News, Buzz, Jazz & Upcoming Public Performances

Maria Schneider with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra!

2012-01-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday January 23rd, 2012 come and see Maria Schneider with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra at the Calgary University Theater!!

New York-based Maria Schneider is an acclaimed American jazz composer and big band conductor who, like her mentor, the late Gil Evans, creates unique and celebrated musical pieces for large bands. Her music is exceptionally original and has been described as a mix between avant-garde jazz and modern classical.
The music is very challenging (especially my piano parts :) and the orchestra is working really hard preparing for this performance.
Make sure you get your tickets in advance as it is very unique occasion to see Maria personally leading and conducting her orchestral work.

For more info please visit: http://music.ucalgary.ca/event/maria-schneider

I hope to see you all there!!

Playing again with The Legendary Platters!

2010-09-23T23:19:00.001-06:00

OK! The Platters are back to Canada and we're gonna do two shows with them again in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and Lloyd Minister, AB

Take a journey back in time to the sound of one of the top groups of the 1950’s. The Platters became a pop and R&B success, eventually earning the distinction of being the first black act of the era to top the pop charts. The Platters was one of the top vocal groups of the rocking 1950s, selling 53 million records and among the first doo-wop groups to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Their distinctive sound was a bridge between the pre-rock Tin Pan Alley tradition and the burgeoning new genre. The Platters released an amazing total of 38 singles.

Considered the most romantic of all the doo wop groups, they effortlessly released hit after hit including: ‘Only You,’ ‘The Great Pretender,’ ‘My Prayer,’ ‘Twilight Time,’ ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ and ‘Harbor Lights’. Their many hits established the Platters as the classiest of all. Although many of the original group have passed away, the legend lives on with Oscar Charles and the Legendary Platters. They will perform the songs made famous by the original group.

My Calgary jazz festival performance

2010-06-16T11:19:00.003-06:00

The Calgary jazz festival is here again! Lots of great artists are coming to perform in the city - Chick Corea, Poncho Sanchez, Cedar Walton, Josh Redman to name a few.
Over 70 performances are spread at different venues in the city. Make sure to grab your festival pass! It only cost you 129 bucks (including GST and all fees) buck and will get you to see all the concerts you want! Great deal!

I'll be doing a solo piano jazz concert at the Cathedral church of the Redeemer downtown Calgary June 23rd at 12pm. Check the jazz festival schedule and the brochure.

I will also be hosting a late jazz jam also on June 23rd starting at 11PM at the Auburn Saloon. Come over and check it out! Never know who's gonna show up! After all it's a jazz fest jam.

Billie Holiday Tribute concert June 9th 2010

2010-05-31T10:39:00.003-06:00

Join Johanna Sillanpaa for an evening of music dedicated to one of Jazz's immortals Billie Holiday.

This is part of a concert series that Beatniq Jazz & Social club is putting on over the next little while here in Calgary, AB.
Johanna is joined on stage by a great band consisting of:

Kodi Hutchinson- Acoustic Bass,
Tyler Hornby- Drums and
Egor Ukoloff-Piano

WHEN:Wednesday, June 9 2010
WHERE: Beatniq Jazz & Social Club 811 -1st Street SW Calgary, AB,CA
Showtime @ 9:0pm
$10 at the door (rush seating)

2 nights of Latin Jazz with ORIGINS at the Beatniq jazz club May 21-22, 2010

2010-05-10T18:30:00.011-06:00

Latin music are sure to be given a spicy kick when you hear the Jim Brenan's brand new all-star 10 piece Latin-Jazz ensemble. Their performance to be captivating, displaying high energy and enthusiasm that audiences find contagious.

Co-led by Jim Brenan, Rubim de Toledo and Mark DeJong, Origins is a 10-piece band that explodes off the stage with energy, pulsating catchy rhythms of the cha-cha, mambo, bolero and other sizzling styles combained with a burning jazz solos and creative interaction.

