Jazz Sudbury Festival becoming must-attend event

Jazz fans were rewarded for their endurance despite a chilly and rainy weekend, with non-stop performances by an array of top-notch entertainers.

The fourth annual Jazz Sudbury Festival, which took place Sept. 6-9 on the grounds of Science North, was a definite crowd-pleaser and is quickly becoming one of the most popular festivals in the city. Many festival-goers I spoke with told me it is already a must-attend event for them.

I was unfamiliar with some of the musicians on this year’s roster; however, this made attending more appealing and added a bit of mystery for me, like a gift you must wait to open.

Attendees of all ages huddled under umbrellas and were kept cozy with the funky and soulful sounds of KC Roberts & the Live Revolution — winners of the 2007 Toronto Independent Music Award for best live act.

I closed my eyes for a while and was lost in their unique lively sound.

The rain continued, and as nightfall came, 2011 Juno Award winner Kellylee Evans graced the stage, and I was completely mesmerized by her smooth, sultry voice.

Well-loved a capella group, The Nylons, culminated the night with captivating renditions of popular songs which left me with a feeling of happiness. It was magical to absorb the sounds ringing through the chilly night air.

CaneFire, an energetic seven-piece jazz ensemble, gave the crowd something different — Caribbean Latin jazz. Their style of jazz combines the Afro-Latin traditions of the Caribbean with the improvisational techniques of jazz. I can sit and listen to a band with a steelpan for hours, especially a band that plays with such passion!

As well as internationally acclaimed jazz superstars, the festival featured local musicians whom folks love to see again and again.

On Saturday afternoon, I enjoyed a cruise around Lake Ramsey on the Cortina while being entertained by local duo TubaBoy. TubaBoy, consisting of Richard Mende on guitar and Rocky Bivens on tuba, has been entertaining in the Sudbury area for 15 years.

You might have heard them at Books and Beans or Starbucks. They played so many great songs, including my favourite, Flag Girl Boogie. Richard explained to me that they are very much inspired by people like Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong, with compositions done in the style of the 1920s and 1930s.

It was a big treat to see Patricia Cano, Tomsom Highway and Marcus Ali perform. Patricia’s incredible voice has been described as smooth, intense and a little sweet. She is always smiling and interacts warmly with the audience.

Hugh Jazz, a gypsy jazz band based in Sudbury, gave a stellar, upbeat performance. The band consists of Benwardo on the upright bass, Eric Plangger on acoustic guitar, Eric Bento on electric guitar, Jean Paul Gignac on fiddle and the vocals of Jess Crowe. I love their refreshing sound and stage presence.

If you haven’t heard of them yet — you will. They keep busy performing at local festivals, events and weddings. Each member comes from diverse musical backgrounds. Before joining Hugh Jazz, Benwardo was playing in a rockabilly band, but said making the transition was easy.

“I always liked jazz, but never considered being in a jazz band. It was going to be refreshing to play a totally different style of music with people I’ve never met before,” he said.

Hugh Jazz play in the style of Django Reinhardt, a pioneering virtuoso Belgian jazz guitarist and composer who was known for creating a new style of jazz guitar technique, sometimes referred to as “hot” jazz guitar.

When you hear Hugh Jazz, you cannot help but move a part or all of your body, even if you are just snapping your fingers. Hugh Jazz appeals to everyone. You don’t have to take my word for it — stop on by The Cinco Centavos any Tuesday and watch them perform live from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m.

SynBeat, described as an electro ambient all percussive world beat ensemble, incorporates percussion instruments from around the world into their performance. SynBeat consists of Jeff Stewart, Anna Stewart and Giovanni Presenza. SynBeat performs at various downtown venues and focuses primarily on playing at festivals.

I loved hearing the sounds their various instruments made, such as the Djembe, doumbek and surdo drums, as well as Chinese gongs. For more information about SynBeat, or for bookings, visit www.synbeat.weebly.com

Regrettably, I did not get to see highly acclaimed performers Lorraine Klaasen or Nikki Yanofsky, as my body was screaming for warmth and my fingers were too cold to press the shutter release on my camera.

I guess it’s time to put some gloves and a blanket in the car as Fall seems to have arrived.

For me, attending many of the festivals and events in Sudbury are primarily for photographic purposes. I simply love taking pictures! The added bonus is discovering new things to love, which is also quite fun.

For more information about the Jazz Sudbury Festival, visit www.jazzsudbury.ca.

Janet Young is an amateur photographer who likes to share community events with Sudburians.