Three dynamic and engaging finalists are set to perform at Jazz Sudbury's 2019 Emerging Artist Showcase May 30 at La Fromagerie.
Since 2009, the showcase has provided a stage for up and coming jazz musicians. To date, 38 groups of young musicians have had the opportunity to participate in the competition.
In the past year, Jazz Sudbury has expanded the program to provide more opportunities for emerging musicians and grow the initiative from a competition into a career development program.
Finalists will be invited back to experience the festival in September and provided opportunities to network with professional touring main-stage artists.
In partnership with Music and Film in Motion, emerging musicians will have the opportunity to participate in a career development masterclass, providing them with the tools to navigate the professional music industry.
Three finalists have been chosen by a panel of industry experts to compete for the chance to share the Jazz Sudbury Festival’s mainstage with jazz icons, international acts, and headliners.
The showcase event will feature the captivating and unique sounds of The Aguda Collective, the playful and daring vocals of Jenna Marie Pinard and the expressive and skillful Ian McGimpsey Quartet.
Based in Toronto, The Aguda Collective is made up of current students and graduates from the University of Toronto, Humber College and York University. The collective blends beautiful, interesting melodies with intricate, soulful solos and features all-original material written by trombonist Vonne Aguda. Using their individual voices, the members of The Aguda Collective craft a unique soundscape that communicates truth, emotion, and above all else, good music.
Jenna Marie Pinard, a recent graduate from the University of Toronto's jazz studies program, is at the vanguard of “The New Jazz Generation.”
She possesses a signature jazz and blues voice that hints at Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Aretha Franklin, but is distinctly her own.
She is best known for her smooth-sounding jazz and rich R&B vocals, her wide vocal range, and passionate performances.
Pinard is quickly gaining reputation in Toronto as a uniquely warm spirit and engaging performer. Originally from Montreal, she now lives in Toronto and plays weekly all over town.
The Ian McGimpsey Quartet is a collaboration between some of the most swinging and energetic players in Toronto's young, up and coming generation of jazz musicians. The members collectively cite hard bop and post-bop influences from the 50's through today. With four unique musical voices, the group tackles quintessential standards, bluesy grooves, and inspired originals with an unmistakably hard hitting attitude.
The winning musicians will receive a $1,000 paid performance on the Jazz Sudbury Festival main stage, and the opportunity to participate in one-on-one mentorship provided by Canada’s Music Incubator focused on publicity, budgeting, royalties, contract negotiations, marketing and everything in-between.
“The appearance at the festival has really created a bunch of momentum for Nick, Evan and I as the three of us are wrapping up our degrees and are planning to jump directly into careers as professional musicians in Toronto,” said Anthony D’Alessandro, from the winning trio of Jazz Sudbury’s 2018 Emerging Artist Program.
“Since the visit to the festival last September, we have been blessed with a great number of gigs in the city... the momentum the festival has created is really incredible.”
Finalists will perform at La Fromagerie 7-10 p.m. May 30. Tickets cost $15 in advance, and are available at La Fromagerie (cash only) or online at jazzsudbury.com. Tickets will be $20 at the door.
