Sudden Va l ley Jazz by Osa Hale For a decade, the Sudden Valley Dance Barn has hosted creative minds, performers, and audiences. Now, in its tenth season of Sudden Valley Jazz, the cozy venue will welcome back several of the community’s favorite musicians from past seasons. The 2020 season opens on April 25 with Pearl Django, accompanied by Gail Pettis. Pearl Django is a troupe that is deeply inspired by the “Gypsy jazz” created by Django Reinhardt and
singer who critics describe as one of the most important musicians in the current generation of jazz in Cuba…and beyond. His solo appearance at the Dance Barn will feature a piano performance that is sure to be mesmerizing.
Named 2007 and 2010 Northwest Vocalist of the Year by Earshot Jazz Society, Gail Pettis’ rich, warm vocals and understated phrasing have been described as “deliciously soulful” by Cadence Magazine.
Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents including Carnegie Hall.
some of the most prestigious stages in the world. Her bright, unpredictable sound blends jazz and pop music to create songs that stick in your head and make your heart race. Biali’s show in Sudden Valley is a special stop in her West Coast tour; she will take a break from the large concert halls for a more intimate evening. Her set will likely include soulful classics as well as some of her own original songs.
The passion, inspiration and melodious sound you savor when you have the privilege of experiencing Josephine Howell perform is birthed from a life of challenging struggles and immense victories.
Pearl Django is one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style bands today.
Stephane Grappelli. This genre, also known as “hot club jazz,” takes the brass and drums out of the jazz ensemble and introduces a highly rhythmic guitar to serve as the heartbeat of the music. Pearl Django uses this lively style in an impressive repertoire that includes Gypsy jazz standards, traditional classics, and original compositions. The deft string work of Pearl Django is well suited to pair with the vocal stylings of Gail Pettis. Her rich, soulful singing has enchanted audiences throughout the country. The crowd at the Dance Barn can expect to be more than idle listeners; Pettis is known to involve the audience. As she sings, her warmth and openness is impossible to resist. The next performance in the 2020 Sudden Valley Jazz Season will be on May 16. Jorge Luis Pacheco hails from Cuba, and is globally recognized for his “flying hands.” Pacheco is a mega-talented pianist, composer, percussionist, and
After a summer break, the jazz Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Jorge Luis Pacheco is one of the leading pianists of the new generation of jazz. will be back on September 26 with Josephine Howell. Howell has been singing since childhood, and she has been The first three shows of the season will performing with her band for more than begin at 3pm on their respective dates. 12 years. Drawing from a well of faith The final show will begin at 2pm, and will and compassion, she sings to inspire and finish up in time for the traditional to entertain. Her catalog includes jazz Halloween Party in the Dance Barn. standards, pop, and soul, and her Tickets for any of the shows can be incredible voice has allowed her to grace purchased in advance at Village Books in the stage with such acts as Madonna and Fairhaven, Gate 2 of the Sudden Valley Queen Latifah. Howell’s return to the Association Office, or online at the stage in the Sudden Valley Dance Barn Friends of the Southern Whatcom Library: will be particularly exciting, as she was https://mkt.com/friends-of-the-suddenthe performer most requested by the valley-library. They can also be purchased community in a recent poll. on the day of the show at the door of the Finally, the season will finish out with a Dance Barn. Tickets are $20 per show, or performance by Laila Biali on October 31. $70 for the season. An award-winning pianist and singer, Biali started in Canada and has performed on
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