Steve's Blog
April In Paris Update
Sunday April 22, 2012

It's another beautiful day in Lotus land and it's also the final day of the 6th Annual April In Paris, The Rogue's very own Festival of Gypsy Jazz, at St. James Hall (3214 West 10th Avenue)

Today's programme commences with a couple of Guitar Workshops, and concludes with an evening concert with two very hot bands from Quebec.

4pm - Michael Dunn (Hot Club Of Mars) gives a Rhythm guitar workshop (fee payable to Michael)

5pm - Christine Tassan et les Imposteures give a gypsy jazz workshop (fee payable to Christine)

7pm - Lucky Falkner of Rhythm City Productions gives Introductory Swing Dance lessons (included in your ticket price)

8pm - Christine Tassan et les Imposteures perform for the second time this weekend, this time focusing on the compositions of - and tunes made famous by - Django Reinhardt.

Last year Les Imposteures were a big hit at the festival - which is why we invited them back. This time they have their principal violinist, Martine Gaumond, who is even more impressive than last year's violinist.

In fact, she is one of the very best we have ever heard in the genre, with a tone and sound reminiscent of the great Stephane Grappelli himself.

If you missed them yesterday we urge you to come along tonight; this exceptional band sounds even more amazing this year!

9:15pm - Denis Chang Manouche Quartet make their Rogue debut. Denis is a phenomenal guitarist, and his band is equally incredible.

They feature Ben Henriques on sax, plus two guitars and acoustic bass, so the sound is slightly different than Les Imposteures' - but no less stunningly impressive and enjoyable.

Don't miss their debut.

At the end of the show last night, members of Les Imposteures and Hot Club of Mars got together for a hot jam session on a couple of Django tunes. Perhaps this evening's show will finish with a similar flourish.

So, April In Paris is almost over for another year. We would like to thank everyone who has helped us make it possible this year, especially all the volunteers, the sound crew, and the performers, dance teachers, and you, the audience members, who have received the music so appreciatively! We would also like to offer special thanks to Saras Vedam & Jeff Miller for looking after Les Imposteures again. You folks are amazingly generous hosts! Thanks also to John and Diana Eastman for the loan of the bass and amp, and to Chuck & Jennie Baker at Rufus' Guitar Shop for the loan of the guitar amp.

On Thursday, Daniel Lapp and Marc Atkinson trio were in stunning form; one of the best nights of gypsy jazz we've ever had! Friday was a monumental occasion, as Van Django launched their wonderful new CD, Waltz In The Shape Of A Tree, and delivered some mind-blowing sets of music. Copies of the new CD are on sale tonight at the show, by the way. And last night's show was truly memorable - and the best-attended show so far.

Tonight promises to be another stunning night of music - and dancing. Tickets are available at the door.

It would be great to have a full house for the last night of the festival. Don't miss out on the excitement - and the incredible music!

Thanks for your support.
Steve