The three finalists that will be playing the 2018 Emerging Artist Showcase on June 9 are none other than Northern Ranger, The Anthony D’Alessandro Trio and Sudbury’s own Mark Scherzinger Quartet.
Year after year, Jazz Sudbury’s Emerging Artist Showcase provides a stage for up and coming jazz musicians.
Three finalists are chosen to compete for the chance to share the Jazz Sudbury Festival’s mainstage with jazz icons, international acts, and headliners.
Northern Ranger is a sextet led by musician/composer Harry Vetro. His compositions are inspired by a Canada wide journey where Harry visited specific cities within Canada and the six Indigenous cultural areas of Canada: Arctic, Western Subarctic, Pacific Coast, Plateau, Plains, and the Subarctic / Eastern Woodlands.
Vetro interacted with musicians from different genres and engaged in Indigenous culture. These personal interactions are reflected in the music. In 2018, Vetro’s Northern Ranger will release their debut recording which is being funded by University of Toronto Faculty of Music’s Special projects fund. Proceeds from this album will go toward starting a music outreach program for Indigenous youth.
The Anthony D’Alessandro Trio is a swinging piano trio featuring Nick Donovan on drums and Evan Gratham on bass.
The trio was assembled by pianist Anthony D’Alessandro as a means to pay homage to the rich tradition of the jazz piano trio, while simultaneously composing new and exciting music that audiences of the modern generation can appreciate and enjoy.
The Trio has performed in many of Toronto’s finest venues and concert series, including the Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar and Lula Lounge.
Mark Scherzinger is a Sudbury-based guitarist currently studying jazz performance at Laurentian University.
In addition to his study and performance of jazz, Scherzinger has also performed with Sudbury bands Tofino, Dirty Princes, The Almighty Rhombus and Howie Moonlight. Mark will be joined by Alex Pauzé, Sean Brouse and Zachary Clement to perform some of his favourite jazz standards.
Past winners such as Jamie Dupuis and Zak Martel have gone on to tour multiple festivals, launch debut albums, and grow their following.
Jazz Sudbury said it is proud to host an event that gives up and coming jazz musicians the opportunity to gain visibility within the community, and play their music.
The showcase is an investment in the future of jazz and demonstrates a commitment to fostering the evolution of this colourful and diverse genre.
The event takes place at La Fromagerie at 7 p.m. June 9.
They will compete for a cash prize and a spot on the festival stage on Sept. 8. Advance tickets are $15, available at La Fromagerie (cash only) or online at www.jazzsudbury.com. Tickets will be $20 at the door.
