London Jazz Society
Recent Events
The last few seasons have brought
a number exciting jazz events to our
membership and the general public.
We have listed most of them here.
On Sunday March 5, 2017 the London Jazz Society presented the Western Jazz Ensemble at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This wonderful annual concert drew a capacity crowd to the beautiful Shrine Hall and it was another amazing show. Again this year, we were delighted to also have the Thames Valley Honours Jazz Band to entertain us and they were fantastic. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live concert. For more information about the Western Jazz Ensemble performance, and for photos of the event, click on the above link.
On Sunday February 12, 2017 the London Jazz Society presented the Ken Foster Quintet featuring vocalist Rick Kish at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This excellent concert was the first London Jazz Society gig for this combo at the Shine Centre Hall. It was also the debut of award winning singer Rick Kish who wowed the audience with his impressive jazz vocalizations. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live concert. For more information about the Ken Foster Quintet performance, and for photos of the event, click on the above link.
On Sunday January 15, 2017 the London Jazz Society presented London's own, very popular, Uptown Dixieland Jazz Band at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This exciting concert drew a capacity crowd to the Shine Centre Hall and the place was hopping with audience participation and dancing. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live concert. For more information about the Uptown Dixieland Jazz Band performance, and for photos of the event, click on the above link.
On Sunday November 2nd, 2008 the London Jazz Society presented a special concert with the legendary Peter Appleyard All-Star Quartet at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This concert was sold out about two months in advance and that is a clear testament to how poplular Peter's group still is. The performance that he and his group gave was spectacular and even greater than expectations. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live concert. For more information about the Peter Appleyard All-Star Quartet performance click on the above link.
On Sunday October 5th, 2008 the London Jazz Society kicked off the 2008/2009 season with a presentation of the ever popular Cameo Dixieland Jazz Band at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This traditional New Orleans style group put on a great show that featured a tuba player on many tunes. The group was missing some members but the musicians present filled in beautifully. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live concert. For more information about the Cameo Jazz Band click on the above link.
On Sunday April 13th, 2008 the London Jazz Society presented the Bill Sherry Big Band of St. Thomas, Ontario, at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This twenty member ensemble performed a memorable show for the packed, overflow audience in attendance at the Shriners main hall. Many of London's best jazz musicians play in this orchestra and the quality of this show was second to none. They presented an entertaining mix of both slow and fast compositions, many highlighted by excellent vocals. We deeply regret that some folks were unable to get seats because of the popularity of this event. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live concert. For more information about the Bill Sherry Big Band click on the above link.
On Sunday March 9th, 2008 the London Jazz Society was proud to present the Joe Edmonds Septet at the Mocha Shrine Centre. Joe, over the years, has played with many of the best jazz musicians in the world and that experience was evident in the quality of the performace that he and his group presented at the Mocha Shrine Centre. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event.
On Sunday February 10th, 2008 the London Jazz Society presented the Happy Pals Dixieland Jazz Band at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This group of seasoned musicans put on a fantastic show for the capacity crowd of jazz fans at the Mocha Shrine Centre. Dixieland jazz is a favourite style of music for many members of the London Jazz Society, and we are very happy to provide them with the finest groups available each and every year.
On Sunday January 13th, 2008 the London Jazz Society presented the Prime Time Big Band at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This eighteen member ensemble performed a memorable show for the packed, overflow audience in attendance at the Shriners main hall. Many of London's best jazz musicians play in this orchestra and this was quite evident in the polished flow of their performance. They played an entertaining mix of both standards and recent compositions. We deeply regret that some folks were unable to get seats because of the popularity of this event. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live concert. For more information about the Prime Time Big Band click on the above link.
On Sunday December 3rd, 2006 the London Jazz Society presented the Dean Harrison Jazz Group at the Mocha Shrine Centre. Dean's group has become a mainstay on the London, Ontario jazz scene and for good reason. These musicians continually provide great performances for jazz fans in this area and they were in fine form again for this gig at the Mocha Shrine Centre. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. For more information about the Dean Harrison Jazz Group concert click on the above link.
On Sunday November 12th, 2006 the London Jazz Society presented the Phil Murphy Jazz Ensemble at the Mocha Shrine Centre. Phil and his excellent group put on a memorable performance for the large audience present. The musicans in this ensemble all have extensive formal musical training and their expertise was a joy to observe, and hear. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. For more information about the Phil Murphy Jazz Ensemble concert click on the above link.
