At every MBBJE engagement, people say the same things: "What a great looking band!" and "What a great sound! Where can we get more?" Now. it's possible - we have our own YouTube channel. Follow the link and see all our great videos...
First, our latest 2024 video featuring our regular vocalist Denise Leslie:
More from 2024 - filmed at the Port Credit Legion:
Next up, the return of our Big Band Open Mic was held on April 15th, 2023 at Cooksville United Church. After the Lockdown Years, it was great to revive our annual forum for local talent!! Here is Part One of the show, featuring Dionne Grant, Stella Jurgen, Rocco Continenza, Elizabeth Rodrigues, Francine Hailman and Siona Neale:
Big Band Open Mic 2023 - Part One
Here is Part Two of the show, featuring Theresa Morris, Jack Ridout, Dianne Ticknor, Robin Stauth and Gerry Cabling:
Big Band Open Mic 2023 - Part Two
The Seventh Edition of our Big Band Open Mic featured 12 amazing singers for an evening of big band vocal jazz. It was an awesome show!! Here's the MBBJE featuring vocalist Stuart Laughton, performing "Call Me Irresponsible" and "Save The Last Dance For Me" at the 2018 Open Mic Concert at Port Credit Legion. Mr. Laughton has had a distinguished career as a classical trumpeter with The Canadian Brass & the La Scala Orchestra, as well as a roots career with his band Porkbelly Futures. Here we find this versatile Canadian artist singing timeless standards with our big band - Bravo, Stuart!!
Stuart Laughton
Elizabeth Martins was a crowd favourite at the Open Mic event.. After this clip, it's easy to see why - her relaxed style really fits with the band:
Elizabeth Martins
Next up, the Sixth Edition of our Big Band Open Mic was held on April 8th, 2017 at Cooksville United church. The band featured 12 amazing singers for an evening of big band vocal jazz. It was an awesome show!! Here are some highlights:
The Halton Jazz Singers
Michele, Vic & Elvira
Dionne & Roy
The Band loves to perform at the Sunday Sunset Concerts at Memorial Park in Port Credit - this one was on July 19, 2015. The set kicks off with Count Basie's "Blue Chip" swingin' low; then on Rob McConnell's "Things Are Getting Better", a cyclist tries to steal the show but altoist Gary Martin outshines him. Drummer Jay Boehmer takes the spotlight on Horace Silver's "Nutville" with strong soloing and smooth interplay with the band. Bob James' "Maputo" has Gary Martin in an excellent Sanborn groove, setting the stage for Catharine McGregor's swinging vocals on "Opus One" and "I Just Found Out About Love". The band reprises with the McConnell tune for a full set that touches all the bases!
The Annual Open Mic event at Bloor St. United Church is a gem! Here's the 2015 edition featuring Brenda Poland, Aubrey Wilson & Thomas Ciolfi, Michael Manchur, Janice Hawke, Wayne Smith, Suzy Wilde, Darren Evorglens, Eiko Lees, Joel Sheridan, Gavin Menezes, Michelle Giacometti, Whitney Ross-Barris:
...and here's the Open Mic at Bloor St. United Church in 2014. See the whole show featuring Dave Engelhutt, Shirley Macdonald, Brandon Rozen, John Frias, Tara Flint, Charlotte Flint, Dave Oliver, Chelsea Salisbury, Phyllis Styles, Carolyn Dawe, Andreas Hackner and Suzanne McKenny:
Mississauga Living Arts Centre - February 21, 2014...Bruce Cassidy conducts the band in his arrangement of Gil Evans' "Where Flamingos Fly" featuring trombonist Michael Manchur.. Produced by Oliver Vadas (Novel Digital Productions):
Mississauga Living Arts Centre - February 21, 2014...Bruce Cassidy conducts the band in his arrangement of Jaki Byard's "Aluminum Baby". Produced by Oliver Vadas (Novel Digital Productions):
Mississauga Living Arts Centre - February 21, 2014...Bruce Cassidy conducts the band in his arrangement of his own composition, "Melancholia". This piece is perfect for the Ensemble. By the title, you might expect it to be depressing, but it is anything but! The subtly funky groove is ideal for solos - John Frias on tenor, James Poulos on trumpet and Wayne Ferrell on guitar. A triumph! Produced by Oliver Vadas (Novel Digital Productions):
Mississauga Living Arts Centre - February 21, 2014...The MBBJE is augmented by a star-studded Hotfoot Orchestra for Bruce Cassidy's show-stopper "White and Funky" which...well...stops the show! Paul Mifsud of MBBJE trades phrases with Kevin Turcotte; Kieran Overs gets down; and drummers Jay Boehmer and Terry Clarke rock the room with pyrotechnics! Look for Verne Dorge, Michael Stuart, William Carn, Nancy Walker, Kim Ratcliffe & Shirantha Beddage in the mix. Wow! Produced by Oliver Vadas (Novel Digital Productions):
Our annual Open Mic event is always a blast!! The 2013 edition was no exception to the rule with a string of singers taking the microphone in a continuous parade of talent. This video puts you front-and-centre for the show, featuring Andre Anthony, Rosana Filipe, Nadia Petra, Luc Gaylie, Carolyn Lykkemark, Rob Bullock, Ben Agro, Michael Edmunds, Kim Luketi, Dave Ottenbrite and Denise Leslie:
Watch the band blow down on The Average White Band's "Pick Up The Pieces", Live! in Kensington Market:
Time for a vocal! Catharine McGregor sings the alluring "The Look of Love" - it's a summer gig...The flash-bulbs are flashing - a hot and sultry night that's perfect for a ballad. Tenor solo by Ben Burke.
