Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo Artist in residence for 2018/19

We are excited to announce that Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo will be our artist in residence for the 2018/19 academic year. Kofi is a renowned educator and musician from Dzodze, Ghana. He will be teaching and sharing music and dance from the Ewe people and collaborating with students and faculty on new music. This residency continues an ongoing relationship with Kofi and the Nunya Music Academy which has seen Cap students raising funds and equipment to send to Ghana.

Alumni feature: Sara Kim and Mili Hong

Vocalist, composer, and bandleader, Sara Kim and drummer, Mili Hong are Capilano Jazz Studies graduates making waves in Vancouver and Montreal by blending music from their Korean culture with jazz and other musical forms.
Check out this feature video...

A Universal Language from Taehoon Kim on Vimeo.

Photos from Narwhal concert, Nov 28

Narwhal is a mixed vocal/instrumental ensemble at Capilano University.
The group focuses on student compositions and arrangements as well as collaborations with composers and players from a wide variety of musical styles and genre.

photo by Vincent Lim

Recent Cap Jazz grads, Sara Kim (voice) and Mili Hong (drums) were special guests this semester as we explored a large ensemble version of Sara's Watermill Project: fusions between Korean folk music, jazz, and rock.

Audio and video recording are on the way!


Following photos by Tae Hoon.
Full photo album can be viewed here:  https://flic.kr/s/aHsksgUpeA

Spotlight on recent grad: Natasha D'Agostino

Check out a great video featuring recent Cap Jazz grad, Natasha D'Agostino.

Thanks to Tae Hoon Kim for putting this together!

Massive Cap Jazz presence at 2017 Vancouver International Jazz Festival

The good people at Coastal Jazz and Blues Society put on one of the most important and largest jazz festivals in the world.  Cap students, faculty and alumni always play a big role, but this year we are especially well represented.  

students Natasha D'Agostino & Jessica Toplak
photo by Laura Dunfield

Hope everyone has a great gig!

Cap students and alumni in the 2017 Vancouver Jazz Festival
Allan Johnston
Ben Frost
Bernie Arai
Brent Gubbels
Bruno Hubert
Cary Campbell
Carman Carman J. Price
Cat Toren
Chris Fraser
Colin Maskell
Cory Weeds
Dan Gaucher
Dave David Sikula
David Blake
Dean Edward Thiessen
Eli Davidovici
Elliot Fanglord
Emma Postl
Gavin Youngash
Geoff Claridge
Gordon Grdina
Jack Duncan
Jen Hodge
Jesse Zubot
Jesus Jesus Adrian Caballero
Jon Bentley
Jonny Tobin
Josh Roberts
Kelly Brown
Kristian Naso
Leo Bae
Lou Mastroianni
Lyle Hopkins
Lyle Marc Isbister
Marcus Abramzik
Marc Rogers
Matthew Smith
Mike WT Allen
Miles Wong
Mili Hong
Natasha D'Agostinoo
Nikko Whitworth
Paul Rushka
Ridley Bishop
Sara Kim
Saul Alviar
Sharon Minemoto
Thad Bailey-Mai
Thomas Hoeller
Thomas Houlden
Trevor Whitridge

Cap Faculty Members in the 2017 Vancouver Jazz Festival
André Lachance
Bill Coon
Kate Hammett-Vaughn
Brad Turner
Chad Makela
Darren Radtke
Dave Robbins
Dennis Esson
Dylan van der Schyff
Jared Burrows
Laurence Mollerup
Mike Allen
Ron Samworth
Craig Scott
Steve Kaldestad

Cap Jazz concert raises $1100 for Nunya Academy

The benefit concert on April 21 for Nunya Academy was a great success! Wonderful music and great support from our audience.  We were able to raise $1100 which will go directly to helping build the school in Dzodze, Ghana.  Thanks to Adanu Habobo ensemble and all of the Cap U students that performed.

Tae Hoon, a photographer for Capilano U, has posted some great pictures on his flicker site here:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskVNAUVL

Ambrose Akinmusire performs with A Band and Nitecap

Brilliant young trumpeter and composer, Ambrose Akinmusire, performed as guest artist with A Band and Nitecap on March 31. Ambrose also spent some time giving a workshop to the Jazz Studies students.  What a great musician and lovely person!

Cap Jazz Alumni and Faculty WIN Junos 2017.

An update from some of the previous news posts on Juno awards...

Alumna, Bria Skonberg won the Juno for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for her album, Bria.  Fellow Cap alum, Evan Arntzen plays on the recording.

Faculty member, Brad Turner, won Jazz Album of the Year as part of the band, Metalwood, for their album, Twenty.

Congratulations!