On Sunday October 15th, 2006 the London Jazz Society presented the Climax Jazz Band at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This band is legendary for its lively and comical performances and they were in top form for this sold out show. The Climax Jazz Band has been entertaining Canadian and International audiences with it's excellent style of Dixieland music for many years, and we were thrilled to see them in London again. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. For more information about the Climax Jazz Band concert click on the above link.
On Saturday July 1st, 2006 the London Jazz Society organized a bus trip to the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival and a good time was had by all. This pilgramage to Toronto has been an annual event for London Jazz Society members and friends for several years. It has always been fun and this year was no exception. A stellar line up of local, and international, jazz artists entertained fans during the afternoon and evening hours at seveal locations throughout central Toronto. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who shared this adventure with us. For more information about the 2006 Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival trip click on the above link.
On Sunday June 4th, 2006 the London Jazz Society presented the versatile and entertaining Vibe Tribe and Friends at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This local jazz combo put on a great show for London area jazz fans at the main concert hall in the Shrine Centre. The musicians in this group have been entertaining Londoners for many years and that experience was evident in their presentation. They are regulars at the London Jazz Society and we are looking forward to continued future visits. The society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information about the Vibe Tribe.
On Sunday May 28th, 2006 the London Jazz Society participated in a special benefit concert and silent auction for a very sweet young girl named Emilie Stanley who is disabled, and blind. The event was titled the first annual 'Mardi Gras' for the disabled and featured the John Anderson Band, the Jazz Rascals, the Dixie 5, followed by a jam session. The presentation began at 2:00 p.m. and continued until the jam session was complete. The admission price included food, cash bar, music and fun. For more information about Emilie Stanley and the first annual Mardi Gras click on the above link which includes an image of the original poster designed for this event.
On Sunday May 7th, 2006 the London Jazz Society presented the talented and lively Hot Five Jazzmakers from Toronto at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This incredible jazz group put on a highly entertaining show for London area jazz fans at the main concert hall in the Shrine Centre. The Hot Five Jazzmakers sold out of their latest CD after the first intermission and had to sell their previous releases or take orders for delivery of the most recent version by mail. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information and photos of the concert.
On Sunday April 9th, 2006 the London Jazz Society presented the amazing New Excelsior Jazz Band from Toronto at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This legendary jazz band thrilled the capacity audience with quality dixieland music that was second to none. Their natural comedic style was also delightful. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday March 12th, 2006 the London Jazz Society presented the remarkable Ken Varley Trio at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This classic jazz group put on a very polished show for London area jazz fans at the main concert hall in the Shrine Centre. The Ken Varley Trio consists of three talented musicians who have established a strong reputation for quality music. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information and photos of the concert.
On Sunday February 12th, 2006 the London Jazz Society presented The Jitterbugs & Jennifer Thorpe at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This popular group drew a capacity audience to the main concert hall in the Shrine Centre, and it was a fantastic show. The Jitterbugs are a well known group in the London area featuring several talented musicians and the outstanding vocals of Jennifer Thorpe. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information and photos of the concert.
On Sunday January 8th, 2006 the London Jazz Society launched the 2006 season with a presention of London's own popular jazz ensemble The Music Makers Orchestra at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This popular group drew a capacity audience to the main concert hall in the Shrine Centre, and it was a great show indeed. The Music Makers are a medium sized orchestra featuring several accomplished musicians on brass instruments, and a solid rhythm section. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday December 4th, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented keyboardist Tom Starks and Friends at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This was a unique concert that featured Tom on a classic Hammond B3 Organ and it was a great show indeed. Tom was accompanied by the talents of Sharon Beeler on vocals, Don Durkee on tenor saxophone, Brian McHugh on drums, and Steve Smith on guitar. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday November 13, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented home town girl, vocalist Jessie Ross and Friends at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This talented group also featured the outstanding vocals of Catherine McInnes and Carole Allison. Yes indeed there were three amazing singers for us to enjoy and they were backed up by an excellent group of musicans including John Kenny on guitar, and Ian MacKay on drums. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday October 16, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented the impressive Club Django Gypsy Swing Band from Toronto. This unique group put on an amazing show for the sell out audience present at the Mocha Shrine Centre. The quality of the musicians in the Club Django Band are second to none, and we were honoured to have them in London. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Saturday July 2nd, 2005 the London Jazz Society sponsored a bus trip to the Toronto International Jazz Festival and a fun time was had by all. Toronto is one of the great jazz cities of the world and their annual jazz festival is always worth attending. There were several free public concerts as well as paid events at local venues and night clubs. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who shared in that adventure.
