborah will represent Canada at the 2010 Cultural Olympiad and will perform at the Jazz Cellar on St. Patrick’s Day.  www.deborahledon.com

 

 

Fred Lee

Fred Lee’s fabulous sense of humour and unique style makes him our 'Man About Town.’ The Social Butterfly steps out with Rick Cluff every Monday morning on CBC Radio One’s The Early Edition to share all Vanhattan's A-list happenings, red carpet parties, must-attend galas and fabulous fundraisers. Fred's weekly social column 'Fred UnLEEshed' appears in the Vancouver Courier Wednesdays and Fridays and his National Post 'City Life' column appears every Saturday. Fred on the Town appears weekly for TV Week. An advocate for the arts, Fred is also the resident theatre reviewer for Urban Rush with Fiona Forbes and Michael Eckford. Fred, along with fellow CBC colleague Margaret Gallagher, hosted the national CBC Radio One food show Flavour of the Week.

 

 

 

Robyn McCorquodale

Vancouver-based singer, pianist, song writer and international performer, Robyn McCorquodale entertains audiences in Vancouver and New York City, in between engagements as a Headlining Act onboard luxury cruise ships touring the world. Her career began singing for one of the richest men in the world, The Sultan of Brunei, and has since taken her to all seven continents to perform a variety of contracts, including a one year engagement at the Convention Center’s New World Harbour View Hotel in Hong Kong. Her new CD, Connected, is a collection of ‘jazz-tinged-pop’ songs that celebrate unity, life and conscious living.   www.robynsong.com

 

 

Karin Plato

Karin Plato is a Vancouver based jazz vocalist and composer. Since 1996 Karin has released five recordings of jazz standards and originals to critical acclaim. She was nominated for a Juno Award in 2000 for her recording "THERE'S BEAUTY IN THE RAIN" and in 2003 AND 2004 she was nominated Canadian Jazz Vocalist Of The Year at THE NATIONAL JAZZ AWARDS in Toronto. Karin has performed in cities across Canada and has appeared in several Canadian Music Festivals such as The Vancouver Jazz Festival, The Sasktel Jazz Festival, The All Canadian Jazz Festival and others. www.karinplato.com

 

 

Jennifer Scott

Jennifer is considered one of the most important jazz artists working and recording in Canada and the United States today. Her vibrant voice and solid piano playing have been featured on many CBC shows, including JazzBeat and her own recordings have garnered critical acclaim and sold thousands of copies. Jennifer sings and plays piano in Novo Tempo, a Brazilian group based in the San Francisco area. Her latest recording, “Emotional Girl” is with her Quintet and she recently signed with Neil Sapper at the New World & Jazz Promotions; Record Promotions for “Emotional Girl” & upcoming releases. Favourite 2006 engagements saw Jennifer performing at a Benefit for the Jazz Museum in Harlem, New York City, appearing at the San Jose Jazz Festival and opening for Mose Allison at the Temecula, California Jazz Festival. www.jenniferscott.ca

 

 

Bria Skonberg

At age 25, Bria Skonberg has been performing on stage for over 20 years. She picked up the trumpet at age 11 and now resides in Vancouver, BC, where she has completed a Degree in Jazz Performance from Capilano College.  She has made appearances as a bandleader and guest artist in North America, Europe, and Asia.  She has been the recipient of numerous awards including the CBC Jazz Award of Merit (2006), and the coveted Kobe Jazz Street Friendship Award, presented at the Breda Jazz Festival in 2007. Early in 2008 she was a guest on Riverwalk Jazz with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, and is often a featured performer with Canadian Icon Dal Richards and his Orchestra. She is an active advocate for youth musicians, working as a teacher/alumni at music summer camps in the US, as well as programming, narrating and performing educational school shows for all ages. At a post-secondary level she has given clinics at Sacramento State University and the University of Colorado pertaining to improvising and her experiences. www.briaskonberg.com    

 

The Sojourners

When Marcus Mosely, Will Sanders and Ron Small went into the studio to do background vocals for blues legend Jim Byrnes’ latest Juno Award winning album, House of Refuge, the gospel trio took on an identity of its own. Dubbed by Byrnes as The Sojourners, they have developed a significant following as a result of ongoing critical acclaim from the CD and ensuing public performances. The Sojourners continue to perform with Jim Byrnes, as well as on their own and will tour Germany and the Netherlands with him April 26 to May 6. In January 2010 they released their new CD ‘The Sojourners'. www.thesojourners.ca  

 

 

Don Stewart

Vancouver Jazz singer Don Stewart sings beautiful songs with a unique style, and a rich voice capable of great emotional power and also delicate sensitivity. He tells stories of love, hurt and joy in a memorable and beautiful way that leaves his audiences transfixed. Don has built up a loyal fan base who follow him from club to lounge to concert hall, grateful for every chance to hear this unique artist enchant yet another audience. Along the way he has developed a sophisticated, elegant style that is 'unforgettable', as Nat King Cole once sang. Don studied acting with William Davis, and has done theatre, film and television work, from X-Files, to The Nat King Cole story ever since. Meanwhile he has put out two CDS of his own unique cover stylings, and played many concerts and clubs, building a reputation for great shows, and developing a coterie of great musicians who love to play with him.www.donstewart.ca

