CWS Concert Review Music of Mysteries, Legends and Ritual

The Calgary Wind Symphony performed a selection of mysterious and sweeping music on a snowy Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the University of Calgary’s Rozsa Centre. Dubbed "Music of Mysteries, Legends and Ritual", the concert featured Terri Shouldice on flute and Dr. Jeremy Brown on alto saxophone. It also included two premières: the Canadian première of Kenneth Fuch's Rush - Concerto in E flat for Alto Saxophone and the Alberta première of Paul Hart's Cartoon.

Recently, when Dr. Jeremy Brown was conducting the University of Calgary Jazz Ensemble in the United States, he had the opportunity to meet with Daniel Bukvich, who composed the first piece, entitled Voodoo. Bukvich was delighted to hear that the Calgary Wind Symphony was working on Voodoo and promised to send another one of his works.

Calgary Wind Symphony Conjures Vivid Imagery at Calgary Concert

At the downbeat , the Rozsa Centre was draped in darkness, with only the twinkling lights from the music stands and Dr. Jeremy Brown's blue glow-in -the-dark baton. Voodoo painted a vivid picture for listeners.It was as if the audience was transported into the middle of a David Attenborough nature documentary, complete with bird calls and trombone slides to depict swinging monkeys. The rain sticks and flash lights gave the effect of a rainstorm, while the clapping and chanting evoked images of aborginal peoples celebrating a successful hunt.

Charles Griffes' Poem for Flute and Orchestrafeatured CWS flautist Terri Shouldice. This Impressionistic inspired work offered listeners aural post cards of contrasting scenes. It opened with the low brass instruments. The winds echoed back the theme before the flute's entrance. The languid first theme showcased. The solo flute passages varied from sweeping motives to a mysterious Spanish-infused theme.The applause lasted for several minutes after the performance.

Old Churches by Pullitzer prize winner Michael Colgrass evoked images crumbling, abandoned churches. The melancholy soundscape was peppered with momentary shots of dissonance, created by the aleatoric segments. At times, it sounded like debris blowing in the wind and hitting against broken glass, while the stainless steel mixing bowls sounded like an iron gate clanging against a broken latch.

The final work for the first half, Cartoon by Paul Hart was an absolute treat to hear. Dr. Brown introduced it as a "sophisticated musical stew."

It opened with a lively march, a la Bugs Bunny. The scurrying dialogue between the winds and percussion mimicked a chase à la Tom & Jerry, while the muted trombones sounded an awful lot like the teacher from Peanuts.

The slower middle theme contained Gershin-esque harmonies and sweeping melodies which conjured images of Pepe le Pew on a night on the town. "Music Mysteries, Legends & Ritual" marked what Dr. Brown believed was the Alberta première performance of this entertaining work.

Haunting Flute Music Performed by the Parthenia Flute Choir

Concert patrons enjoyed some otherworldly music in the lobby during intermission, performed by the Parthenia Flute Choir. The flute ensemble, under the direction of Wendy Freeman, performed Eric Ewazen's Harmony in Blue and Gold. 

Comprised of four movements, Harmony was inspired by James McNeill Whistler’s "Peacock Room" located at the Smithsonian Institution's Freer Gallery. Eric Ewazen composed this work for Femme Flutale.

A Canadian Premiere and a Rarely Performed Work at the CWS Concert

The Calgary Wind Symphony delivered the Canadian première performance of Rush - Concerto for E flat Alto Saxophone, American composer Kenneth Fuchs. This demanding work featured Dr. Jeremy Brown on saxophone and Wendy Freeman as the conductor.

The first movement, "Evening" opened with a saxophone solo that featured long soulful tones. The ensemble soon joined in with a grand sweeping theme. As the saxophone continued to play a pensive melody, the flutes and percussion played carefully placed notes, depicting stars lighting up the sky, one by one. The saxophone part traversed the alto saxophone's entire range and showcased Dr. Brown's beautiful tone.

The second movement, "Morning", revealed several contrasting moods. It began with a lyrical sax solo. This soon gave way to a rhythmic passage, featuring the winds in the upper range against a sweeping motif played by the saxophones. As the movement progressed, the music featured more syncopated rhythms, pushing towards a dramatic climax.

The music of Kenneth Fuchs is gaining recognition worldwide and has led to successful collaborations. He has worked with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson and the London Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of JoFalletta recorded three albums featuring Fuch's music. The first album was nominated for two Grammys.

