It is perfect weather in Vancouver with no end in sight! This is a perfect time to enjoy music in all its glory, with added bonuses...
Sat. June 7 is the yearly Hats Off Day Festival in Burnaby Heights. Hastings Street from Boundary Rd. to Gamma Ave. is cordoned off as a street fair (that's at least 10 blocks), and there is a parade at 10 am, followed by food, music, activities and big fun till 4 pm!
The Mainstage is at Esmond and Hastings, one block east of Boundary Rd. Performing this year at 11 am is the juggernaut 18 pc URBANA Big Band under the direction of Robin Shier. Lots of high energy tunes and strong solos, including myself ;)
Also performing will be North Burnaby's up and coming young jazz combo Soular, with a jam session to follow. I will be performing original material from my albums during my set around 2:30, and we have other performers slated to appear, such as Lisa Fennell, Chris Haas, Billy Dixon, Jessica Ng, Dave Ivaz, and more!
It will be a full day of music for anyone interested, and it is just getting started......
After Hats Off Day Fest, I head over to the Lux Lounge at 1180 Howe to perform with the rocking-est band in the city, Billy Dixon and the Soultrain Express till 7 pm, then on over to Ten Ten Tapas (1010 Beach, on the seawall) for the start of my gig at 7:30. The food is insanely good (and not expensive), and the view is something to be marveled at. The Lux crowd heads over to Ten Ten as well and carries on the fun til 10:30. (You can too!).
I am back at Ten Ten Tapas for Sunday Jazz Brunch the next day, and we always welcome the large open patio and sunshine. Same great food, music, and view! Come meet the amazing chef, Matthew!
Then, the following weekend June 14-15, besides my 'Rockin' The Ribjoint' Saturday night, I return to Ten Ten Tapas for Father's Day, for two seatings- brunch and dinner, (featuring a fab prime rib). Perhaps it is time to give Papa a complete, neat, sweet treat?
Hope to see you this weekend and next!
Here is a typical five star review of Ten Ten Tapas from a web post:
"We went on a Saturday night based on a recommendation of friends. The live jazz was the key draw for us, and it certainly was great with a superb jazz duo, and 2 drop-in guest singers. What a treat in such a small venue! The food was a very nice surprise. Tapas are our preferred way to dine for a slow meal, and the every item we chose was very enjoyable. Finally, the wine list had a good selection of reasonably-priced wines, without the sometimes standard markup of 3x for red. We'll be back!"
