SoulFire is a group of players drawn together by a love for the music. Having been acquainted for many years, this group came
together with a common goal of pursuing a repertoire they find both challenging and inspiring.

Their unique contemporary jazz style includes elements of fusion and soul. Drawn from influences that included The Crusaders, Randy Crawford, and Nina Simone, SoulFire forges its own path created from the members’ extensive musical experiences. Get ready to be swept away by their captivating sound and the undeniable energy that makes every performance unforgettable. A bold, soulful journey through timeless music.

Visit their YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulFireJazz

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. All are welcome. Admission by donation. All your donations go to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

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Born on the stages of Victoria’s premier performance venues, Lust Life has spent more than three decades redefining what a jazz band can be. Since its beginnings in 1994, the group has evolved from a classic jazz ensemble into a genre-blending collective that celebrates musical artistry without boundaries.

At the heart of Lust Life is a deep respect for the jazz tradition. The Great American Songbook provides a rich foundation, but the band’s sound reaches far beyond it—drawing inspiration from Latin rhythms, blues, swing, jump jazz, funk, pop, soul, and contemporary grooves. Every performance is thoughtfully crafted to connect with audiences, creating an atmosphere that’s vibrant, uplifting, and unforgettable.

Lust Life resists easy categorization. Their signature West Coast sound is sophisticated yet approachable, timeless yet refreshingly modern. Rich harmonies, expressive vocals, inventive improvisation, and irresistible rhythms come together to create performances that are as emotionally engaging as they are musically adventurous.

Visit their website: https://www.lustlife.ca/

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. All are welcome. Admission by donation. All your donations go to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

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Time: Sunday, May 24, 7:15 pm
Place: UUCV Sanctuary

Be sure to join us for this uplifting, fun, and vibrant evening as your host, co-minister and Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood, explores the historic roots of jazz interspersed with a note of spirituality.

Find Stella on Instragram at: @stellawhitemusic

All are welcome – admission by donation. All contributions go to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

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Time: Sunday, April 19, 7:15 pm
Place: UUCV Sanctuary

Be sure to join us for this uplifting, fun, and vibrant evening as your host, co-minister and Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood, explores the historic roots of jazz interspersed with a note of spirituality.

Preview what’s to come at: www.attilafias.com

All are welcome – admission by donation. All contributions go to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

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Time: Sunday, March 15, 7:15 pm
Place: UUCV Sanctuary

Be sure to catch this uplifting, fun, and vibrant evening as your host, Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood, explores the historic roots of jazz, interspersed with a wonderful array of surprises from this top-notch combination of musicians.

Get a preview of what’s to come at https://nicklariviere.com

All are welcome – admission by donation. All contributions go to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

The post Spirited Jazz: Nick La Riviere, Trombonist Extraordinaire, and his quartet appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria.

Time: Sunday, February 15, 7:15pm
Place: UUCV Sanctuary

Let’s come together with Pianist Brent Jarvis, Bassist Ross MacDonald and Soloist Brian Tate as the trio, and our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood, share the many offerings of love as expressed through the genre of Jazz.

…more on Brian Tate at: https://www.briantatemusic.com/choral-music.php

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. Everyone is welcome. Admission by donation ensures that top-quality musicianship lives on the Spirited Jazz stage.

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“Babylon Must Fall.” Intriguing! Curious? So are we…

David Vest, a UUCV member, is a six-time winner of the national Maple Blues Award for piano player of the year. His band features Tom Bowler (guitar and vocals), bassist Ryan Tandy and Damian Graham (drums).

David Vest and his band play music written, recorded, or inspired by the late Jimmy Cliff, who was best known for his version of “I Can See Clearly Now.” Some of the songs will have a Reggae feel, others will be adapted in new directions.

Learn more about David Vest: https://davidvest.ca

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. Everyone is welcome. All donations go directly to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

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From the creator of Peanuts, Charles Shultz, and his musical score from the pen of Vince Guaraldi, the Karel Roessingh Trio and the UUCV Kids Khoir invite you to join us for an uplifting evening. A Charlie Brown Christmas will bring in the season with this endearing and delightful tradition.

The jazz trio will inspire with the instrumentals. The UUCV Kids Khoir under the leadership of Christine Taber (UUCV Music Director & Taber Music School) will bring the Peanuts vocals to life as they join the trio and perform your favourite vocals from the musical. Pianist Karel Roessingh is a recording artist, musician, and composer for film and television, with 15 albums of his own, and a long list of film and television credits that include In the Company of Men, Police Academy – the series, Undersea Explorer, the Geometry of Beware, and Body Moves (all co-written with Ken Williams). Completing the trio, Karel brings two stellar and well-known musicians: bassist Joey Smith and drummer Kelby McNair.

Learn more: https://www.roessong.com

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. Everyone is welcome. All donations go directly to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

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Richard’s affinity for Jazz, and his love for the art led to the recent recording of “Explorations on Jazz Violin”, released on vinyl, CD, and streaming. This nod to greats like Stephane Grappelli and Joe Venuti, with a straight-ahead ’50s vibe, is a tribute to the art of jazz violin.