Flute Cocktail by Harry Simeone was a light hearted piece. It opened with the flutes playing a Baroque-styled theme, which soon gave way to the  brass and percussion instruments, while the flutes played a bubbly motif underneath. Snippets of London Bridge weaved throughout the work.

The Calgary Wind Symphony closed with La Fiesta Mexicana by H. Owen Reed. Dr. Brown explained that due to the work's length of 18 minutes, it is rarely performed. "Maybe once every 10 years," he said.

One interesting feature for this work is the fact that various musicians went off-stage to perform, mimicking a mariachi band heard in the distance. The work is comprised of three movements: a rhythmic and energetic "Prelude and Aztec Dance", a reverent "Mass" and a toe-tapping "Carnival".

About the Calgary Wind Symphony

The Calgary Wind Symphony is a 60-member ensemble, directed by Dr. Jeremy Brown of the University of Calgary. Formerly known as the Calgary Concert Band, the ensemble has been active in Calgary’s musical community since 1947.

Music aficionados can check out the Calgary Wind Symphony on Sunday, June 2 at 2:30 p.m. The CWS will present “Apollo Sings! Music that Soars”. For more information and to buy concert tickets, please visit the CWS’s website.

For those who braved the terrible winter roads on March 3, 2013, the Calgary Wind Symphony’s “Music of Mysteries, Legends and Ritual” concert proved to be a diverse and highly entertaining programme of eerie and grand music.

Red and White Calgary Comic and Toy Expo 2010 Review

Star Wars shirts, vintage comics and memories abounded for collectors at the 2010 R&W Club Comic & Toy Expo, held Sunday, October 17, 2010 in Calgary, AB.

For one day each year, Calgary’s Red & White Club is transformed into “geek heaven” for fans of vintage comics, toys and collectibles. 2010 marks its 16th year, making this Calgary’s oldest comic expo.

Artist Alley Provided Relaxed Atmosphere to Chat with Guest Artists

This year’s special guests at the Red & White Comic and Toy Expo were comic illustrators Cary Nord and Riley Rossmo. Nord is well recognized for his work for Marvel Comics and Dark Horse Comics. His illustrations have appeared in Ghost Rider: Crossroads, Star Trek: The Next Generation and Conan the Barbarian.

Rossmo has worked for AIT/Planet Lar, IDW Publishing and Image Comics. His credits include Proof and Cowboy Ninja Vikings. He graduated from ACAD and got his start doing generalist illustrator.

“I really love comics and migrated from there to comic books,” he said during a brief chat with Suite 101. His first break in comics was in 2006 for Seven Sons, a graphic novel.

Although he has been to other comic book conventions in Calgary, Seattle, Toronto and San Diego, Rossmo prefers the laidback atmosphere at the R&W Comic & Toy Expo. “I have more time to just relax and talk to people. I don’t have to rush.”

Contests and Giveaways at the Red & White Calgary Comic and Toy Expo

Nineteen fans, representing a diverse mix of shows, comics and ages, entered this year’s costume contest. They paraded around the 13,400 square foot room for all vendors and visitors to see.

Among the entries were Black Canary (Jessica Lowe), Aqua Man (Dave Cunningham) and Wonder Woman (Katie Herrington). This was the second year Herrington and Cunningham attended the show, while 2010 marks Lowe’s third time.

“I planned this since Comic Con,” said Herrington, who began making embellishments and improvements to the original Wonder Woman costume she purchased in the summer. The belt was her pride and joy.

“I found out about this last night,” admitted Bailey Parker, who cosplayed a Timelord from Dr. Who. She spent 18 hours making the ornate headdress out of craft foam and hot glue. Although her costume is a work in progress, it was good to earn an Honorable Mention.

Viking Venom also received an Honorable Mention. Third place went to Batman & Robin, while two Halo marines snagged second place. First place went to young Aurora Quilliams, who portrayed Dalek from Dr. Who.

All of the cosplayers acted for the camera while independent filmmaker Phil Spink (The Godchild) captured the action. Spink also conducted on-site interviews with visitors and vendors.

A variety of door prizes were awarded throughout the day. These were donated by the vendors.

A Treasure Trove of Video Games, Cool Shirts and Old Comics

There was an eclectic mix of comics, toys and collectibles up for grabs at the R&W Comic and Toy Expo, including Pac-Man belt buckles, Kingdom Hearts tee-shirts, mint condition issues of Battle of the Planets and an old LP featuring the original Spock from Star Trek, Leonard Nimoy. Gamers could buy old computer and video games, such as Tetris and Street Fighter, as well as old game systems.

