Toni Blodgett / Doug Rhodes / Lloyd Arntzen

Join us as we celebrate the Centennial of the United Church of Canada, with a special concert celebrating music from 100 years ago! Featuring some of the most beloved and renowned traditional jazz musicians in the city, including pianist, vocalist and bandleader extraordinaire Toni Blodgett, the wonderful Avram McCarty, the incomparable Lloyd Arntzen and MORE! Join us for a very special concert performing music from 1925 with an all-star traditional jazz group! Pianist Toni Blodgett has been a vital proponent of the Ragtime and traditional jazz piano approach in Victoria for over 30 years. Hailing from the Canadian prairie, Toni developed her sound through a deep love and appreciation of the great early jazz pianists Teddy Wilson, Erroll Garner, Jelly Roll Morton and others. Once relocated to Victoria, Toni turned her passion into her profession, becoming one of the region's most sought-after pianists, vocalists and most successful bandleaders, performing at festivals across North America as well as in a featured performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Clarinettist, composer and vocalist Lloyd Arntzen has been bringing the sound of traditional jazz to audiences around Canada’s West Coast for over 60 years! From a storied career as a performer, composer, and sideman, he has welcomed Louis Armstrong to Vancouver and has been a favourite of traditional jazz fans and Lindy Hoppers alike the world over! Saxophonist & vocalist Doug Rhodes is a seasoned professional performing in traditional jazz with personality, heart and soul that has endeared him to audiences across North America. Trumpeter Alfons Fear has been a Victoria favourite for over 20 years, playing in everything from Traditional Jazz to Classical, modern jazz to Avant Garde and more! Bassist Matisse Gubby-Hurtig is a fabulous young bassist with roots in early jazz, fiddle music and pop. An in-demand musician for his clear musical expression and thoughtful musicianship, Matisse has shared the stage with Pablo Cardenas, Kelby MacNayr and more! Drummer Kelby MacNayr honed his skills performing with the contemporary who’s who of jazz in Canada and the US, including Victoria's own Ian McDougall, Louise Rose and Neil Swainson, as well as international stars Ingrid Jensen, John Clayton and Larry Fuller. Get ready for a swinging night of Traditional Jazz celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada and the musical legacies of New Orleans and Kansas City Jazz!