Fine jazz puts Strand's on map, Sunday Sep 27

Although Invermere may be just a tiny dot on the cultural map of the Western world, we have, in the past, been host to some of the finest musicians performing today. And this coming Sunday, September 27th, will be no exception. Strand’s Restaurant will be showcasing the music of Mark DeJong, saxophonist, composer and band leader extraordinaire and the Outer Bridge Ensemble.

The group is a tight-knit framework of some of the finest musicians around. Their live shows bring the excitement, communication and nuance that is only possible after years of playing together. Members of the group are Steve Hudson – Keyboards, Simon Fisk – Bass, David Freeman – Percussion, Jerome Jennings – Drums and, of course, Mark DeJong — Sax.

Mark has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan and has shared the stage with such luminaries as Ray Charles, Rob McConnell, Lenny Pickett, Hugh Fraser, Kenny Wheeler and Sean Jones. An alumnus of the renowned Banff Jazz Orchestra Workshop, Mark is active as a performer, clinician and educator across Canada. He is known for “music that is exciting, thoughtful, and worthy of repeated listening”.

His CD “The Unknown” made its debut at number 1 on the jazz charts on CJSR in Edmonton, and spent 13 weeks in the top 10 on the Canadian campus and community radio jazz charts. It landed the # 2 spot in the top 20 for 2008 and has been nominated for 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards Jazz Album of the Year.

This will be a performance you won’t want to miss!

For reservations phone 250-342-6344. There is a $5 cover charge. Starts at 6:30pm on Sunday, September 27.