This ensemble represents a diversity of cultures while being dedicated to expanding latino cultural values through their music. Congas and bongos, horns, timbales, piano. It's all there - a perfect recipe for red-hot salsa.

Featuring many of western Canada's top performing musicians:

Saxes: Jim Brenan, Mark DeJong
Trumpets: Jim Murray, Doug Berner
Trombones: Craig Brenan, Carsten Rubeling
Drums: Raul Tabera (Cuba)
Bass: Rubim de Toledo (Brazil)
Piano: Egor Ukoloff (Russia)
Percussion: Luis elpana Tovar (Venezuela)

Though their style echoes of Coltrane, Chucho and Arturo, Cachao and other jazz musicians who have fused together music from across the world, their sound is promissed to be something different. Utilizing a core group of impressive musicians with different cultural backgrounds, Origins is headed somewhere new with their latin jazz performance.

Not to be missed!

May 21-22, at the Beatniq jazz and social club downtown Calgary.

Tickets are available at the door. Performance time 9:30 pm.

Come earlier to get the best seat in the house!

If you are on the Facebook you can go to Origins event page to confirm your attendance.

On this special weekend, the Origins ensemble will be playing a variety of Latin-Jazz material. Come hear everything from Songo and Salsa to Rumba and Samba.

Paul Ashwell's quintet at Auburn Saloon May 8th

2010-05-04T00:54:00.006-06:00

As a part of Auburn Saloon jazz series Paul Ashwell's quintet will be performing this coming Saturday at the Auburn Saloon downtown Calgary.

The quintet consists some of the Calgary most wicked musicians:

Paul Ashwell - trombone
Al Muirhead - trumpet (!!!)
Egor Ukoloff - piano
John Gray - contrabass
Ed Batley - drums

This is the Blue Note night at the Auburn! In good ol' jazz tradition we'll show you that the jazz in fact IS still alive!!
If you like be-bop, tasty solos, improvising on the fly and heavy swing make sure you come over to Auburn. The program will include mostly all time favourite jazz standards.
Only one night on Saturday May 8th.
There will be a small cover charge and the place most likely to be sold out. So come earlier to get a good seats.

The band not to be missed!! And we're talking a serious stuff here! :)
Date: May 8th, 2010
Time: 9:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Place:

Auburn Saloon‎- more info »

163-115 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, AB T2G 0P5‎ - (403) 266-6628‎

1 review

"Calgary's noted go-to theatre bar, The Auburn Saloon, has had an arduous history. The bar was a thriving mecca for creativity in its first location in ..."‎ martiniboys.com‎

Finally Real Spam Filter For iPhone! Review of a plugin that can keep the spam off your iPhone and iPad

2010-04-29T01:43:00.001-06:00

Are you tired getting the spam to your email iPhone inboxes as I was? I got 12 email accounts on my iPhone and the spam was flooding all of them! Apple says there's nothing they can do. There is no spam filter for iPhone mail...

But! There is a solution that works like a charm! Download this application, follow easy instructions to install the plugin for your Mac Mail and the spam on your iPhone is a history. It is awesome! (Unfortunately it is a Mac software only but hopefully there'll be a Windows version soon)

Now it also works as iPad spam filter!

iPhone/iPad Spam Filter

When you there make sure to click on More Info link and then scroll down a little to read how iPhone/iPad spam filter works

Running on your Mac it can keep the spam off your iPhone/iPad

iPhone/iPad Spam Filter

The smooth and funky jazz at the Metropolitan Grill April 29th

2010-04-25T02:27:00.003-06:00

We're back to The Met on Apr 29th with another hot funky performance on Thursday April 29th.

Come and check Allistair Elliott band in this upscale night club. There is no cover charge but the reservations might be needed.

The music starts at 8:30 PM and goes until midnight.

