Things are feeling jazzy over at the Rotary Centre for the Arts! From our Thursday night Jazz Jam to jazz performances in our Mary Irwin Theatre, jazz has always been a staple of entertainment at the RCA. This year, we’ve got plenty of events for those wanting to experience jazz or learn how to play it themselves.
After the success of our 2023 Summer Jazz Camp, we’re bringing a winter edition to you! Our new Winter Jazz Improv Camp (each Sunday from February 11 - 15) is tailored to individuals ages 13 and up (including adults) and is set in a highly collaborative and supportive environment. The camp will feature intensive workshops and personalized instruction focused on jazz improvisation and exploring repertoire set in numerous styles. Participants will hone their improvisational skills, understanding of harmony, theory, and overall personal expression enabling them to participate in the RCA Jazz Jams, or bring their skills to new heights. Your instructors, Craig Thompson, and Joe Auty, are excited to share their impressive jazz skills with you.
Craig is a Yamaha Artist Educator, Artistic Director, BC Interior Jazz Festival recipient of the 2013 Okanagan Musician of the Year and 2016 GWBOT Performing Arts Business of the Year. Joe Auty is a lead and jazz trumpet player who studied in both the US and Canada, notably at Indiana University. Joe has amassed a wide range of performance credits and accomplishments and has been a featured guest clinician, hosted workshops, adjudicated jazz ensembles, and coached, mentored, and taught private students of all ages and ability levels for decades.
Space is limited, register today!
Trying to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re spoiling your significant other, a close friend, or just someone special, whoever you love deserves the best! Skip the crowds on February 14 and join us on February 16 – we’re offering 25% off tickets for you and yours to see Sienna and Bill for an unbelievable night of jazz ballads with our “Palentine’s Day” discount.
Montreal-based, Juno-award-winning BC-raised vocalist and composer, Sienna Dahlen and Vancouver-based, Quebec City-raised guitarist and composer, Bill Coon, are bringing their newest collaborative album, “Balladextrous” to the RCA. Each track off this record has been described as "se balader", a French term meaning “to stroll, wander, or roam”. In a musical sense, this is what Sienna Dahlen and Bill Coon set out to create – music that flows effortlessly through time. The musical talent of Dahlen and Coon are unmatched when paired together, making this a jazz performance you won’t want to miss! Tickets are available here. Use code” pday2024” for 25% off your purchase of 2 tickets for you and your pal. We want to help you celebrate your love – no matter who it’s for.
Now entering its 13th year at the RCA, the Jazz Jam has been a staple in the Okanagan jazz scene that we can’t forget to mention. Hosted every Thursday at 5 PM in our Atrium by local musicians Craig Thomson and Stephen Buck, the jam is a night where local jazz players, both students and pros, perform some of the great jazz standards. We are proud to serve as a space where young musicians feel comfortable playing in front of a crowd and get to showcase their talents. The Jazz Jam is supported by your generous tips and donations. Tips donated help support the two annual RCA Jazz Jam Scholarships, offered by Craig Thomson and Stephen Buck in partnership with the Rotary Centre for the Arts. These scholarships are awarded to selected students who are continuing their musical studies at a post-secondary institution. Read more about the impact of these scholarships in our blog RCA's Jazz Jam Scholarship from January 2023.
Thank you to our community and patrons for helping keep jazz alive in the Okanagan! Be sure to follow the RCA to stay up to date on all our upcoming jazz events. Thank you to our Winter Jazz Camp sponsors, Yamaha and Wentworth Music.
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