John Quong, owner of the Treasure Cove, has been a vendor at the Comic & Toy Expo since its inception. He left his career in criminal law to take a brief sabbatical to indulge in his passion, comics and toys. “All of a sudden, the two-year sabbatical turned into 23 years in the business,” he chuckled.

His experience has been extremely positive. “This is my love. This is my era. I love dealing with this stuff and the people that know what it is and appreciates it just as much as I do.”

For Sid Olivier, 2010 marks his debut at the Red & White Club Comic & Toy Expo. He sells old collectibles and toys at Where on Earth Did You Get That?, Southern Alberta’s largest antique mall. “I have a personal fascination with what I call the “hunt”. The thrill of the hunt,” he explained. “Making the find has always been a kick. I love the history. I love the research element to it.” One of his unique finds on display was an old Ronald McDonald phone that was given only to store managers.

Although there was a voluminous selection of comics new and old, there was a limited selection of anime and manga merchandise. “We didn’t see much in the way of anime,” remarked Alina Zaitsoff, an anime and manga otaku and first-time attendee at the expo. “A few random figures. The only one that popped out was Vash the Stampede but it was poor quality.”

The Red & White Comic ad Toy Expo – No Hollywood Glitz, Just a Place to Buy Stuff

“A lot of the shows are veering off into celebrities, autographs and photographs and that’s fine,” said Michael Pavlic, one of the organizers of the Calgary Comic and Toy Expo. Pavlic, who owns Purple Gorilla Comics, joined forces with Ben Falconer of Phoenix Comics this year to organize the event after Steve Fuller stepped down.

“There is a demand in this town, in Southern Alberta for folks who want to come and buy some comics and toys. They don’t care about autographs; they don’t care about any of the rest of that stuff. They’re here to buy some swag. That’s what we’re all about.”

Like many avid comic collectors, Pavlic’s love for comics goes beyond being a hobby. “It’s been a lifelong passion, not hobby. Passion.”

Pavlic’s passion for comics was fueled by a childhood memory. “I was visiting my aunt who was at university at the time,” Pavlic explained. “One of her room-mates had a bunch of comic books. He handed them to us and I looked through one. There’s this one image in this issue of Fantastic Four that burned into my brain.”

He never forgot the experience of looking at that one illustration. When he began collecting comics years later, he set off to track down that issue. “It took me eight years to find out which one it was.”

Final attendance figures for 2010 are 850, comprised of 600 adults and 250 kids. In previous years, the Red and White Comic and Toy Expo entertained between 500 – 700 attendees a year. This year’s event, which took place on October 17, 2010 at the Red & White Club featured comic artists Cary Nord and Riley Rossmo. Vendor tables triggered waves of nostalgia with cool shirts, old computer and video games, vintage comics and figurines.

Originally published on Suite101.com on October 21, 2010. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Calgary Jazz Orchestra Plays Mingus and Peterson Concert Review

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra opened its 2010-11 season on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Calgary's River Park Church. The concert featured big band jazz arrangements of music by Oscar Peterson and Charles Mingus.

An impromptu survey conducted by CJO director Johnny Summers at the beginning of the programme revealed that few people in the audience had heard of Charles Mingus. The group hoped that pairing Mingus with Peterson would attract more interest in Mingus' music.

Calgary Jazz Orchestra Performed The Music of Charles Mingus

The first half of the programme featured the jazz music of Charles Mingus. He was an American bassist, pianist, bandleader and composer who lived from 1922 – 1979. The set list reflected the stark contrasts and moodiness indicative of Mingus' musical style.

The band opened with "Boogie Stop Shuffle", from the Mingus Ah Um album released in 1959. It's a lively boogie that featured breathtaking solos. Each soloist seemed determined to outperform each other by playing faster, higher and funkier. Drummer Greg Baker drew out cries of astonishment and awe with his lightning fast solo.

Members of the jazz band exhibited a fight for virtuosic supremacy in "Haitian Fight Song" from the 1957 album The Clown. It began simply enough but quickly revealed an edgy, punchy groove as members clashed repeatedly for the duration of the number.

During "Moanin'", Sarah Matheson proved on her baritone sax that she can hold her own amidst this male-dominated jazz band. Her solos were fiery and gritty, which matched the angst of this piece from Mingus' 1959 album Blues & Roots.