Metropolitan Grill The

- www.themetropolitangrill.ca

880 16 Ave SW, Calgary - (403) 802-2393

4 reviews, directions, hours, and more »

Country 105 Rising Star Contest April 29th

2010-04-25T02:19:00.001-06:00

Come and hang out at Ranchman's April 29th Country 105 Rising Star Contest. I will be playing with one of the finalists Sarah Curle .
Radio station Country 105 runs this content every year to discover a new country stars in Calgary and promote them to recording and touring contracts.

The night promises to be fun and there will be 6 contestants. I'm sure it will be difficult to chose the winner. Who's gonna win? Come and check it out. Entrance to the finals is free. Great food too!

The contest starts at 6 pm. Come over and bring a friend!

Ranchman's Cookhouse & Dancehall

www.ranchmans.com

9615 MacLeod Trail Southwest
Calgary, AB T2J 0P6
(403) 253-1100

Get directions - Is this accurate?

Bus: EB Southlnd Dr@MacLeod TR S

5 reviews
Open Weekdays 4pm-2:30am; Sat 3pm-2:30am; also open Sun
More information »

Back in the Auburn!

2010-04-21T00:03:00.006-06:00

This time:

Johnny Summers - Trumpet
John Gray - Bass
John McCaslin - Drums
Egor Ukoloff - piano

Will play tasty jazz standards, New Orleans music and some originals. Come over and bring a friend!
We'll swing you out!!
Date: April 24th, 2010
The performance will commit at 9:30 PM an there will be $15 cover. Please come early to get better seats as the place will be sold out!

Auburn Saloon‎- more info »

163-115 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, AB T2G 0P5‎ - (403) 266-6628‎

1 review

"Calgary's noted go-to theatre bar, The Auburn Saloon, has had an arduous history. The bar was a thriving mecca for creativity in its first location in ..."‎ martiniboys.com‎

Calgary Jazz Orchestra plays Bird and Trane!! April 18th

2010-04-12T02:37:00.003-06:00

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra is excited to present the music of two more amazing jazz artists for our upcoming concert:

The Music of Charlie “Yardbird” Parker and John “Trane” Coltrane
Date: Sunday April 18, 2010
Time: Doors at 6:30 PM, Show at 7:00 PM
Location: River Park Church, 3818 – 14A Street SW
Tickets: $20 at the door or www.ticketmaster.ca (search for Calgary Jazz Orchestra)

Charlie Parker and John Coltrane were two of the most prolific saxophonists in jazz history. Together, they helped create be-bop jazz, and the CJO will perform original arrangements of select recordings from these two jazz greats.

Miles Davis put it best, when he said it sounded like Coltrane was possessed when he put his horn to his mouth. We will do our best to recreate that passion and energy, with some high intensity solos that are not to be missed! We’ll also perform original arrangements of some of Parker’s famous up-tempo songs, which will showcase his innovative and unique approach to melody, rhythm and harmony.

The CJO consists of four trumpets, four trombones, five saxophones and a four-piece rhythm section. Those who have joined us in the past know we are far from a ‘typical’ orchestra. We are high energy, we are passionate, and we think we are fun! We try our best to provide an upbeat atmosphere and we hope to engage and reach you, our audience, through every one of our songs.

As this is the final show for our 2009/2010 season, we hope to see you there! We will be releasing information on our 2010/2011 season in the coming months…stay tuned!

All the best, and thank you for your continued support.
Call or email or leave a comment for more info or if you have questions.

Paul Ashwell's P.A.S.T. at the Auburn Saloon April 10th. Get Funked Up!!

2010-04-01T13:38:00.017-06:00

It'll be almost 2 moths since our first sold out performance at the Mickey's Juke Joint and we're back to perform at the Auburn Saloon on April 10th, 2010.

