Hello All!
As I sit down to write this newsletter to you there is a beautiful snowfall; a perfect setting because 11 years ago today my husband drove me through a snowstorm to the hospital where hours later we welcomed our second daughter Beatrice into the world. We gave her the middle name "Neve" which comes from the Latin word for snow. In Irish, Neve means bright and radiant - two adjectives that suit her perfectly.
February can seem like a dark month but my girls have brought me so much light in its first six days. Particularly as we watched the Grammys together on the weekend. Watching my children grow from babies into kids into teens is bittersweet but seeing their appreciation of music evolve has been amazing! All three love to sing so during each performance of the awards ceremony I had a live concert in my living room as the girls sang along to the big hits. My youngest couldn't wait for "Stevie" to take the stage. She's been learning more about Stevie Wonder's music at school which I think explains why they are now on a first name basis.
As we know February is Black History Month. I live in awe of the legends of jazz and filled with gratitude for this genre of music that has become such a fundamental part of my life. The innovation of jazz is inextricably linked with the talents of the Black community. There is so much to learn about how the music grew from traditions brought together from cultures around the world. The power of music to provide a means to express the human experience - strife, grief, joy, celebration, etc makes music one of life's greatest gifts. We don't have to be in school to continue learning, I hope we can all take time this month to explore Black history and increase our awareness of the past. On their website Jazz.FM91 has published wonderful article to get you started "Black Canadians Who Shaped the World of Jazz"
I have some fun gigs ahead in the upcoming weeks. Here's the info! |
Saturday Night Swing - February 8th! |
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There's snow outside but the dance floor at the Dovercourt House is hot!
This Saturday I'll be playing with The Choice Cuts for Swing Toronto's dance at 805 Dovercourt House. We play three sets of between 7:30-10:30pm. Don't forget they have a free lesson at 6pm before our live music so you can learn the moves!
The cover is $20 or $15 for students.
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Reid's Distillery Concert Series - March 5 |
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My trio returns to Reid's Distillery as part of the concert series. Reid's is a charming and unique venue where along with live music you can enjoy their hand-crafted cocktails made at their on-site distillery . Joining me on the piano is Matt Newton and Gord Mowat on the bass.
As a local, I love that Reid's is a bringing jazz out to the east end of Toronto at 32 Logan Ave.
Please purchase the $10 tickets in advance as walk-in tickets are $15.
For a reservation call 416-465-4444. |
Singing with the Pop Shoppe |
On February 28th Young Voices Toronto, a beloved youth choir, is holding a fundraising concert - The Pop Shoppe. They have created a super fun program for their incredible singers which includes fantastic choral versions of pop songs along with solo and duo performances from choir members! I'll be the EmCee for the evening and adding in a few of my own songs too. Such a pleasure to be asked to be part of this thriving choir that shapes the voices of the next generation. The concert begins at 8pm at The Assembly Hall (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive in Etobicoke.) |
The Boys of Summer at The Old Mill - April 4 |
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Way back in 2018 I created a show celebrating the music of 1960s legends like The Beach Boys, The Monkees, The Doors and other sunshine artists like Carlos Jobim, Chick Corea and more. I'm excited to bring back this night of jazz and pop once again!
Our show on April 4th is at The Old Mill in Toronto. Reservations are highly recommended. The doors open at 6pm for dinner and the music begins at 8pm. Tickets cost $20. Please contact The Old Mill at diningroom@oldmilltoronto.com or call 416.207.2020.
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Other Upcoming Shows:
Sunday, February 16th: Jazz Vespers of Love 4:00pm St. Christopher's 662 Guelph Line, Burlington
Thank you as always for supporting my music! Hope to see you soon at a show!
www.shannonbutcher.com |
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