Two slower pieces rounded out the first half of the concert programme. "My Jelly Roll Soul", an homage to Jelly Roll Morton and "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", which is a tribute to Lester Young.

Calgary Jazz Orchestra Performed The Music of Oscar Peterson

The second set was dedicated to Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson (1925-2007). He is considered one of the greatest jazz pianists in the 20th and 21st centuries. The programme featured a premiere performance of Johnny Summers and Greg Baker's arrangement of Peterson's Canadiana Suite.

The eight pieces in Canadiana Suite represent various cities and regions throughout Canada, spanning east to west. In "Peterson, Oscar" in The Canadian Encyclopedia by Betty Nygaard King, Canadiana is Peterson's best-known work. The Canadiana Suite album was recorded in 1964.

Bob Erlendson opened "Ballad to the East" with a sensitive and lyrical jazz piano solo. Johnny Summers on trumpet, Rubim de Toledo on bass and Greg Baker on drums also performed solos.

"Place St. Henri" is a catchy number that captures the hustle and bustle of Montreal, where Peterson grew up. Dr. Jeremy Brown (saxophone) and Johnny Summers (trumpet) delivered rapid-fire solos that spanned the entire range of their respective instruments. Once again, Greg Baker matched their virtuosic velocity on drums.

"March Past", an upbeat number brought Canadiana to an end. This featured lightning fast solos on piano, bass, sax and trumpet. Other numbers in Canadiana Suite that were performed were "Laurentide Waltz", "Hogtown Blues", "Wheatland" and "Land of the Misty Giants".

At the end of the programme, Greg Baker called out the encore. "Can the drummer do that?" asked Johnny Summers. The audience shuffled back to hear a relaxing rendition of "Easy Does It" from the Oscar Peterson Trio's album Night Train.

The audience responded with cheers, applause and gasps of amazement throughout the concert. At the conclusion of the evening, the audience rose quickly to give the CJO a standing ovation.

About the Calgary Jazz Orchestra

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra is a sixteen-member jazz band that was founded in 2004. Gerry Hebert, Rich Harding, Dr. Jeremy Brown, Shane Statz and Sarah Matheson make up the saxophone section. Johnny Summers, Kim Beachum, Gordon Wilhelm and Al Muirhead play trumpet. Jim Scott, Carsten Rubeling, Mike Thomas and Dave Reid form the trombone section. The rhythm section is comprised of Bob Erlendson on piano, Rubim de Toledo on bass and Greg Baker on drums.

The band arrangements for this programme were by Johnny Summers and Greg Baker. The CJO is directed by Johnny Summers.

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra got the 2010-11 season off to a rousing start with The Music of Charles Mingus and Oscar Peterson on Sunday, September 26, 2010. The performance was filled with rapid-fire solos and "crunchy" harmonies.

This concert review was originally published on Suite101.com . All rights are reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Concert Review of CJO's Romance Concert

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra performed a selection of popular love songs on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at River Park Church. Calgary, Alberta. The programme featured t

he music of Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Diana

Krall and more.

Special guests included Johanna Sillanpaa and members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

The E.P. Scarlett Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Jonathan Bell, kicked things off with a Duke Ellington classic, "Moon over Cuba." This lively number featured the clarinet, piano and trombone. This was followed by "Jitterbug Waltz" by Fats Waller, which featured the vibraphone, piano and drums.

Members of the Calgary Philharmonic Join the CJO for an Evening of Romance

"The music is all over the map," said Calgary Jazz Orchestra Director Johnny Summers at the start of the first set. This was the first CJO concert that included a string octet, comprised of members from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

The first song performed was the love theme from Superman, "Can You Read My Mind", composed by John Williams. A cymbal roll swelled dramatically until the rest of the ensemble came in. The strings played the head, while the piano, flutes and clarinets added flourishes here and there. Al Muirhead's trumpet solo was melodic and motivic.

Another highlight was "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green. Drummer Greg Baker sung this classic R & B hit. Dr. Jeremy Brown's saxophone solo looped and climbed, leading us higher and higher still, until Johnny Summers' trumpet solo came in, played in the high register. This gave way to Rich Harding's sax solo, which weaved around, leading us back to the final verse. This number garnered several whoops and cheers from the audience.

Before performing the final number in the first set, the CJO did a quick plug for the May concert, which will feature pop hits and favourites arranged by members of the Calgary Jazz Orchestra. Johnny Summers encouraged patrons to email, Facebook or Tweet the CJO with song requests.