A ten piece band (six horns and the rhythm section) was put together by trombone player, bandleader and arranger Paul Ashwell. All the arrangements was written by Paul for this unique rhythm and horns combination that only consists 3 saxophones and 3 trombones. Surprisingly (and not surprisingly due to Paul's incredible knowledge, skills and talents in arranging) the band sounds really "juicy" and tight and it's not missing a trumpet section at all.

The name of the band is P.A.S.T. and comes from the abbreviation of Paul Ashwell's Sonic Transportation. which also tells what kind of music you can expect to hear. The band plays mainly music from 60's, 70's and 80's and covers such names as Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower Of Power, The Beatles, Pat Metheny, Maceo Parker and many more and also Paul's original music.
Wicked arrangements are spiced up with great solos by the all star hand picked Calgary musicians.

Trombones: Paul Ashwell, Dave Reid (CPO), Greg Robertson
Saxophones: Mike Clark, Gareth Hughes and Mr. Pat Belliveau
Rhythm: Tyler Hornby (dr), Egor Ukoloff (keyboards), Brad Steckel (guitar) and a "Mr Funky" himself Hank Insell!

Check that crew out!!!

Here is a little sample of what you can expect to see:

More P.A.S.T videos HERE

So, if you're looking a place to get seriously funked up come to Auburn Salon on April 10th. Will funk you up like nobody else before!!

The performance will commit at 9:30 PM an there will be $15 cover. Please come early to get better seats as the place will be sold out!

For reservations please contact:

Auburn Saloon at (403) 266-6628
John Bell at (403) 803-6962 or email John.bell@telus.net

If you are on the Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113735435304883&ref=ts

Auburn Saloon‎- more info »

163-115 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, AB T2G 0P5‎ - (403) 266-6628‎

1 review

"Calgary's noted go-to theatre bar, The Auburn Saloon, has had an arduous history. The bar was a thriving mecca for creativity in its first location in ..."‎ martiniboys.com‎

Vancouver Olympics 2010

2010-03-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it was real fun to perform for Vancouver Olympics 2010 at the Alberta House stage just cross the street from BC Place. Vancouver was happening!! And some really cool people came my way!

Check it out for yourself.

Alex Bilodeau and Jennifer Heil at the Alberta House stage saying a couple of words between the sets

With Alex Bilodeau

Jean Chretien himself showed up!!

New Year Eve Gala at the Fairmont Banff Springs

2009-12-16T18:51:00.010-07:00

The New Years Eve Gala Featuring Barry Shaw,The Banff Springs Orchestra, Unique Soul and Special Guests

Enjoy a succulent four-course meal followed by the swingin' sounds of Barry Shaw, the Banff Springs Orchestra, Unique Soul and special guests. Bring in the New Year with a champagne toast and lasting memories of an unforgettable evening.

Formal attire is recommended.

For more information and to book tickets and hotel reservations please contact the Fairmont Banff Springs.

TEL 1-(403) 762-2211
FAX 1-(403) 762-5755
E-MAIL banffsprings@fairmont.com

New Years Eve Gala Featured Entertainers

Barry Shaw is a singer, producer and recording artist who has performed as a featured guest and corporate entertainer across Canada, the USA. and most recently in Dubai.

Barry's reputation as a premier male jazz/swing and contemporary vocalist and his ability to connect with an audience is well known! Check out the testimonial section of our website for audience reviews and comments.

Unique Soul's Midnight Special (Canada)

For those struck with Party Fever, this powerhouse band offers no cure. Only more flame for your fire. Unique Soul Featuring Al Ahh and Bobby Soul is a powerful and edgy Rhythm and Blues band with a "let's-get-this-party-started" attitude. Unique Soul delivers retro soul and R and B, dance-frenzy old school rock & roll, and calypso. The band will not be held liable if you have too much fun... Consider yourselves warned! :)

Debbie Forsyth (Canada)

Debbie has performed on the "Jimmy Fowler All Night Sing" in both Branson, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee. She also made an appearance on the Southstar Creations Showcase in Nashville. Debbie's first CD is in its second printing and she has just finished her second full CD release. The CD is entitled "Hold On" and was produced by Steven Rendall and Eldon Winter.

