Milner Gardens’ jazz concert strikes summer high note

Summer strikes a high note at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Milner Gardens’ third annual Jazz in the Garden, a magical display of musical virtuosity held August 20 in this equally magical Qualicum Beach setting.

The Sunday afternoon concert features Juno award-winning Nanaimo native Ingrid Jensen, whose trumpet solos have been enjoyed by audiences throughout Europe, in Australia, Japan, North and South America, and in the Caribbean.

“We’re thrilled to bring Ingrid back to the island for this concert,” said Jim Cadwaladr, Executive Director of Milner Gardens and Woodland. “Although Ingrid is now based in the eastern United States, she still has many fans in the central island area who welcome this unique opportunity to enjoy this world-class performer.”

Jensen currently teaches at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and is in demand across the U.S. and beyond as a trumpet soloist, a member of multiple bands and orchestras, and a music educator. Jensen’s talent earned her scholarships to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, followed by three Juno-nominated CDs under the ENJA label. In 2003 she was nominated for a New York Jazz Journalist award.

Also on the program is saxophonist Phil Dwyer, who is co-producing the open air concert. The music starts at 12:30 p.m., with the Phil Dwyer band and Juno award-winners Dwyer and Jensen melding trumpet and sax to send their music soaring over the garden lawns and across the Strait of Georgia.

A saxophonist, pianist, composer, and arranger, Dwyer started playing in a high school band on Vancouver Island. His career took him across Canada and throughout the U.S., backing headliners like Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, and Gino Vannelli. He returned to the island with his family in 2004.

For this August 20 concert, he has gathered an outstanding line-up of jazz talent. Following the opening by Jensen and Dwyer, Ian McDougall’s All-Star Quartet will serenade the audience with trombone, jazz guitar, piano and double bass, played by McDougall, Oliver Gannon, Ron Johnston, and Ken Lister.

Third on the list of top performers is Tom Keenlyside’s jazz ensemble Altered Laws, with Miles Black on piano. Another Juno recipient, Vancouver-based Keenlyside’s experience includes multiple albums and performing with Natalie Cole, Harry Connick, Diana Krall, and The Barenaked Ladies.

The Milner Gardens All-Star Big Band and guest vocalist Karin Plato will wind up this memorable concert with fresh arrangements of classic standards.

In addition to enjoying the music, audience members will be able to visit the exquisite 60-acre Milner Gardens and Woodlands in the full bloom of summer. Food, refreshments, and a no-host wine bar will also be available.

Tickets are $29 per person and are available at Turley’s Florist or the Quilted Duck Cottage in Nanaimo; at Milner Gardens; at Mulberry Bush Bookstores in Qualicum Beach and Parksville; at BOP City Records in Courtney; or by phone at 250-752-6153. Milner Gardens members can purchase one $19 discount ticket per membership card.

For more information, go to www.milnergardens.org. All proceeds from the concert support the continued operation of the Milner Gardens and Woodlands.