Sample Richard Moody Jazz at https://richardmoody.ca/

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Our Sanctuary will host the exciting, upbeat startup of our second decade with Dockside Drive on Sunday, October 5th. Enjoy swingin’ jazz at its best with this eight-piece group and their happy-go-lucky musical compositions, complete with four-part vocal harmony.

Along with our Co-Minister and “Reverend of Jazz”, Shana Lynngood, join us for the celebration. With the addition of our state-of-the-art AV system, every seat is a good seat with a variety of viewpoints for all.

All are welcome, and admission is by donation.

Check out their website for more info:
Website: http://www.docksidedrive.ca
Press Kit: http://www.docksidedrive.ca/epk

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Mont-Rouge (from Légende du Mont-Rouge) began in 2013 as a tribute group honouring Neil Chotem, who during the 1950s through the 80s was a major contributor to Quebec music, arranging and conducting for many of Quebec’s biggest stars, including Monique Leyrac, Robert Charlebois, Claude Léveillée and Gilles Vigneault. The most significant collaboration was with Harmonium, one of Quebec’s most celebrated bands.

We are thrilled to welcome Mont-Rouge to the Spirited Jazz stage with singer/songwriter Kerry-Anne Kutz, Tony Chotem (guitar), Michael Cartile (trumpet), as well as original Harmonium members Monique Fauteux (keyboard) and Louis Valois (bass).

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. Everyone is welcome. All donations go directly to the musicians and are very much appreciated. 

The post Spirited Jazz: Mont-Rouge Quintet – Sun. June 15, 7:15 pm appeared first on Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria.

Wey, a captivating performer with a deep-rooted connection to the jazz tradition, delivers expressive and soulful piano playing. Her performances are more than concerts; they’re intimate masterclasses, weaving together heartfelt music with engaging stories of jazz history. A powerful and insightful musician, Wey commands a wide repertoire, from Great American Songbook classics to her own original compositions, all marked by harmonic authority and impeccable technique. Her spirited lyricism and adventurous improvisations breathe new life into contemporary jazz.

Joining Wey is guitarist Adam Dobres, a gifted storyteller whose music blends organic sensibility with a uniquely evocative sense of space and melody. A highly sought-after musician with over 20 years of international touring experience (The Wailin’ Jennys, Toni Childs, and many others), Dobres brings a wealth of experience and artistry to the trio.

Rounding out the group is bassist Louis Rudner, a versatile musician with a decade of experience performing globally. Based in Victoria, BC, he’s a leading bassist on the West Coast, bringing his broad musical knowledge and passion to this collaborative project.

Together, these long-time collaborators create a seamless musical tapestry, blending their individual styles into a vibrant celebration of creative freedom and the timeless beauty of jazz.

More on Ashley at https://www.ashleyweymusic.com.

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. Everyone is welcome. All donations go directly to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

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This is one exceptionally exciting group. Carl Mayotte has quickly earned a reputation for being one of Quebec’s most prominent bassists, composers, and band leaders. Since turning pro at age 16, he has completed a master’s degree in jazz performance at McGill University, recorded four critically acclaimed albums, and gained the respect of many veteran musicians, including the legendary bassist Alain Caron. Winner of the 2022 ADISQ Award in Quebec for Jazz Album of the Year for Escale, Carl Mayotte and his quintet will perform selections from his first three albums as well as tunes from the recently recorded tribute to Brazilian music, Carnaval.

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. Everyone is welcome. All donations go to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

Preview the group Videos at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFTWygx2UnQ

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Now Is The Needed Time: Spirit-Lifting Songs from the World of Blues and Jazz. David and his quartet of exceptional musicians grace the Spirited Jazz stage with a masterful evening of music dedicated to soothing the soul in these hectic times. The quartet includes, of course 5 time winner of Maple Awards David Vest, piano and vocals, with Tom Bowler, guitar and vocals, Ryan Tandy, upright bass and Damian Graham, drums.

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. Everyone is welcome. All of your donations go to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

For more information check out David’s Website: https://davidvest.ca

Get your Spirits lifted March 16th at 7:15 by joining us at Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, 5575 W Saanich Rd, Victoria, BC

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Ryan Oliver, a Juno-nominated saxophonist based in Victoria, has carved his musical journey along Canada’s west coast and beyond, with stints in Amsterdam, Toronto, and New York City. Renowned as one of Canada’s foremost saxophonists, Oliver boasts an impressive resume spanning continents.

He’s a familiar face on the global jazz circuit, having toured extensively with the iconic jazz-funk ensemble, The Shuffle Demons, captivating audiences across Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe, and the United States.

Co-leading The Cookers Quintet, Oliver has left an indelible mark on the Canadian jazz scene, with numerous recordings and broadcasts under their belt, including a notable live video broadcast for CBC. Their partnership with Toronto-based Do Right Music has yielded four acclaimed albums, with the latest, “Live In Vancouver,” slated for release in May 2024 under the banner of Ryan Oliver Quartet. For this performance Oliver’s quartet will present some of the spiritual music of the great John Coltrane.

The quartet includes Dr. Tony Genge- piano, Ken Lister- bass and John Lee- drums

Hosted by our Reverend of Jazz, Shana Lynngood. Everyone is welcome. All
of your donations go to the musicians and are very much appreciated.

Ryan Olivers Website:  https://www.ryanoliver.ca

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