Fiona Malena Flamenco Artist (Spain)

A solo dance artist and choreographer, Fiona was immersed in flamenco early on in her career through living and studying in Spain. Her legendary teachers include Andres Marin, Juana Amaya and Isabel Bayon, among others.

Fiona has collaborated with David Palomar and Oscar Lagos (Aire Flamenco) as well as with other artists from Seville.

Recent performances in Spain have included regular performances as a soloist in the Alcazar (palace) of Seville.

Allistair Elliott (Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards Instrumentalist of the Year and Nominated Vocalist of the Year)

Allistair Elliott was born just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland. Excelling at the classical side of the trumpet, he performed in London, England and also Vienna, Austria by the age of seventeen. Elliott moved to England where he received his music degree from Leeds College of Music, the same school that produced the recent Grammy nominee, Corrine Bailey Rae.

His performing credits include The Drifters, The Temptations, R&B legend, Lou Pride, England's jazz giant, John Dankworth, and The Supremes, just to name a few.

Egor Ukoloff Band Master: The Banff Springs Orchestra (Russia)

"Egor Ukoloff is quite simply one of the very best musical directors and arrangers in Canada"

A graduate of the Banff School for the arts in Banff, AB Canada he has studied jazz with such a giants as Dave Holland, Rufus Reed, Ted Dunbar, Steve Coleman. Since that time Egor Ukoloff has always been in high demand working for Seabourn and Princess Cruise Lines as a Band Master. He has also worked in the role of Musical Director for the Platters and most recently with the Canadian Tenors on their cross Canada tour. Barry Shaw Entertainment is delighted to have Egor Ukoloff as the exclusive arranger and musical director for all performances of the Banff Springs Orchestra, Barry Shaw Orchestra and Unique Soul.

Christmas and New Years 2009 at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

2009-12-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

"The Castle in the Rockies"

Barry Shaw with 4 piece band lead by Egor Ukoloff will be performing his Swingin' Christmas Show in the Alhambra Room at the Banff Springs Hotel on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.Celebrate Christmas cheer with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine as you prepare for theculinary journey ahead. Indulge in a splendid four-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Martin Luthi. Then dance the night away to the music of Barry Shaw.

For more information and to book tickets and hotel reservations please contact the Fairmont Banff Springs.

TEL 1-(403) 762-2211
FAX 1- (403) 762-5755
E-MAIL banffsprings@fairmont.com

The smooth and funky jazz at the Metropolitan Grill December 17th

2009-12-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

We're back to The Met on 17th with another hot funky performance on Thursday December 17th.
Come and check Allistair Elliott band in this upscale night club. There is no cover charge but the reservations might be needed as there are lots of people celebrate Christmas at the Met.

The music starts at 8:30 PM and goes until midnight.

Metropolitan Grill The

- www.themetropolitangrill.ca

880 16 Ave SW, Calgary - (403) 802-2393

4 reviews, directions, hours, and more »

The International Festival of Wine and Food at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel October 30th - November 1, 2009

2009-10-20T12:52:00.000-06:00

My trio performs on the night of October 30th at the Alberta room of Banff Springs hotel for Fairmont Banff Springs Hotels 18th Annual Festival of Wine and Food opening night and then we re-locate to the Roundle Lounge.
Barry Shaw and his Orchestra under my directrion will perform at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotels 18th Annual Festival of Wine and Food Gala. This year it will take place on Halloween night October 31st, 2009 and will be a Masquerade Ball. For more information on this exciting hotel package please see below or contact the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel at

TEL 1-(403) 762-2211
FAX 1- (403) 762-5755
E-MAIL banffsprings@fairmont.com
Wine And Food Festival Info

Anju Restaurant & Grill jazz nites

2009-10-20T12:37:00.000-06:00

Kathy Shane and me on piano are back to Anju Restaurant & Grill on October 28th again with more jazz and pop standards!!
Don't miss it! Kathy is one of a kind singer and performer! You'll love her!

