All That Jazz will be permeating through the Osborne Bay Pub in Crofton again twice a month from January through June.
The new season begins Sunday, Jan. 14 and the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society is hoping to see the audience levels rebound to pre-pandemic levels for the shows sponsored by the CVCAS, B.C. Arts Council and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
There was a brief attempt to move the venue for an abbreviated spring season last year, but it reverted back to the Osborne Bay Pub at the last minute. Unfortunately, “we did quite poorly,” said Preston Davies, who oversees the jazz program for the CVCAS.
Returning after last summer through to Christmas saw an improvement.
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“Last season was a definite uptick,” Davies indicated. “It was heading in the right direction.”
Large crowds aren’t required to meet financial needs, but the numbers dwindled down quite low again before Christmas.
“If I could get 50-60 a show, I’d be a happy camper,” said Davies. “Anything else will help me maintain my slush fund.”
The performers aren’t making big bucks, only gas money in some cases for larger groups, but always enjoy playing at the Osborne Bay Pub so Davies has the lineup already filled to the end of June, other than one open date on June 9.
With a mail-out that goes to more than 600 people, Davies is surprised the shows don’t draw larger turnouts.
It’s a great atmosphere and those who make regular appearances and the occasional attendees all enjoy it.
“We try to create that feeling like the Cheers series,” said Davies. “We greet them and make them feel welcome. It’s not like showing up at a bar; it’s like a club.
“I think it’s quite unique in the area, other than going to Hermann’s down south. They’re offering music sporadically, we’re scheduled.”
Tickets for most shows are $20 per person in cash at the door. All start at 2 p.m.
Davies has put an emphasis on booking larger bands of up to 14 pieces this season that seem to be the most popular.
“One concert I’m really hoping to draw well, Nick LaRiviere is coming with his new band Best Laid Plans. Nick is quite well-known now.”
That will be on March 24.
The new season opens Jan. 14 with Andrew Janussen, a graduate of the Vancouver Island University jazz music program. He’ll be joined by keyboard player Nick Peck, Graham Villette on drums and Lachlan Craven on trumpet.
Veteran keyboardist Phil Newns then heads a sextet of up-and-coming young players, KC and the Tomcats, Jan. 28. Newns’ daughter KC is on vocals and Davies’ son Trevor on guitar.
Streetbeat, a new name for a band that’s been to the Osborne Bay Pub before with its New Orleans style, is on the agenda Feb. 11. Osborne Bay Pub favourite Edie Daponte makes a return engagement Feb. 25.
Other acts booked for the rest of the season include: NOLA (March 10); Best Laid Plans (March 24); Maria Manna (April 14); Decadence (April 28): Marty Steele (May 12); Arrowsmith Big Band (May 26); and CANUS (June 23).
Sunday Jazz started more than 10 years ago, as a collaboration between Davies and Pat Selman. It was known as Pat’s House of Jazz for a while and then Selman moved away, with Davies taking the lead on his own.