Vancouver Independent Music Centre Society (VIM) in partnership with Annex presents

Double Bill: Sharon Minemoto Trio / Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra

Saturday, April 15th, 2023 | Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm | Annex

Tickets in advance (sliding scale): $15, $20, $25

Tickets at the door: pay what you can***

***Tickets at the door are subject to availability. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Get Your Tickets Here

Sharon Minemoto Trio

Since the age of sixteen, Sharon Minemoto has been performing to audiences around the world.  She is the leader of a trio, a quartet and a quintet. Her trio and quintet have each released one CD as well as several shows for CBC Radio. Her quartet's recording, “Safe Travels”, took the band on a Canadian tour in February and March of 2018. The band will be going back into the studio in February to record their 2nd album. In addition to her own ensembles, she has performed in groups led by Jill Townsend, Cory Weeds, John Korsrud, James Danderfer, Laura Crema, Alan Matheson, Mike Allen, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Phoenix Chamber Choir.  Sharon has been on faculty at Vancouver Community College in the school of music since 2000.  She is the recipient of two Canada Council for the Arts grants and one BC Arts Council Grant.  Her last grant took her to New York City for 4 months to study with Renee Rosnes and Kenny Werner. In 2015, Sharon teamed up with vocalist Melissa van der Schyff for two very successful concerts, one at the legendary jazz club, Birdland in NYC and the other at The Abbey Theatre in Orlando, Florida. In 2019, CBC Radio in Vancouver selected one of Sharon’s compositions as the new theme song for their weekly jazz program, “Hot Air”. Sharon was the host of the weekly Pat’s Pub jazz jam session for over ten years. In addition to performing, she is on faculty at Vancouver Community College and most recently, she has been programming the Saturday Jazz series at La Fabrique St. George.

The trio will be playing a mix of originals and standards to kick off the evening.

• Sharon Minemoto, piano
• André Lachance, Bass
• Dave Robbins, Drums

Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra

The Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra will perform thrilling original music written especially for their return to the Annex. Sparkling compositions and delectable arrangements by Jill Townsend and Bill Coon embrace the unique and dynamic sound of the orchestra while celebrating the superb soloists. Joining them for a few fresh takes on familiar standards is the charismatic Steve Maddock who will enchant you with his compelling vocals. Soloists include Brad Turner, Steve Kaldestad, Cory Weeds, Bill Coon, Dave Robbins and many more.

• Jill Townsend, Leader
• Steve Maddock, Guest Vocalist
• Steve Kaldestad, Alto Sax
• Bill Runge, Alto Sax
• Jon Bentley, Tenor Sax
• Cory Weeds, Tenor Sax
• Chad Makela, Bari Sax
• Derry Byrne, Trumpet
• Brad Turner, Trumpet
• John Korsrud, Trumpet
• Tom Shorthouse, Trumpet
• Robin MacLulich, Trombone
• Dennis Esson, Trombone
• Jeremy Berkman, Trombone
• Ellen Marple, Bass Trombone
• Bill Coon, Guitar
• Andre Lachance, Bass
• Dave Robbins, Drums

Jill Townsend is a prolific composer/arranger and leader of the critically acclaimed Jill Townsend Jazz Orchestra. JTJO has released two recordings to date earning them international recognition. The Canadian National Jazz Awards twice nominated JTJO for Large Ensemble of the Year. Guest artists featured with JTJO include B3 organists Dr. Lonnie Smith and Chris Hazleton as well as trombonists Ian McDougall and Jiggs Whigham. Jill’s music has been recorded and performed by many ensembles throughout North America including the Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra and Calgary based Prime Time Big Band, featuring award-winning saxophonist PJ Perry. She also served as co-director of the Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra for two seasons. Jill’s recent commissions include the East Meets West Suite, a collaboration with composer/saxophonist Christine Jensen for the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, the No Chamber Music Society, and the Cellar Live release Explosion, by the Cory Weeds Little Big Band. Jill is the recipient of several Canada Council Arts Awards and Leighton Artist Studio residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She is a member of the Jazz Faculty at Capilano University and the Music Faculty at Douglas College.