The jazz quartet Round Midnight will be the featured performers at the next jazz vespers at St. John’s United Church. Peninsula vocalist Eryn Sharpe will be joined by guitarist Leon Nagasaki, trombonist Nick La Riviere and bassist Ryan Tandy.
Sharpe is just 19, but has spent eight years garnering accolades, awards and honours. While she began as a classical singer, three years ago she left the structured world of classical study and competition and began her transformation into a jazz and folk performer, as well as an original music artist. She has won most promising singer at the Victoria Performing Arts Festival, has represented Victoria in the Performing Arts BC competition, and has twice received the top Royal Conservatory of Music exam mark in BC.
Guitarist Leon Nagasaki began in the well-known Esquimalt High Jazz Studies Program, and with Marc Atkinson. Nagasaki has taught and toured for more than 10 years, performing locally, on cruise ships, and touring through Western Canada. In 2007, Leon earned a degree in jazz performance, graduating with distinction from Capilano University. He plays with a number of bands, including Round Midnight and Skyla J and the Vibes.
Trombonist Nick La Riviere has studied at both the Victoria Conservatory of Music and Capilano College, as well as privately with Hugh Fraser, Ian McDougall, and Steve Turre. A multi-instrumentalist, La Riviere finds work on the trombone, conch shells, and bass. His genre-crossing gigs and international shows include jazz, klezmer, classical, pop, reggae, and more. In addition, La Riviere is a session musician, and a member of the Juno-winning group, The Paperboys. La Riviere also works as an arranger.
Bassist Ryan Tandy also began his musical career in the Jazz Studies program at Esquimalt High. Since graduating in 2006, he has been in demand all over Victoria and plays in local groups Lust Life and Round Midnight.
Round Midnight performs May 1 at St. John’s United Church,10990 West Saanich Rd. All jazz vespers services begin at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge; an offering will be taken. For further information, contact Bernadette at 250-656-0875 or bernadettegreene@shaw.ca.