On Sunday June 5th, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented the musical Sue J. Trio & Brian McHugh group at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This was a great gig to end the regular 2004/2005 concert season with. This group played a flawless collection of jazz tunes for the enthusiastic audience present and our hats are off to them. The group featured Sue Jacques on piano and vocals, Ray Violot on bass and vocals, St. Clair Shadd on tenor saxophone, and the solid rythmic pulse of Brian McHugh on drums. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday May 15th, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented the Dean Harrison Group & Sonja Gustafson at the Mocha Shrine Centre. It was a fantastic show and enthusiatic comments were expressed about it. The vocals, by noted singer Sonja Gustafson, were outstanding and much appreciated by the large audience present. In additon to Dean Harrison's great piano playing the group also featured the amazing talents of Paul Mitchell on trumpet, Seth McNall on trombone, Chris Norley on guitar, Peter Hysen on bass, and Ted Peacock on drums. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday April 10th, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented the Trillium Dixie Jazz Band at the Mocha Shrine Centre. The group put a polished show as is expected from this well established dixieland jazz group. Dixieland music is very popular among London Jazz Society members and groups like the Trillium Dixieland Band always draw a large crowd. This show featured some entertaining vocals and a few special solos by their talented piano player as well as their impressive drummer. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday March 13th, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented the Bill Norris Quartet at the Mocha Shrine Centre. Bill Norris is an outstanding tenor saxaphone player and together with a stellar line up of local musicians, this group put on a remarkable show. They play a clean, quite style of jazz that is focused on quality playing rather than on volume. The great sound of this group was enhanced beautifully by the excellent vocals of Sharon Beeler, a local music teacher. The rest of the musicians included Doug Keenan on trumpet, Bob Hughes on Drums, Leon Ross on Bass and Alan Ogbourne on piano. The London Jazz Society thanks all our members and friends who attended this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday February 13th, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented the UWO Jazz Ensemble at the Mocha Shrine Centre. This great band of young musicians brought out a full house of jazz enthusiasts for an afternoon of memorable music. They played an excellent mix of standards and modern big band tunes that ranged from swing to latin and everything in between. The band also featured a talented female singer and an entertaining musical director. The London Jazz Society would like to thank all those who attended this event and thanks also to the many fine folks who support the UWO Jazz Ensemble through donations to the Doris Jackson Fund. Click on the above link for more information.
On Friday, February 11th at 8:00 P.M. the London Jazz Society, in co-operation with the London Public Library and the London Black History Resource Committee, was proud to present the highly regarded Canadian Gospel/Blues/Folk/Jazz Choir, from Toronto, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale with special guest Joe Sealy and His Jazz Quartet. The concert was held at the Wolf Performance Hall located in the London Central Library, 251 Dundas Street in downtown London, Ontario. It was an impressive show and the audience was inspired by the outstanding vocals of Canada's only professional chorale. The London Jazz Society would like to thank all those who attended this concert and after hearing your nice comments and seeing the standing ovation we are thrilled that you enjoyed the show.
On Friday February 4th, 2005 the London Jazz Society participated in a memorial musical dedication to the life of the late great Brian "Barney" Booth. Barney was a very popular local jazz radio host and he was a big supporter of the London Jazz Society. He could be seen at jazz events all over the city and he often helped to organized out of town bus trips for London Jazz Society members. He was also Master of Ceremonies for the Bill Sherry Big Band, the Music Makers Jazz Ensemble and for special events sponsored by the London Jazz Society. We will miss him greatly and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. The musical dedication was held at the Mocha Shrine Centre and was attended by many of London's finest jazz musicians who each played a musical tribute to Barney.
On Sunday January 9th, 2005 the London Jazz Society presented Jazz Jazz Jazz a great local combo featuring a stellar line up of fine musicians lead by pianist Jayne Hysen. This group also features talented vocalist Carole Allison, who treated the capacity crowd to many great jazz standards. Carole's unique voicings were accompanied beautifully by Jayen Hysen on piano, Jedd House on bass, Andrew Mawdsley on guitar, and Al Taylor on drums. The London Jazz Society would like to thank all of our members and friends who came out to support this live event at the Mocha Shrine Centre. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday December 5th, 2004 the London Jazz Society presented The Mark Henning Quartet an excellent combo based in the London area. The group put on a great show that featured an entertaining mix of modern blues and several timeless standards. A special unannounced appearance by notable jazz singer Jessie Ross really capped of a memorable afternoon for the large crowd present. The London Jazz Society would like to thank all of our members and friends who came out to support this live event at the Mocha Shrine Centre. Click on the above link for more information.
