Artistic Director's Message
Nellie Dahan photo of Monik Nordine It is my great privilege to be involved for the third consecutive year organizing the Salt Spring Jazz Fest. We are continuing to grow into a festival with International representation yet maintaining our grass-roots community flavour. This year we are increasing student involvement by adding some educational events. The Blues Jam has brought another earthy dimension to our society and I'm very excited about the Jazz Fest line-up. See you there! Board of Directors
Hannah Brown – President This "Yiddisha Mama" has lent her voice, creativity and sensitivity to a myriad of community groups (not to mention her home to a variety of touring musicians). A former Toronto school teacher who is in the process of teaching our islanders that one "should not go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Valerie Short – Treasurer "Our" Val has a varied professional background with a specific "ear" for fine financial detail. Her mainstream jazz interests and warm, personal touch keep us from floating too far afield. John Moore – Secretary John's fresh harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary for jazz word-smithing has been the society's anchor for all our reviews and articles. The softly imperious Mr. Moore has found a symbiotic relationship with his distinguished career as a geology professor and his love of music through the Bandemonium Music society, Salt Spring Singers and playing the tenor sax. Monik Nordine – Artistic Director Easily the unsung virtuoso of our musical community, Monik is a noted musician and educator. She is frequently requested to join visiting musicians on stage at our various island stages. With a keen sense of a variety of jazz and blues styles, Monik is a major impetus for jazz "on the rock."
Gary Brooks - Director As a long-time jazz devotee from the NYC Soho loft jazz scene, Gary lends his over 30 year professional business manager background to us. Gary had a multi-national chile food distribution business which he sold …and moved his family to this jazz starved island. He is the principal owner of the newly licensed Salt Spring radio station.
Brian Finnemore – Director The inimitable Mr. Finnemore reaches the high notes as the glue that keeps the society together. His past dedication as a medical professional shows in his long time commitment for a more harmonious Salt Spring. From soliciting grants or sequestering ``sandwich boards`` for the society to distributing Ometepe coffee and keeping roller-blading alive on the island, Brian`s dedication is heartfelt.
Catherine Gardiner – Director As Catherine is movin` on from her recent ``serious listening`` habits as a Toronto legal professional to her island rhythmic grooves- she has learned to play changes in soliciting our jazz festival funds. Her effable manner and people skills makes for mini melodies.
Our Mission Statement
1) To provide a platform for local and visiting artists which will nurture the local musical community by means of a cultural exchange 2) To reach audiences of all ages and social backgrounds
|
|||||
Our
goal is to produce jazz concerts and workshops, meaning jazz in the
broadest sense, including blues, Latin and world music as well as
all forms of jazz on Salt Spring Island. The purpose of these concerts
and workshops will be:
