North Saanich’s St. John’s United Church will host the Rowan Farintosh Trio for their Jazz Vespers on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.
Bernadette Greene, the church’s music director, said this concept offers churchgoers a service that includes candlelight, jazz, and prayers.
"Jazz Vespers began in New York in the 1960s as a church service of prayer and jazz designed for the city’s jazz musicians who couldn’t make it to Sunday morning services after playing late Saturday night gigs," said Greene.
The musical trio includes Rowan Farintosh on saxophone, Tony Genge on keyboards, and Kelby MacNayr on drums.
Rowan Farintosh, a saxophonist and composer based in Victoria, studied at Humber College in Toronto after receiving the Lou Williamson scholarship. He has drawn inspiration from various artists, including Roy Hargrove and Stevie Wonder.
Drummer Kelby MacNayr has performed with numerous artists across genres such as jazz, pop, and classical music. He has appeared on CBC Radio and Television and has played at major festivals throughout Canada and western U.S. He is also the artistic director of the Art of the Trio Series and leads the Kelby MacNayr Quintet.
Tony Genge is a jazz pianist known for his skills in the styles of Red Garland and Ahmad Jamal. He has performed with many notable Canadian and international jazz artists and released the jazz piano trio CD Blues Walk in 2004. Genge has also published books on jazz piano, including works on Red Garland and Wynton Kelly, as well as being a classical composer.
The Jazz Vespers series will continue on Nov. 3 with the Lust Life Jazz Band, Jan. 5 with Kelby MacNayr, and Feb. 2 with Jennifer Scott and Rene Worst.
The service will begin at 7 p.m. at St. John’s United Church, located at 10990 West Saanich Rd., across from Deep Cove School. A suggested donation of $20 is appreciated to support the musicians and the Vespers program.
For more information, contact Bernadette at (250) 656-0875 or via email at bernadettegreene789@gmail.com to join the email list for upcoming events.
- With files from Sam Duersken
