The Raise the Roof Concert at Wolfville Baptist: A Jazzy Christmas

The Raise the Roof Concert at Wolfville Baptist: A Jazzy Christmas
By Wendy Elliott

Swing into the holidays early with seasonal music presented with a jazz twist on Sunday afternoon, November 25, at Wolfville Baptist Church.

Five jazz performers will gather to entertain: Hazel Walker as vocalist, Graham Howes on keyboard and vocals, Nick D’Amato on bass, Max Gallant on drums, and Matt Nicholson on tenor sax.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Wolfville Baptist Church’s new roof campaign, which is meant to replace fifteen years of leaks. The $160,000 project will see the church roof coated in metal.

Halifax native Hazel Walker is an accomplished jazz artist whose musical expertise spans live theatre, radio, and television. Her second CD, On This Quiet Night, was a collaboration with her pianist husband Graham Howes, who wrote the arrangements, played piano, and sang the title track. Hazel performed as featured vocalist with the Ron Collier Big Band for many years, and impressed audiences in Toronto jazz venues until her move to Wolfville.

Howes was a professional musician for over 30 years in Toronto and very happily landed in Wolfville recently. His music features arrangements and vocals on a wide variety of music from Bruno Mars to George Gershwin, from Marvin Gaye to Billy Joel.

Before relocating to Nova Scotia several years ago, Nick D’Amato was a freelance bassist in New York City. During his years there he performed with countless artists across vast stylistic borders. He recorded dozens of albums, television jingles, and film scores. He has performed in more than 30 countries and on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Since moving to Wolfville, Nick is the bass instructor at the Acadia School of Music. In addition, he leads the school’s jazz big band and small combo programs.

The Raise the Roof concert takes place at 2pm. Admission is $20. Tickets are available from The Box of Delights Bookshop and at the church office. Refreshments will be served.