CBC coverage of Hugh Fraser Benefit show at Capilano U

CBC coverage of Hugh Fraser Benefit show at Capilano U:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/hugh-fraser-jazz-fundraiser-1.3924741

Hugh Fraser

Cap Jazz Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Junos

Several Cap Jazz alumni and a faculty member have been nominated for Juno awards.
See David Ball's  article in the Metro newspaper:

http://www.metronews.ca/news/vancouver/2017/04/02/capilano-jazz-nets-numerous-nods-at-junos-this-weekend.html

Cap alumna, Bria Skonberg

Cap Jazz Program in the News

Here's a nice article in the North Shore News about our program.

http://www.nsnews.com/entertainment/music/capilano-university-prepares-students-for-the-jazz-life-1.12851908

Grant Stewart Trio at Cap U Sept 28.

NYC saxophonist, Grant Stewart and his trio (Paul Sivikie, bass, and Philip Stewart, drums) are visiting Capilano U Jazz Studies Dept.to give a concert and workshop on Wednesday, Sept 28.  11:30am until about 12:50pm, room Fir 113,  Free admission.

“Grant is one of the most innovative musicians still carrying on the tradition of jazz, which encompasses bebop, swing and a little avant garde.” Lou Donaldson

“Grant is one of the brightest, gifted players I’ve heard and had on my bandstand. He can only do good-he’s got a long, brilliant career ahead of him.” George Coleman

Itamar Erez Adama Ensemble

Capilano Jazz Studies Lunch Bag Concert Series 
(scroll down the page for complete listings of upcoming events)

September 22, 2016
11:30am-1:00pm
Room Fir 113, North Vancouver Campus.

Free admission but very limited space, so arrive early!

Itamar Erez - piano & guitar
Francois Houle - clarinet
Laurence Mollerup - bass
Liam MacDonald - drums
Nick Apivor- vibes & marimba

Itamar’s music blends the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz and the passion of flamenco, creating a unique sound all his own. He has released two CDs with his quartet The Adama Ensemble, “Desert Song” (2006) and “Hommage” (2010), and has shared the stage with such musicians as Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tomatito, Avishai Cohen, Jean-Louis Matinier, Zohar Fresco, and others.

Jazz Studies Dept. Events for Fall 2016

Have a look at our lineup of great musical events for Fall 2016.
Members of the public are always welcome at all of our lunch time concerts and evening shows.
Come back to the blog for more detail on  events as they get closer in the calendar.

