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Volume 25 Issue 7 - April 2020

  • Text
  • Violin
  • Musical
  • Performing
  • Concerto
  • Jazz
  • Theatre
  • Symphony
  • Arts
  • Toronto
  • April
After some doubt that we would be allowed to go to press, in respect to wide-ranging Ontario business closures relating to COVID-19, The WholeNote magazine for April 2020 is now on press, and print distribution – modified to respect community-wide closures and the need for appropriate distancing – starts Monday March 30. Meanwhile the full magazine is right here, digitally, so if you value us PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK AS WIDELY AS YOU CAN. It's the safest way for us to reach the widest possible audience at this time!

MAXIM LUCA BORTNOWSKI

MAXIM LUCA BORTNOWSKI The Artist: Julian Anderson-Bowes, bassist The Event: Weekly residence at The Rex during the month of April The Project: A trio, with guitarist Sam Dickinson and drummer Anthony Daniel, and a quartet, with keyboardists Chris Pruden and Yunjin Claire Lee, and drummer Eric West. Contact details: www.instagram.com/nakedcatzz Newness and risk in the unique space provided by The Rex: “Both of these projects are brand new. I was inspired to pursue the trio project with Sam and Anthony after we played a session together a few weeks ago. Anthony is actually my roommate, and he had just returned from a short vacation in New York City, jumping right into a jam with Sam and me. I think everyone was super energized that day – I recorded a couple tunes on my phone and I was taken in by the interaction and the way we were navigating standards together. “The other project is something that has been percolating in my mind for quite some time. I wanted to put together a group that would give me a chance to play electric bass and zone in on composing and improvising using electronics. Chris, Eric and I have logged a lot of hours playing together – there is a lot of trust and openness there, which makes it easy to take risks. I’m really excited to have Yunjin involved in this as well – we’ve played a handful over the years and I always feel very present when I play with her, I think because she is incredibly in the moment with her music-making.” Inspiration and the Toronto music community: “I feel proud and lucky to be part of a community that’s filled with so many talented and interesting people! I basically never feel short of inspiration as long as I’m present and open to what’s going on around me here in Toronto. Maybe this is a nice chance to say thank you to all my fellow artists who are so committed to creating and bettering themselves. You really keep me going!” The Artist: Meghan Gilhespy, vocalist (and U of T DMA student) The Event: Doctoral recital, U of T The Project: An ongoing duo project with guitarist Patrick O’Reilly Contact details: www.meghangilhespy.com, www.instagram.com/ meghangilhespy, www.meghangilhespy.bandcamp.com Performing with O’Reilly: “My most recent gigs have all been duo with [O’Reilly], and so was this recital. We recorded at Desert Fish Studios back in the fall, and this recital was going to be a lot of that music. Some of my compositions, some Messiaen and some pop music. We like to do Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You.” The impact of social distancing on academic life and music education: “I am a Resident Massey College Fellow, and because of social distancing I am moving out. I can’t teach my ensemble anymore (you Julian Anderson-Bowes Meghan Gilhespy can’t teach jazz online, man). The libraries are closed which affects my work a great deal. I’m not someone who works from home, so U of T closing has been real rough in terms of researching and writing right now. I was hoping to obtain candidacy by the end of this term, and that doesn’t look like it can happen now.” On dealing with the unique demands of self-isolation: “Academics exist in their heads. We are asked to think all the time, and we have to produce. This is similar to artists – we have to create, and also live in/with/alongside our own thoughts. It can be torturous! At this time I’m trying to not feel burdened with the need to produce work, and grapple with my thoughts. I’m baking a lot. I am profoundly committed to laughter and comedy – I think that one can take their work seriously and still laugh about it. So I’m trying to make people laugh right now.” The Artists: Rob Clutton, bassist, and Pete Johnston, bassist The Event: A double-CD release at The Array Space, for Clutton’s new album Counsel of Primaries and Johnston’s new album False Ghost, Minor Fears, sponsored by the Toronto Jazz Festival Special Projects Fund The Projects: The Rob Clutton Trio, with Clutton, drummer Nick Fraser and saxophonist Karen Ng, and the Johnston-led See Through 4, with Johnston, Ng, Fraser and pianist Marilyn Lerner. Contact details (Clutton): www.robclutton.com, www.bandcamp.com/robclutton Contact details (Johnston): www.petejohnstonmusic.com, www.all-set.bandcamp.com VINCENT LIM D. In the Clubs (Mostly Jazz) Emmet Ray, The 924 College St. 416-792-4497 theemmetray.com (full schedule) All shows: No cover/PWYC Grossman’s Tavern 379 Spadina Ave. 416-977-7000 grossmanstavern.com (full schedule) All shows: No cover (unless otherwise noted). Hirut Cafe and Restaurant 2050 Danforth Ave. 416-551-7560 hirut.ca Home Smith Bar – See Old Mill, The Hugh’s Room 2261 Dundas St. W 416 533 5483 hughsroom.com All shows at 8:30pm unless otherwise noted. See website for individual show prices. Jazz Bistro, The 251 Victoria St. 416-363-5299 jazzbistro.ca (full schedule) Jazz Room, The Located in the Huether Hotel, 59 King St. N., Waterloo. 226-476-1565 kwjazzroom.com (full schedule) Attendees must be 19+. Cover charge varies (generally -$25) Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas St. W. 416-588-0307 lula.ca (full schedule) Manhattans Pizza Bistro & Music Club 951 Gordon St., Guelph 519-767-2440 manhattans.ca (full schedule) Mezzetta Restaurant 681 St. Clair Ave. W. 416-658-5687 mezzettarestaurant.com (full schedule) Monarch Tavern 12 Clinton St. 416-531-5833 themonarchtavern.com (full schedule) N’awlins Jazz Bar & Dining 299 King St. W. 416-595-1958 nawlins.ca All shows: No cover/PWYC. Nice Bistro, The 117 Brock St. N., Whitby. 905-668-8839 nicebistro.com (full schedule) Live jazz and dinner, .00 per person. Dinner from 6pm and music from 7pm to 9pm. Old Mill, The 21 Old Mill Rd. 416-236-2641 oldmilltoronto.com (full schedule) The Home Smith Bar: No reservations. No cover. food/drink minimum. All shows: 7:30-10:30pm unless otherwise listed. Only Café, The 972 Danforth Ave. 416-463-7843 theonlycafe.com (full schedule) Pilot Tavern, The 22 Cumberland Ave. 416-923-5716 thepilot.ca All shows: 2:30pm. No cover. Poetry Jazz Café 224 Augusta Ave. 416-599-5299 poetryjazzcafe.com (full schedule) 44 | April 2020 thewholenote.com