See u there!

Metropolitan Grill Jazz Is Back!

2009-10-20T12:32:00.000-06:00

Come and se our funky/smooth jazz performance with Allistair Elliot quintet on Thursday October 22 at the Metropolitan Grill.
Music starts at 8 PM ( to my best knowledge:)
Come earlier or call for reservations as this place gets packed up!
See you there!

Metropolitan Grill The

- www.themetropolitangrill.ca
880 16 Ave SW, Calgary - (403) 802-2393
4 reviews, directions, hours, and more »

Duo with Kathy Shane at Anju Restaurant Wednesday Oct 14th

2009-10-13T19:01:00.000-06:00

The Anju days are back and on Wednesday October 14th you have a chance to hear our duo with my buddy, star of Tom Cohcrane's "Live Is A Highway" video impeccable and lovely Ms. Kathy Shane on vocals and myself on piano!

Don't miss it! We'll perform tasty jazz standards and pop songs. Music begins at 8:30 PM till 10:30PM. Only two sets of pure fun!! The food is great and it is a tapas menu now!! Check that out!!

Anju Restaurant & Lounge

507 10 St SW
Calgary, AB T2P 2B8, Canada
(403) 532-9419
Get directions

A Night at The Cotton Club

2009-10-08T00:56:00.000-06:00

It’s the third annual Cotton Club and last year was a real barn-burner. The eats are gonna be hot and the jazz even hotter. So put on your dancin’ shoes and give up a little bread for some cool kids who need a hand.

I'll be leading 8 piece band with Barry Shaw on vocals and special appearance and unique sound of Bobby S'oul and Alahh Alahh.
100 clams/$100 All clams go to a good cause.
Expected 3,000 people!! Big one!!

Presented by:

In support of:

Some photos from 2009 Sylvan Lake International Jazz Festival

2009-10-06T10:32:00.000-06:00

Well, finally I got some photos from this past August jazz festival in a beautiful Sylvan Lake. That was my trio with Mr. Jim Brenan on a smoking sax ( Maynard Ferguson's lead Tenor) and Mr. (yankee :-) Jonathan May. We rocked the house!!

More Solo Jazz piano this month

2009-09-29T01:43:00.000-06:00

I'll be doing more jazz standards at the:

Rush Restaurant this Friday October 2nd
Coast Plaza for the film festival October 6th (my b-day by the way! ;-)
Anju Restaurant October 28th

See the Upcoming Public Dates link on the right for the times of performances.

Jazz at the Korean Seoul City is back!

2009-09-29T01:24:00.000-06:00

We start a new season at the Anju restaurant and lounge this Wednesday October 30th. I will kick it of with a night if Solo jazz piano and then next Wednesday October 17th fabulous Mrs. Kathy Shane will join me for some foxy "fabulous Becker Boys" night of jazz vocals!
Don't miss it and by the way the food is excellent at Anju and a very reasonably priced!
Anju Restaurant & Lounge

(403) 532-9419

Downtown
507 - 10 Street SW
Calgary, AB T2P
www.anju.ca

Movie, Jazz and Beer

2009-09-28T12:18:00.000-06:00

Thursday, October 1st, 2009 come and joins us at the Beatniq Jazz and Social club for the Jazz For Senses party. The party is held for 'Guy And Madeline On A Park Bench' movie lunch. We'll be performing a jazz duo with fabulous Mr. Al Muirhead on trumpet. The music will start at 9:30 PM.
The evening would be filled with great and tasty jazz standards.

Tickets $20 - Includes:

Admission to film and Beat Niq
a free beer courtesy of Wild Rose Brewery

Director Damien Chazelle in attendance

Purchase tickets at: Arts Scene Calgary

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