By Malcolm Holt

Special to the Record

Georgia Straight Jazz Society kicks off its outdoor summer concert series with a two-hour concert by Sympatico at The Gardens on Anderton (2012 Anderton Rd., Comox) on Thursday July 13.

Sympatico has played to great acclaim at the Nanaimo Jazz Festival, the Georgia Straight Jazz venues, Simms Park, as regulars at the Filberg Festival and most recently at the River City Stage in Campbell River.

The band is led by Don MacKay on five-string bass and Michael Eddy on keyboards, with Rachel Cooper on alto sax, clarinet and percussion, Jay Havelaar on trumpet, flugelhorn and percussion and Tom Tinsley on drums.

These well-known Vancouver Island musicians play an exciting Latin-infused program which recognizes the incredible talent of renowned composers, including Chick Corea, Russel Ferrante and McCoy Tyner amongst others.

For this performance, Sympatico has prepared a program geared towards a warm summer day. Expect to hear a potpourri of tunes including Armando鈥檚 Rhumba, Friends and Windows, as well as several up-swing tunes.

Cooper and Havelaar will demonstrate their uncanny ability to play together with perfect unison performances on several tunes including a couple of originals. Cooper will also be sure to melt hearts with her clarinet versions of Yesterday and Round Midnight.

Along with Eddy鈥檚 exciting piano solos, MacKay鈥檚 solid accompaniment and the impeccable timing of drummer Tinsley with additional percussion from Cooper and Havelaar, Sympatico is ready to delight you with an energetic infusion of musical talent, conceived to be unique and enjoyed by all.

Marquis seating will be provided at The Gardens, but you鈥檙e encouraged to bring your own seating and picnic and drinks and choose your preferred location under the shade of one of the larger trees. The sound system鈥檚 great; you will be able to appreciate the music from many different locations. Snacks, sodas, and ice cream will also be available at the Garden Store. For those unfamiliar with the gardens鈥� location, refer to Google Maps. Proceed down the gravel road leading between buildings in Anderton Nursery car park until you see the 鈥淟ive Jazz鈥� sign and follow the advice of the volunteer parking assistants.

The concert begins at 5 p.m. Admission is $20, cash only.

Malcolm Holt is the president of the Georgia Straight Jazz Society