One of the favourite Georgia Straight Jazz Society shows presented at Thursday Night Jazz over the past seven years has been The Herb Alpert Band Tribute.

For those people who seek easy-going entertaining music without the complexities of modern jazz music 鈥� this is the night for you. Sit back and enjoy the memories of some of the most popular music of the past 60 years. With a career that spans those decades, Alpert built a solid reputation as one of the most successful performing artists of the 20th century. He felt inspired to co-write his first of many hit singles The Lonely Bull back in 1962 while attending a bullfight (featuring a local mariachi band) in Tijuana, Mexico. Due to a growing demand for live appearances, the 鈥淏rass,鈥� consisting of the best LA session musicians, was formed in 1964 and soon became one of the highest-paid acts in show business. Jake Masri, trumpet player, re-creates the happy atmosphere of the 鈥�60s and 鈥�70s.

鈥淐ome on down to the Avalanche Bar & Grill this Thursday and join a stellar line-up of north Island musicians featuring Michael Eddy on keyboard, Rick Husband on guitar, Grahame Edwards on bass, Tom Tinsley on drums, Jeff Agopsowicz on trombone, Jay Havelaar and [myself] on trumpet,鈥� said Masri. 鈥淏y all means, spread the word - we hope to see you there.鈥�

Masri was first attracted by the music of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass before taking up the horn at age 11. He also draws his inspiration from a wide variety of genres including classical repertoire, musical theater, Afro-Cuban/New Orleans, and bebop. His passion for jazz is directly connected to artists such as Harry James, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, & Arturo Sandoval.

This two-hour tribute performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door ($12 for non-members) at the Avalanche Bar & Grill (275 8th St Courtenay).

Visit and select the calendar tab to see the full line-up of great acts during the 2020 season.