The first big Lethbridge Jazz Fest show of the festival, June 16 brought a good sized crowd to the Lethbridge Lodge to hear a variety of local musicians perform old jazz standards as “Starlight Lounge.”
The stage was set up like a 1940’s rad
io show, with vintage microphones set centre stage and on the left side of the stage for the host to introduce performers and crack the occasional joke.
A piano placed centre stage blocked the upright bassist and the drummer was hidden by a variety of cymbals and a music stand.
The 17 band members sat behind black and silver placards emblazoned with a cursive S and L logo. They each stood for their solos which drew polite applause from the attentive audience. Several sharply dressed soloists appeared on the right hand of the stage as the host introduced them and their numbers.
I only caught part of the second set but was pleased to arrive in time for Jory Kohn’s stunning rendition of “Looking for a Place to Hang My Hat,” as the host joked she could hang her hat at his place any time. She stepped back mid song to let assorted band members solo. David Mikuliuk leaned on the piano to enjoy a short and sweet trumpet solo in the middle of his song.
version of “Skylark.” which drew applause from the audience.
New West Theatre veteran Jessica Ens sang a gorgeous I left for another gig mid set after enjoying watching George Gallant scamper all over the stage during his rendition of Nat King Cole’s crooner classic “Day in Day Out.”