Sept 7, 8pm, Presentation House.  $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Len Aruliah Quartet UK saxophonist leads band including Cap faculty and alumni.
Sept 14, 8pm, Presentation House.  $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Natasha D’Agostino Quintet Cap student vocalist leads band of Cap students and alumni in a concert of originals and standards
Sept 15,  7:30, Blueshore Theatre. Free admission for Cap students with ID.	Bill Evans Documentary screening plus Miles Black Trio performance. Featuring Cap jazz faculty Darren Radtke and Dave Robbins.
Sept 21, 8pm, Presentation House.  $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Jesus Caballero Band Drummer and Cap alumnus presents original tunes.
Sept 22, 11:30am-1:00pm, Fir 113. Free admission.	Itamar Erez Adama Ensemble Guitarist  Itamar Erez leads a band of top Vancouver players in a concert of original compositions influenced by jazz, classical, flamenco and Arabic music.
Sept 28, 11:30-1:00pm. Fir 113. Free admission.	Renowned NYC saxophonist Grant Stewart and his trio present a concert/workshop session.
Sept 28, 8pm, Presentation House.  $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Lyle Hopkins and Friends Cap alumnus, bass player, composer presents original tunes. Lyle recently returned from MMus studies in Oregon.
Oct. 3-8 Carlo Morena Residency Various times and locations at Cap. Free admission for Cap students.	Carlo Morena Residency Italian pianist , composer, and educator will coach students in combos, present workshops, and collaborate with faculty in various concerts.
Oct 5, 8pm, Presentation House $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Ben Frost’s Adanac Fine young trumpeter and composer presents original music with Jenny Xu (piano), Eli Davidovici (bass), Miles Wong (drums)
Oct 12, 8pm, Presentation House $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Van der Schyff/ Reed/ Clark/Burrows Improvised music with Vancouver veterans
Oct. 14, noon-1:30, Fir 113.  Free admission.	Samuel Blaser Quartet Berlin trombonist, Samuel Blaser, presents a concert and workshop with top NYC players.
Oct. 18, 11:30am-1:00pm in Fir 113. Free admission	Guitar/Bass Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble concert.
Oct 19, 8pm, Presentation House $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Jessica Toplak Band One of Vancouver’s finest young vocalists presents originals and cover tunes.
Oct. 20, 11:30am-1:00pm in Fir 113. Free admission	NARWHAL concert
Oct. 21, 11:30am-1:00pm in Fir 113. Free admission	B Band and C Band concert.
Oct. 24, 6:00-10:00pm.  Blueshore Theatre.  Free admission	3rd and 4th year Combos Concert
Oct 26, 8pm, Presentation House $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Nomads
Oct 27, 11:30-1:00, Fir 113. Free admission.	Donny McCaslin workshop.
Oct 28, 8:00pm, Blueshore Theatre. Tickets through box office.	Donny McCaslin  concert with A Band and Nitecap
Nov. 1, 11:30-1:00. Fir 113. Free admission.	Amanda Tosoff Band Toronto pianist and Cap alumna presents her music and a workshop.
Nov 9, 8pm, Presentation House.  $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Michael Vlatkovich Quintet Renowned LA trombonist leads a band of Vancouver and Seattle players in a concert of original compositions.
Nov 12, 8pm, Presentation House.  $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Thunder Lizard Funky jazz/rock organ trio with Jared Burrows (guitar), Nick Peck (organ), Joe Poole (drums)
Nov 16, 11:30-1:00. Fir 113 Free admission.	Ken Aldcroft Convergence Ensemble Toronto guitarist and bandleader presents a concert of improvised music plus Q&A session.
Nov 16, 8pm, Presentation House.  $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Ken Aldcroft Convergence Ensemble
Nov 17. 11:30-1:00. Fir 113 Free admission.	Rhythmic Music Ensemble Concert
Nov 21, 2:00-4:00. Fir 113. Free admission	Talk with record producer and jazz historian, Zev Feldman.
Nov 21 6:00-10:00pm.  Blueshore Theatre.  Free admission	3rd and 4th year Combos Concert
Nov 21, 8:00pm.  Tickets on Frankie’s website/at door	A Band at Frankie’s
Nov 22, 11:30am-1:00pm in Fir 113. Free admission	Guitar/Bass Ensemble concert.
Nov 23, 11:30am-1:00pm in Fir 113. Free admission	Percussion Ensemble concert.
Nov 23, 8pm, Presentation House.  $10 at the door. Free tea and cookies.	Aaron Andrada Band Cap alumnus and bass player, Aaron Andrada presents originals and standards.
Nov 24, 11:30am-1:00pm in Fir 113. Free admission	Hal Galper Trio Renowned NYC pianist and jazz educator presents a concert/workshop with his trio
Nov 25, 11:30-1:00. Fir 113 Free admission.	Capital Jazz Concert
Nov 29, 11:30-1:00. Fir 113 Free admission.	C Band and B Band Concert
Nov 29, 8:00pm, Blueshore Theatre Free admission.	NARWHAL concert
Nov 30, 11:30-1:00. Fir 113 Free admission.	Ineke VanDoorn Concert/workshop One of Europe’s top vocalists presents original music in duo with guitarist, Marc Van Vugt
Dec 2, 12:00-1:30. Fir 113 Free admission.	Nitecap and A Band concert
Dec 7, 8:00pm, Blueshore Theatre Free admission.	Capital Jazz Concert
Dec 8, 8:00pm, Blueshore Theatre Free admission.	C Band and B Band concert

Cap Jazz Grads Head for Grad School

Where do graduates go?  To graduate school of course! Well, at least some of them do.

Meghan Gilhespy (photo Vincent Lim)

We are very pleased that some of our highly skilled and hard working Cap Jazz grads have been accepted to graduate programs this year at some of North America's top music schools. MMus program provide an opportunity for musicians to refine their skills, expand their horizons, connect with peers from across the globe, and to develop a personal approach to their music. In many cases, they also provide opportunities to gain teaching and administrative experience, both of which will be very important in possible future careers in music education. We are extremely proud of all these fine musicians and wish them all the best for their future.

Leo Bae (piano, BMus 2015) will attend University of Oregon for his MMus is Jazz Studies.  Leo has been offered a teaching fellowship and full tuition waiver.
Meghan Gihespy (voice, BMus 2015) will attend the University of Toronto for her MMus in Jazz Studies.
Thomas Houlden (trumpet, BMus 2015) will also attend University of Toronto for his MMus in Jazz Studies.
Brent Mah (saxophone, BMus 2013) will attend Rutgers University (New Jersey) for his MMus in Jazz Studies. Brent has been offered a full tuition scholarship.
John Nicholson (saxophone, BMus 2015) will attend University of Toronto for his MMus in Jazz Studies.

Lyle Hopkins (photo Vincent Lim)

Other Cap Jazz grads currently attending graduate programs include:

Cary Campbell, Simon Fraser University, PhD  Arts Education
Daniel Hersog, New England Conservatory, MMus Jazz Studies
Lyle Hopkins, University of Oregon, MMus  Jazz Studies
Duncan Maunders, University of BC, MMus  Composition
Brittany Mielnichuk, University of Manitoba, MMus Choral Conducting

Thomas Houlden (photo ??)

Leo Bae (photo Vincent Lim)

John Nicholson (photo Vincent Lim)