Vocalist Johanna Sillanpaa joined Johnny Summers to sing "Exactly Like You" to close the set. This light-hearted number is one of the tracks on Johnny Summer's new CD, Piano Sessions Volume 1. The strings augmented the playful lines the duo weaved. This number featured impressive solos by Johnny Summers on trumpet and Egor Ukoloff on piano.

Two more songs were performed in the first set, including Paul McCartney's "My Valentine". Johanna Sillanpaa was featured in Gus Kahn's "Dream a Little Dream of Me".

The CJO Performs Classic Love Songs and Logs in Some FaceTime to Maui

Johnny Summers shared with the audience what a learning experience it was to write for strings at the concert's second half. He reminisced with CPO Concertmaster  Donovan Seidle about their student days at the University of Calgary.

Then, he tried to introduce the first number. However, various members of the CJO heckled him, describing it as "Great...slow...awful." On the other hand, Johnny described Jimmy McHugh's "It Had to Be You" as "one of the most romantic songs of all time."

The strings opened with a mysterious tremolos before the clarinets joined them. This number features solos by Kodi Hutchinson on bass and Shane Statz on sax. Despite Johnny's complaints over his cold, I'd have to say that it really injected more "oomph" to his lower vocal range.

One memorable moment from the second half was "You are So Beautiful", which featured Brian Walley on trombone. Several bars in, Johnny Summers stopped the performance to inquire where Brian's sweetheart was. When Brian replied, "In Maui," Johnny reached for an iPad and said, "Let's FaceTime her!"

Yours truly held the iPad in the front row so that Brian's fiancée could be serenaded. Special thanks to the gentleman who sat beside me who assisted me in positioning the iPad to give Karen a good view of Brian and the stage.

The CJO's Chet Baker cover of "My Funny Valentine" was dedicated to a couple in the audience who recently got engaged. This year's arrangement opened with a solo piano introduction. The rest of the ensemble came in layers. This lovely arrangement featured Johnny on vocals and trumpet as well as Egor Ukoloff on piano:

The second half of CJO's concert featured three more romantic songs, including Victor Young's "Beautiful Love" and Michael Buble's "Everything" (an audience member's request). Johanna Sillanpaa returned to the stage to sing Whiting & Moret's "He's Funny that Way".

About the Calgary Jazz Orchestra

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra is a 17 piece big band founded by Johnny Summers in 2004. This performance included Rich Harding, Keith O'Rourke, Dr. Jeremy Brown, Shane Statz and Sarah Matheson on saxophone. Johnny Summers, Jay Michalak, Gord Wilhelm and Al Muirhead comprise the trumpet section. Brian Walley, Dean Yeats, Tim Embree and Dave Reid from the trombone section.

The string section was comprised of Donovan Seidle, Diane Lane, Jeremy Gabbery and Melanie Leonard on violin; Carl Boychuk and Megan Singer on viola; while Andrea Case and David Morrisey filled out the octet on cello. Arrangements for "Romance" were written by Greg Baker and Johnny Summers.

The Calgary Jazz Orchestra and guests presented a delightful jazz concert on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at the River Park Church in Calgary, Alberta. The supportive audience began applauding even before the final song drew to a close and quickly stood up to give a standing ovation as soon as the last note was played. The addition of a string section welcome addition for audience members and CJO members, adding a refreshing spin on these classic love songs. All in all, a successful Calgary event.

Sherry Kennedy's Little Secret CD Release Concert

Calgary singer-songwriter Sherry Kennedy and friends delivered captivating and electric performances on February 7 and 8, 2013 at the Engineered Air Theatre in the EPCOR Centre for Performing Arts. The event was a CD Release Party to introduce Kennedy's latest album, Little Secret. The CD marks Kennedy's tenth and is her first country album to be released in Canada. Little Secret was recorded at Sound Control Studio in Nashville, TN and she worked with "Magic Man" Mark Moseley.

The CD Release Party also featured Calgary musicians Derek Stoll (bass/musical director), Dave Hamilton (electric guitar/acoustic guitar), Keith Day (keyboards), Gavin Sorochan (drums), Denis Dufresne (acoustic guitar/mandolin) and Barbara Olorenshaw (fiddle). Lisa Ryan, Gemira McClary, Maureen MacDonald and Chris Herard lent their talents as back up vocalists, while Artists Elite lit up the stage with some fancy footwork.

