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The North Okanagan Community Concert Association (NOCCA) is thrilled to present an exceptional afternoon of jazz on Sunday, February 23rd, featuring the Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble’s tribute to the legendary Oscar Peterson. This concert not only celebrates Peterson’s monumental contributions to jazz but also honors his legacy during Black History Month.

Born in 1925 in Montreal, Oscar Peterson, who earned the nickname “the brown bomber of boogie-woogie,” emerged as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time and remains one of Canada’s most honoured musicians. His journey from a working-class neighborhood in Montreal to international acclaim is a testament to the profound impact that Black artists have had on the world of music and the breaking of racial barriers. Growing up in the Little Burgundy neighborhood, a vibrant hub for Black culture and jazz, Peterson was immersed in music from a young age. His father, a railway porter and self-taught amateur organist, insisted all of the Peterson children learn piano and a brass instrument. Oscar began playing trumpet and piano at age five, and put his sole focus into piano at age eight after a battle with tuberculosis. His sister Daisy Peterson Sweeney, who later became a respected piano teacher in Montreal’s Black community, was his first instructor. Peterson’s remarkable talent and dedication led him to a career spanning over six decades, during which he released numerous records and collaborated with jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Louis Armstrong, the latter of whom nicknamed him “the man with four hands”. His song “Hymn to Freedom” became an anthem for the civil rights movement. Throughout his career, Peterson garnered multiple awards, including eight Grammy Awards and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement.

At the helm of Sunday’s tribute is acclaimed saxophonist and educator Rémi Bolduc. With over 40 years in the music industry, Bolduc has established himself as a formidable force in jazz. He serves as an associate professor at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music in Montreal and has released 11 jazz albums, collaborating with notable artists such as Kenny Werner and Marc Johnson. Bolduc’s captivating performances and innovative compositions have earned him accolades, including a FÉLIX award for Best Jazz Album in 2011. His deep appreciation for Oscar Peterson’s work is evident in his album “Swingin’ with Oscar,” which captures the soulful essence of Peterson’s music. Joining Bolduc on stage are the distinguished musicians in his ensemble, Taurey Butler on piano, Ira Coleman on bass, and Dave Laing on drums. Together, they will interpret Peterson’s classics, bringing his timeless compositions to life and offering audiences an opportunity to experience The Master of Swing’s music firsthand.

Opening the evening is Vernon’s own jazz vocalist, Judy Rose. With a career that has seen her perform across Canada and internationally, Rose has captivated audiences with her versatile voice and emotive performances. She has graced stages in New York, Chicago, Paris, and London, to name just a few, and has been a prominent figure in the Okanagan blues and jazz scene. Rose’s repertoire spans genres, but her passion for jazz shines through. In this concert, she will pay homage to “The Queen of Jazz” Ella Fitzgerald, delivering beloved favourites with her unique flair.

Tickets are available through Ticket Seller at 250-549-7469 or online at http://www.ticketseller.ca.