 

 

Kate Hammett-Vaughan

Kate Hammett-Vaughan’s adventurous, assured and hip vocals have earned the Vancouver-based singer acclaim as one of Canada’s most distinctive jazz artists. She is equally recognized for her interpretations of jazz standards (notably with her outstanding quintet and in duo with bassist André Lachance) and for her improvising work with the NOW Orchestra. Hammett-Vaughan has received three JUNO nominations as well as numerous nods from the Canadian Independent Music Awards and the National Jazz Awards. A performing and recording artist for more than two decades, her diverse musical projects include work on independent film scores, guest hosting of CBC television and radio shows, collaborations with modern dance artists, and a fulfilling career as a teacher. www.katehv.com

 

Guy Wilkins

Growing up in South Africa, Guy Wilkins has lived as a gypsy musician, traveling and living in seven countries he’s performed for thousands. His style, evolved from its African roots reflects life in the cosmopolitan cities of Europe and hard swinging Jazz from Canada. His own compositions are drawn from real life experiences, they tell an emotional story of the highs and lows of a travellers life, from scenic beauty and impromptu ensembles to severe poverty. Guy is now forging a name for himself in Canada with his unconventional use of harmony and sultry voice.     www.guywilkins.com

 

 

Miles Black

Currently based in Vancouver, BC, Miles has a wealth of musical experience as an arranger, producer, composer, session musician, guitarist, bassist, saxophonist, songwriter, musical theatre director, music therapist and college level music instructor. He has performed on countless albums, and has played with many music greats around the world including Mark Murphy, Lee Konitz, Slide Hampton, Chuck Israels, Dee Daniels, Sheila Jordan, Ernestine Anderson, Paul Horn, Houston Person and Harry “Sweets” Edison. Since 1991, Miles has been working for PG Music, with whom he has helped to produce and performed on music software programs, including “The Jazz Pianist 1&2”,”The NewAge Pianist”(from which these performances are derived), “The Children’s Pianist”, “The Modern Jazz Pianist”, “Jazz Piano Masterclass”, “Blues Piano Masterclass” and an Oscar Peterson CD Rom, complete with transcriptions, as well as many add-ons for the popular “Band-in-a-Box” programs. More info on Miles’ music activities can be obtained by checking out his website: www.milesblack.com

Rene Worst

Rene Worst, an internationally known and very well respected jazz bass player, has established himself as a leading bassist in North America for several decades. He was voted Bassist of the Year by the BC CARAS Tribute to West Coast Music for the 4 years that the awards were given. Rene has performed at many North American jazz festivals, primarily with a Jazz Fusion band called Skywalk, in Montreux-Detroit, Monterey and the Montreal International Festival of Jazz, to name a few. He has toured Canada with jazz legends Chet Baker, Gene Bertoncini and Joe Pass and on the international scene, toured the former Soviet Union with Paul Horn. He is also the bassist with a Brazilian band called Novo Tempo, which has been touring throughout the US; he is a virtuoso with string bass, electric bass, fretless bass and piccolo bass. Rene has recorded and performed with numerous jazz greats, Buddy Greco, Jack Sheldon, Tommy Banks, Herb Ellis, Freddie Hubbard, Ernestine Anderson, John Faddis, to name a few and his latest album, titled “ Emotional Girl“ was recorded with Jennifer Scott, one of the top jazz singers in Canada. Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Bowie, Aerosmith and Poison have also featured him on recordings. Rene recently released a duo album with pianist Miles Black called “Two” to much critical acclaim. www.reneworst.com

Graham Boyle

In the classical field Graham has worked since 1975 as an extra musician with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he was a founding member of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and has also performed with the CBC Radio Orchestra and the Vancouver New Music Society. For his work with Sire recording artist k.d.lang, Graham received Gold and Platinum Albums for both “Torch and Twang” and “Ingenue”. This work with Ms. lang led Graham to tour with her for almost a year and included appearances on the Johnny Carson Show, Jay Leno Show, several BBC specials and the 35th Annual Grammy Awards. Other credits include touring with Canadian superstar Jann Arden and most recently recording an album for Canadian icon Rita MacNeil. In 1985, he was honoured with the “Jazz Act of the Year ” award at the Caras Associations West Coast Music Awards Show. Graham also feels fortunate to have accompanied a number of internationally famous jazz artists during their visits to Vancouver including: Barney Kessel, Gene Bertoncini, Don Thompson, Pete Christlieb, Kenny Wheeler, Mark Murphy, Holly Cole, Bobby Shew, Pat Labarbera, John Handy, Eddie Harris, John McNeil, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., and, in what was a career highlight, Graham had the honour to accompany jazz legend Chet Baker on his last two visits to Vancouver.

Tom Keenlyside

Tom Keenlyside’s musical career has spanned four decades, featuring performances and recordings throughout North America and Europe. His saxophone and flute playing have been featured with a wide variety of groups at many major festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and the Montreux Detroit Jazz Festival. He has performed with many of the biggest names in the music business: Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme and Tom Jones. In November 2006, Tom was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame.  www.tomkeenlyside.com