This Sunday (March 10), make the drive over the Malahat to hear the 16-piece Arrowsmith Big Band liven up the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton.
This aggregation of musicians has been wowing crowds up and down the Island for more than three decades with its drive, power and precision.
The band headlines a Pat’s House of Jazz performance at the pub, performing its time-honoured repertoire of big-band ballads, swing, Latin and contemporary arrangements. Arrowsmith plays a wide variety of compositions and arrangements by band members Rick Hirsh and Greg Bush as well as works by other great composers and arrangers.
The mid-Island ensemble, which attracts some of the Island’s finest jazz musicians, includes five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass and drums. It boasts an impressive mix of professional musicians, school and university instructors and some of the Oceanside area’s best student musicians, all under the direction of Dave Stewart.
Among the soloists to be featured Sunday are alto saxophonist Claudio Fantinato, tenor saxophonist Dan Craven and Bush on trumpet.
The band has had a student mentorship program since its inception in 1976, with past notables including Phil Dwyer and Pat Collins, and others who have gone on to play professionally in Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles and internationally.
The tradition continues. Sunday’s show includes performances by two very talented young players, trumpeter Lachlan Craven and saxophonist Steve Carson.
The concert is part of the Sunday afternoon jazz series presented by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society. It runs weekly at 2 p.m. at Pat’s House of Jazz at the pub, 1534 Joan Ave. Admission is $20.
Reservations are recommended and tables will be held until 1:30 p.m. Phone 250-324-2245 to reserve or visit osbornebaypub.com for more info.
editor@mondaymag.com
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