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Event Description

SPIRITED JAZZ -2016/17 Season Begins
Fall/Winter/Spring Unitarian Jazz Vespers

Jazz with a Splash of Spiritual Inspiration

SUNDAY September 12th 7:00 PM
Barbara Blair Ensemble, Theme; Faces of Love
Barbara Blair vocals, Joey Smith bass, Tom Vickery piano
First Unitarian Church Victoria, 5575 West Saanich Road
By donation and greatly appreciated

Returning in September organizers Gary Theal and Reverend Shana continue with a successful Jazz Vespers on West Saanich Road. Last June’s service had over 70 people trekking from Victoria, out of province tourists and locals of Saanich and Brentwood Bay, a growing following built on the inspired words, Unitarian style, of Rev. Shana Lynngood. Herself a jazz singer and history buff, Reverend Shana creates just a splash of message. Based on the lives and times of the musicians and composers of jazz music performed at each vesper Lynngood very adeptly weaves inspirational words around a central theme of the music chosen by the featured group. This style of jazz vespers, allows time and space for music to speak to the soul.

BARABARA BLAIR “A voice like warm cocoa on a winter’s night, offering serenity in a chaotic world.” www.JazzEnvoy.com

Barbara Blair’s interpretive approach comes from the great singers Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney. Based in Victoria, BC, Canada, Barbara divides her time between concert and educational tours throughout Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. She has appeared with Victoria’s Palm Court Orchestra in the 2007 concert series dedicated to the music of George Gershwin; “An exceptionally skilled musician; her deep rich voice, wonderfully warm stage presence and personality immediately engaged our audience” Charles Job, Conductor, Palm Court Orchestra.

Some accomplishments include; the only Canadian on the 2006 Newport Oregon Festival’s elite roster of world-class artists, Rodgers & Hart Tribute concert tour and NPR broadcast. Barbara is also known for her education concert, The School of Cool – An Introduction to Jazz, has played to more than 50,000 students in primary and secondary schools. Her recording, “September In The Rain”, features Joe Pass protégé guitarist Brian Nova, Sinatra bassist Buddy Catlett and Stan Kenton drummer Greg Williamson has played in CBC and NPR.

“Stunning interpretations, delivered with panache.” David Hammock, KMUN-NPR
“The smooth, smoky vocals of Barbara Blair and her stylish, sophisticated, swinging band made this tribute to the Gershwin’s a truly unforgettable evening.” John Palmer, Mirror
"Class act, great voice and presence.” Herman Soenario, ANN Radio Australia.

For more information contact Reverend Shana Lynngood (rev.shana@victoriaunitarian.ca), First Unitarian Church of Victoria, 5575 West Saanich Road
Program of First Unitarian Church of Victoria; http://victoriaunitarian.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirited-Jazz/852183648149312?ref=hl