E. The ETCeteras Reposado Bar & Lounge 136 Ossington Ave. 416-532-6474 reposadobar.com (full schedule) Reservoir Lounge, The 52 Wellington St. E. 416-955-0887 reservoirlounge.com (full schedule). Revolucion, La 2848 Dundas St. W. (416) 766-0746 larevto.com (full schedule) Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar, The 194 Queen St. W. 416-598-2475 therex.ca (full schedule) Call for cover charge info. Salty Dog Bar & Grill, The 1980 Queen St. E. 416-849-5064 thesaltydog.ca (full schedule) “Pete & Rob” drawing by M. Randi Helmers Johnston, on the significance of the show and the musical community it celebrates: “This is a record release show for debut albums by new groups, for both Rob and me. Each member has played together in various combinations over the years (even Rob and I have a duo double bass record), but these are the first recordings from these permutations of people. Rob and Nick have played together in many projects over the last two decades including Drumheller, the Ryan Driver Sextet and the Nick Fraser Quartet. Karen has been on many records of mine with See Through 5 and See Through Trio. Nick and Marilyn play together in the Ugly Beauties (with Matt Brubeck). So it’s a bit of a celebration of long-term relationships and the cohesion of the left-field jazz scene in Toronto.” Johnston, on supporting the Tranzac, one of Toronto’s most important independent music venues: “Rob and I both play frequently at the Tranzac, which is a crucial home for creative music in Toronto. Tranzac is a not-for-profit venue that runs on memberships and bar sales. Without the regular income generated by shows there, they will soon be in trouble. It would be great for your readers to know that if they want the Tranzac to continue to exist, it would be good to purchase or renew memberships. The importance of this venue cannot be overstated, and we need it to stay strong for years to come. Purchasing a membership is an easy way to help them out from afar, so that when the dust settles we can get back to making and listening to music in this beloved space.” Colin Story is a jazz guitarist, writer and teacher based in Toronto. He can be reached at www.colinstory.com, on Instagram and on Twitter. Sauce on Danforth 1376 Danforth Ave. 647-748-1376 sauceondanforth.com All shows: No cover. The Senator Winebar 249 Victoria St 416 364-7517 thesenator.com (full schedule) Tranzac 292 Brunswick Ave. 416-923-8137 tranzac.org (full schedule) 3-4 shows daily, various styles, in three different performance spaces. Mostly PWYC. Clubs & Groups ❍❍Apr 19 2:00: Classical Music Club Toronto. Beethoven 250 (Part 4). Join us for our ongoing project to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. Visit classicalmusicclubtoronto.org or contact John Sharpe at 416-898-2549 or torontoshi@sympatico.ca. Annual membership: $25(regular); (sr/st). Free for first-time visitors. Donations accepted for refreshments. ❍❍Apr 20 7:30: Toronto Wagner Society. Stephan Bondfield: A Presentation on The Flying Dutchman. Arts and Letters Club, 14 Elm St. torontowagnersociety.ca. Free(members); (non-members). Competitions & Applications ✖✖Apr 01: International Resource Centre for Performing Artists. Encounter with Theodore Baerg. Baritone Theodore Baerg will work as a mentor with ten singers and Rachel Andrist (piano) offering each singer suggestions on artistic skills and providing valuable career information and guidance, stressing the need for professionalism and striving for excellence. Venue: TBA. Offered at no cost to the singers. Application forms and information available at ircpa.net. Application deadline: Apr 1 at 5pm EDT. POSTPONED. Films ❍❍Apr 06 7:30: Toronto Theatre Organ Society. Silent Film - The Doll. Live improvised accompaniment on a 1928 pipe organ. William O’Meara, organ. Roncesvalles United Church, 240 Roncesvalles Ave. For info: 416-499-6262 or ttos.ca. /(adv). ❍❍Apr 27: 7:30: Show One Productions/ Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Anna Karenina – Vakhtangov State Academic Theatre of Russia. Directed by choreographer Anzelica Cholina, this multiple award-winning Vakhtangov Theatre production of Anna Karenina tells the story of Tolstoy’s classic novel entirely in contemporary dance. Music by Alfred Schnittke. In Russian with English subtitles. Running time: 2 hours 15 min with one intermission. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St., Richmond Hill. 416- 737-6785 or info@showoneproductions.ca. .50. Galas, Tributes & Fundraisers ❍❍Apr 03 10:00: Burlington Symphony Orchestra. Comedy Show and After Party. An evening of fun and laughter. All proceeds go to the Burlington Symphony Orchestra. Club 54 Nightclub, 3345 Harvester Rd., Burlington. For info and tickets visit burlingtonsymphony.ca. . ❍❍Apr 04 12:30: Recollectiv. A unique musical group whose members are mainly made up of people affected by memory challenges (caused by dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, PTSD, brain injury, etc.). Volunteers of all ages also form part of the band, making this a positive intergenerational experience for all participants. Recollectiv’s mission is to help people with memory challenges find joy and a sense of community through music-making. The band meets weekly at a central accessible location and is free with pre-registration. For more information, to participate, volunteer or donate, please visit recollectiv.ca or call Smile Theatre at 416-599-8440. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. Free/PWYC. Also Apr 11, 18, 25, May 2. ✖✖Apr 04 7:00: Echo Women’s Choir. 2nd Annual Folking Awesome Music Trivia Night. Specially designed for music lovers of all ages, this fun evening will challenge your upper register (your brain)! Echo challenges all other Toronto choirs to send a team to compete! Evening includes complimentary snacks, cash bar, great prizes + bragging rights for the winners! Russel Harder, host and quiz master. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave., Main Hall. echochoir-music-trivia-2020. eventbrite.ca. Info: echowomenschoir.ca. ; (team table of 4). POSTPONED. ❍❍Apr 05 2:00: Transitions Jazz/Alzheimer Society/Recollectiv. Remember the Music. Proceeds to the Alzheimer Society and Recollectiv. Tranzitionz Jazz Band; Jasmine Bailey, Sam Broverman, Ilana Waldston, vocalists; University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra. Laura Fernandez, emcee. Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles St. W. For tickets visit rememberthemusicconcert.com. $25; (st). ❍❍Apr 15 7:30: Toronto Chamber Choir. The Language of Love – Spring Fundraiser. The TCC celebrates the 6th year of our section lead program by offering an intimate recital of airs de cour, French courtly airs with lute accompaniment. Cool aesthetic classicism mixes with tender emotion as the young Consort singers transform Heliconian Hall into an elegant Parisian salon. Lucas Harris will also give a sneak preview of programming for the following season. NOTE: No tickets are required for this event, but you must reserve a place on the guest list by visiting torontochamberchoir.ca/aboutus/season-info. An appeal will be made for donations to support the Consort Program. Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. ❍❍Apr 18 8:00: Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra. Annual Fundraising Concert and Silent Auction. Elgar: Cello Concerto in e (Mvmts 1 & 2); Saint-Saëns: The Carnival of the Animals; Piazzolla/Volkov: Libertango; Glinka: Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila; Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos.3 & 4. Samantha Yang, cello; Ken Gee, piano; Norman Reintamm, piano/ conductor. P.C. Ho Theatre, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough. 416-879-5566 or cathedralbluffs.com. -; -(sr/st); free(under 12). ❍❍Apr 19 1:30: Classical Music Conservatory. Music for a Cause: Benefit Concert for the David Suzuki Foundation. An eclectic mix of classical, folk and rock music! Sarah-Jane MacCaull and Aimee Claxton, vocalists; Mark Andrews, accompanist; Brandon Wall, guitar; Eslin McKay and Iain McKay, violin & fiddling; and others. A fabulous bake table will be available at intermission. Roncesvalles United Church. 240 Roncesvalles Ave. For information or tickets, call 416-537-5995 or cmccanada.com. ; (sr/st/child). All proceeds to the David Suzuki Foundation. ✖✖Apr 19 3:00: Toronto City Opera. Il Giubilo: From Sicily to Toronto - A Celebration of Culture and Music. Fundraising concert followed by food, wine and silent auction. Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana (excerpts); Classical Italian folk pieces. Ana Toumine and Lauren thewholenote.com April 2020 | 45

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Volumes 11-15 (2004-2010)

Volumes 6 - 10 (2000 - 2006)

Volumes 1-5 (1994-2000)