On Sunday November 14th, 2004 the London Jazz Society presented The Ragweed Jazz Band a notable dixieland group from the Toronto area. The concert was a sellout and many folks commented on how much they enjoyed the traditional sounds of this famous group. The London Jazz Society would like to thank all of our members and friends who came out to support this live event. Click on the above link for more information.
On Thursday November 4th, 2004 the London Jazz Society co-sponsored a special jazz concert that featured an impressive line up of London's top musicians, that were lead by well-known horn player, Joe Edmonds. The event featured two special guests, singer Denise Pelley and drummer Skip Prokop of the famous Canadian band Lighthouse. Skip also did the vocals during a special version of "Sunny Days" that was performed with a jazz flavor. Denise Pelly's vocals were simply amazing and the whole group really swung for the near capacity audience of jazz enthusiests The concert was a benefit for the charitable organization The Jason Edmonds Foundation for road safety, created in memory of Jason Edmonds who died along with two others in a road rage incident. The rest of the group included Alfredo Caxaj (percussion, vocals), Don DiCarlo (piano), Larry Ernewein (bass), Andrew Lusher (sax, guitar), Ray Podhornick (trumpet.) The event also featured instrumental performances by drummer Ian MacKay and bassist Ian Koiter. That memorable evening was capped off by a roaring standing ovation by all present.
On Sunday October 17th, 2004 the London Jazz Society started the 2004/2005 season with the Stephen Holowitz Jazz Ensemble that featured an impressive group of London's top musicians. Although singer Jessie Ross was unable to make it, we were delighted to welcome singer Catherine McInnes instead and she was fantastic. In fact the whole group was outstanding and many concert goers commented the high quality of their music. Click on the above link for more information.
On Monday September 6th, 2004 the London Jazz Society organized a bus trip to the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival, North America's largest free jazz festival. In celebration of its 25th year the festival featured such artists as the Cannon Ball Adderly Legacy Band with Louis Hayes, Aretha Franklin, the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, the Charles Boles Quartet, Jon Hendricks, the James Carter Quintet, the Mack Avenue All Stars, and the Paul Vornhagen Quartet among others. A good time was had by all and a big thanks goes out to Barney Booth for coordinating the coach seating, taking tickets, offering information about the venue and making sure everyone got back on the bus.
On Sunday August 22nd, 2004 the London Jazz Society sponsored the Grand Bend Jazz Festival/Concert that featured The Joe Edmonds All Stars and The Cameo Jazz Band. It was a great show and a lot of Jazz fans were in attendance.
On Saturday July 3rd, 2004 the London Jazz Society sponsored a bus trip to the Toronto Jazz Festival where the featured acts included Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, Scott Joplin, and many more. A good time was had by all and we are looking forward to the 2005 event.
On Sunday June 6th, 2004 after the annual meeting the London Jazz Society presented the JitterBugs at the Mocha Shrine. They are a very popular "Jump and Jive" group that went over big with the audience.
On Thursday May 20th, 2004 the London Jazz Society helped to promote a concert by jazz legends Guido Basso and Chase Sanborn that featured local pianist James Ross and his sister, vocalist Jessie Ross. The concert was staged at the Wolf Performance Hall at the Central Library. It was an amazing event and everyone who attended had a great time.
On Sunday May 2nd, 2004 the London Jazz Society presented the Bill Sherry Big Band of St. Thomas, Ontario. This legendary 16-piece band put on a great show and thrilled the audience with many excellent renditions of the popular standards.
On Sunday April 4th, 2004 the London Jazz Society presented the Climax Jazz Band at the Mocha Shrine. This popular group always puts on a great show and this one was no exception. Some improvised humor added to the enjoyment of the fine music.
On Sunday March 7th, 2004 the London Jazz Society presented the Ken Varley Trio Plus at the Mocha Shrine. This group was fantastic and the vocal stylings of Jennifer Thorpe really made this into a memorable event.
On Sunday January 11th, 2004 the London Jazz Society presented the Cameo Dixieland Jazz Band at the Mocha Shrine. This band was very lively and kept the audience entertained throughout the afternoon.
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