Healing Art of Music Foundation Bursary Recipient Irene Sommerville Performs at Little Secret CD Release Party

CBC Daybreak host Russell Bowers introduced a very special opening act to an appreciative audience, Irene Sommerville. She is the first recipient of a bursary offered by The Healing Art of Music Foundation.

Irene has been diagnosed with Rieger's Syndrome, which has presented her with several health challenges. It doesn't hold her back from pursuing her dreams. She delivered a confident performance of Big Deal and God Bless the Child, which was not only delightful to hear but also an inspiration to everyone in the theatre.

Sherry Kennedy Performs Country, Rock and Ballads at Little Secret's CD Release Party

One highlight of the evening was "Wild Night". This R & B number showed off how tight the ensemble was. Derek Stoll laid down some cool licks, while Gavin Sorochan got into the driving grooves on drums. On stage left, some really neat call and response action was happening between David Hamilton and CCMA Award winner Denis Dufresne. That gave Sherry Kennedy and her back up vocalists free rein to really cut loose with the driving melodies.

Written by renowned country songwriter Richard Fagan, "Here After" is a catchy two-step. It topped the country music charts in Denmark on New Year's. I wouldn't be surprised if it makes the country music charts here in Canada.

Sherry shared with the audience how incredible she found the experience of working with some of the people in Nashville to record Little Secret. She then expressed her appreciation of the musicians who shared the stage with her at the CD release. "I am honoured to be with these players tonight," she said. "They are my 'Sweet Inspiration' ." At the song title, the band launched into this 1968 soul hit single, which featured a funky mandolin solo from Denis.

The ensemble performed another three songs in the first half of the show. "Think of Me" is a toe-tapping two-step. "The Legend of Rainbow Powers", is a ballad inspired by one of the "characters" from Sherry's hometown or Fort Macleod. They closed Part 1 with "Sugar in My Bowl".

Don't Touch Me, Please - Music Video World PremiereFeatured at Little Secret CD Release Party

The second half of the show opened with the "Don't Touch Me, Please" music video world premiere. Shot in Turner Valley, Alberta, the video showcases the breathtaking beauty of rural Alberta in the winter as well as the velvety warmth of Sherry's tone. The refrain contains a beautiful earworm that stuck in mind's of several audience members for hours after the show.

For the second half of the show, Sherry and her back-up singers changed from svelte black to fiery red outfits. This marked a switch to more songs about love and passion.

Dancers from Artists Elite two-stepped, teased and twirled on-stage to "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean". Keith Day set the keys on fire during his keyboard solo.

Another highlight was "Do You Love Him". This steamy blues number was written by Sherry Kennedy. The back up vocalists crooned beautifully in support of Sherry's passionate melody.

Part Two featured four more songs, including a rousing' performance of "Sisters Are Doing it for Themselves", "If Only" and the title track, "Little Secret". For an encore, Sherry performed "Don't Touch Me, Please". This featured some wonderfully melancholy strains from Dave and Denis on guitar.

Staging and synchronization was top notch for the show. What you didn't see were the looks of pleasure on the musicians' faces as they enjoyed the music they made together - the little smiles, the nods and looks of appreciation after a well-played lick. You missed how Barbara Olorenshaw improvised beautifully in more than the four songs that called for fiddle and how electrifying the synergy was amongst all the musicians. It was a great show.

About Sherry Kennedy

Sherry Kennedy is a Calgary-based songwriter, recording artist, entertainer, actress and vocal coach with over 20 years in the music business. She's a versatile performer. From musical theatre to jazz, and from R & B to country, Sherry enjoys performing in these diverse musical styles and more.

Her music has been played in over 15 countries and she has been on music charts in Europe for over 15 years. Sherry has toured 12 countries, including Australia, Norway, Japan and the USA.

About The Healing Art of Music Foundation Calgary

An avid painter, Sherry Kennedy has merged her two passions in 2011 with the establishment of The Healing Art of Music Foundation. She has worked with musicians from all walks of life, some, like Irene Sommerville, have blossomed against adversity due to the impact of music. "My intention is to use the knowledge, passion and the skills that I have to assist anyone with the desire to experience the "magic" of music," says Sherry on her website.

Sherry Kennedy's paintings have garnered commercial success. Proceeds from her artwork go towards running the HAMF.

Sherry Kennedy's newest CD, Little Secret is available on CD Baby and iTunes: