First published on Facebook [Phil Dwyer] When I was a youngster, my parents attended many local dances, and I heard repeatedly about how great a dance band Bill Cave and "The Cavemen" was. When I was in grade 7, Bill took over the music program at what was then Qualicum Middle School. From day one,... Continue Reading →
"The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band embodies defiant beauty." - San Francisco Classical Voice "Julia Keefe came on with her big band and completely blew the roof off of the venue…" - Aisha Ahmad-Post, Newman Center for the Performing Arts Band Statement: Indigenous jazz musicians, ensembles, and big bands have their place in the contemporary... Continue Reading →
Once again, another Jazz Vespers service looms large. Information is on the poster, but allow me to add: Justin Glibbery on pianoStefan Bienz on bassLoni Moger on guitarEric Manuel on drums The announced theme is Joyspring, (I don't expect this to be played as we don't have a trumpeter on this gig), but you never... Continue Reading →
From Anna Lapwood / Marnie Giesbracht, and others Sadly, plans have been made at the highest levels of the University of Alberta, Canada to remove the 1978 Casavant Memorial Organ from Convocation Hall in the Old Arts Building. These plans were confirmed when Joachim and I (Marnie Giesbrecht) met with Dean of Arts, Robert Wood... Continue Reading →
Thirty years is a long time. In a culture that values immediacy over and above consistency and longevity, the long-haul commitment to art and to community seems increasingly rare. Until you discover Musaic Vocal Ensemble. Thirty years ago as an Anglican priest, I was the Rector of St. Stephen Anglican Church in Summerland. Early in... Continue Reading →
The CEO of the Cathedral Music Trust is visiting 100 choirs across England and Wales over 50 days of cycling Meg Elliot writing in Cycling Weekly The late afternoon light is falling in greens and oranges and reds on the cathedral's terracotta floor. People clutter the pews as the music starts up, complex, layered sound... Continue Reading →
[Ken Gray] I crossed paths with Jay Koyle a few times over the years, initially at the Anglican Sorrento Centre in the BC interior. He was affable, intelligent, musical, spiritual, and a lot of fun. He was one of the good ones I would say. Rest in Peace faithful Christian leader. A song he taught... Continue Reading →
During my recent trip to Victoria caught up with my longtime friend, Curt Bergen. Curt and I have known each other for most of our adult lives. We first met while organ students of Ed Norman in the 1970s in Victoria. We met at an organ concert at the downtown St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church though... Continue Reading →
BBC Symphony to premiere controversial Requiem for America Norman Lebrecht on SlippedDisk - February 12, 2026 The world premiere of Requiem for America will be given by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on May 17 in London, followed by a US premiere in Boston, it was announced today. The work, by Brent Michael Davids,... Continue Reading →
A few days late, but a great history from Matthew Larkin, with thanks And today, I’m thinking of this guy, who died 150 years ago this date (January 22). John Bacchus Dykes: priest, organist, composer, tractarian: a composer of well over 250 hymn tunes, and an avid and determined ritualist who stood tall against his... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 