Jazz at the Centre – Coming Up!
For the second season of Jazz at the Centre I am pleased and excited to have three shows that demonstrate versatility, communication and openness in their respective projects; The Doxas Brothers, Colleen Allen and Nicky Schrire.
The series kicks off with a quartet co-led by brothers; saxophonist Chet Doxas and drummer Jim Doxas. While the Montréal-born duo have joined forces musically in various ways over the years, the formation of the Doxas Brothers quartet marked the beginning of a new chapter. As a listener, it is striking to witness the connectivity that the brothers have, translating to the other members of the group. Jim and Chet lead with humility both on and off stage, which when combined with their desire to evolve, share experiences and lean into inspiration, culminates in a mesmerizing concert experience that fills you with warmth.
The season continues with an evening in the presence of one of the most beloved names in jazz in Canada, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, Colleen Allen. Her fearless versatility is demonstrated every time she steps on stage and it is one of the many reasons she has been a first-call musician throughout her career. Colleen leads with a warm and welcoming heart that instantly inspires everyone she shares the stage with as well as everyone in the audience. Colleen will play in duo with the exceptional pianist Chris Donnelly.
The last concert this season features a sensational vocalist, who’s newest album Nowhere Girl is a master class is songwriting and storytelling. After hearing this record I immediately immersed myself in Nicky Schrire‘s earlier work (which features a list of world class collaborators) and it became instantly clear to me that whether interpreting a song of writing her own, Nicky’s style could be compared to that of any seasoned veteran.
I am honoured to return as Curator of the CMC’s Jazz at the Centre series, which this season was rooted in my desire to highlight some of the names in our country’s overwhelming pool of talent that have recently reminded me of the immense connective power that this music holds. – Céline Peterson
November 23, 2023 – The Doxas Brothers
February 15, 2024 – Colleen Allen
April 30, 2024 – Nicki Schrire
