For the past couple of years, the Legion has been the place to be on Sunday afternoons to enjoy live jazz and blues music played by Salt Spring’s many talented musicians and singers.
Organized by the Salt Spring Jazz and Blues Society, the sessions highlight jazz or blues on alternating Sundays.
This Sunday, Sept. 22 sees an extra special event in the blues slot when the Second Annual Newman Fund Concert features Bert’s Blooze Banned with guest vocalist Sue Newman and saxophonist Monik Nordine.
Bert’s Blooze Banned members — Bert Hollingsworth on guitar and vocals, Frank Heuther on keyboards, Atom Lazare on drums and Tracey Whitelaw on bass — will lead the show, with Newman and Nordine also performing. Newman’s brothers Bruce Eason and Paul Newman will join Sunday’s concert for a few tunes, playing keys and bass, respectively.
Ticket proceeds go into the Newman Fund, which supports Salt Spring’s music programs in memory of Sue Newman’s parents Ray and Virginia Newman, well-known performing artists on the island. The fund was established soon after Ray’s death in 1999. Virginia died in 2013.
Last year approximately $2,000 was raised for the Newman Fund at the concert and disbursed to Salt Spring school music programs.
Nordine, who is well known in the jazz world across Canada and also plays internationally, was first mentored by Ray Newman when she was in high school and they would also join each other’s jazz gigs.
Sue Newman is the classic “triple threat” performer, with talents in music, dance and acting seen on Salt Spring Island and well beyond. She also carries on the Newman Family Productions tradition of presenting Christmas With Scrooge.
Tickets for Sunday’s show cost $15 for jazz and blues society members and $20 for non-members. Advance tickets are at Mondo & Company in Ganges.
Donations of any size to the fund are also welcomed at the Legion event, or by etransfer to SaltspringNewmanFund@gmail.com.
Earlier in the day, musicians are welcome to check out Monik’s Big Band in a Barn, a new band led by Nordine meeting at Meaden Hall beginning at noon.