Under the leadership of Cory Weeds - who some refer as a “jazz renaissance man” being the club’s owner, booker and promoter as well as a radio DJ - The Cellar has attracted world class jazz musicians. By playing host to the international pedigree of tenor sax innovator Benny Golson, Hammond B3 legend Dr. Lonnie Smith, and alto/soprano sax force Kenny Garrett, to name only a few, it’s no wonder that The Cellar has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Jazz Clubs Worldwide” by Downbeat Magazine.
But it’s not just all about the recognized and established musicians for Weeds. The Cellar steadily showcases some of the best jazz acts that Vancouver has to offer, making it an integral role in assisting the BC jazz community.
“We don’t normally get the big American names that some other jazz venues get regularly but that’s not really what The Cellar is about,” muses Weeds. “We're about having Canada's best musicians playing their hearts out every night, alongside other incredible but maybe lesser-known international names, and serving it all up in a cool environment that takes its music seriously.”
Like most success stories, the story of The Cellar is one built upon passion, something that Weeds has plenty of. By continuing to provide optimum space for all jazz musicians, Weeds has also managed to launch a record label, Cellar Live, and proudly released 17 full-length albums all recorded live at the venue.
“As a musician, record label founder and producer, I take a personal pride in the Canadian jazz community,” says Weeds. “And with The Cellar, I like to think that I make a strong contribution to making our jazz scene flourish.”
And after five incredible jazz filled years, The Cellar is ready to really show us what it can do. As part of a two-month long celebration of The Cellars fifth anniversary - and a great excuse for Weeds to show off the top-notch renovations - The Cellar will be holding a series of stellar performances that pulls out all of the stops. It all kicks off with The BC Saxophone Summit on August 5th and 6th. For more information, call 604-738-1959.
UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE CELLAR: 3611 WEST BROADWAY
AUGUST 5th + 6th - THE BC SAXOPHONE SUMMIT
Featuring Phil Dwyer, PJ Perry, Cam Ryga and more
AUGUST 12th, 13th + 14th - PJ PERRY / BOBBY SHEW QUINTET CD RELEASE PARTY
Featuring Ross Taggart on piano, PJ Perry on alto sax, Bobby Shew on trumpet Andre Lachance on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums.
**This fabulous CD was recorded at The Cellar in the summer of 2003 and 2004.
SEPTEMBER 16th + 17th - BRAD TURNER QUARTET CD RELEASE PARTY
Featuring Brad Turner on trumpet, Bruno Hubert on piano, Andre Lachance on bass and Dylan van der Schyff on drums.
**This CD was recorded live at The Cellar last year.
SEPTEMBER 30th + OCTOBER 1st - LEGENDARY SAXOPHONIST FRANK WESS
Featuring Ross Taggart on piano, Russ Botten on bass and Craig Scott on drums.
THE CELLAR CONTACT INFO:
3611 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6R-2B8
604-738-1959 | [email protected]
www.cellarjazz.com
www.cellarlive.com
For more information contact All About Jazz.
