Join us for a very special outreach program of Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church, where we bring in local and visiting jazz artists to share their craft in educational artist talks, masterclasses, and in-person jam sessions!
This weekend, join us for TWO very special events!
Saturday 4-6 PM – Brad Shigeta Quartet Jam Session
Sunday 3:30-5:30 PM – Guest Artist Masterclass with NYC drummer Joe Farnsworth and NYC saxophonist Sarah Hanahan!
Brad Shigeta Quartet Jam Session
Saturday 4-6 PM
Trombonist Brad Shigeta relocated to his native Canada after 20 years in New York City, working with some of the living legends of jazz, including Wynton Marsalis, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, the Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Lionel Hampton legacy orchestras, and the Dave Holland Big Band, among others!
Now based on Canada's West Coast, Brad Shigeta brings his signature swing to the bandstand at James Bay United Church as the host band leader with an all-star quartet!
Featuring pianist Zack Santella, bassist Scott White, and drummer Kelby MacNayr, the jam session gives participants the chance to listen and perform with professional artists in real time.
Admission by donation (suggested donation $10-20) – but ALL are welcome!
Guest Artist Masterclass with NYC Drummer Joe Farnsworth and NYC Saxophonist Sarah Hanahan!
Sunday 3:30-5:30 PM
Join us for a VERY special guest artist talk and masterclass with renowned NYC touring artists Joe Farnsworth and Sarah Hanahan!
Supported by Tuesday Night Jazz at the Church, the Guest Artist Series brings together world-class jazz artists and aspiring professionals, amateurs, and audience members to learn about the fine art of jazz improvisation from senior practitioners of the art form.
Guest Artist Bios
Joe Farnsworth
"One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musicality, and melodic playing."
Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts, in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family—his father was a music educator, and he has four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians.
He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor before attending and graduating from William Paterson College in New Jersey in 1994, where he began playing with saxophonist Eric Alexander and guitarist Peter Bernstein.
Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). He performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins, and his brothers, John and James.
Joe’s career includes recording over 100 CDs as a leader and sideman, performing at jazz festivals, and touring worldwide with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, and Curtis Fuller, to name a few.
He is currently the drummer for McCoy Tyner and a member of the Pharaoh Sanders Quartet, Harold Mabern Trio, and a founding member of the renowned One for All Quintet.
Sarah Hanahan
Sarah grew up in Massachusetts and began playing the alto saxophone at the age of 8. After graduating from the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz (Hartt School, University of Hartford) for her bachelor’s degree and the Juilliard School for her master’s degree, she now resides in New York City.
Sarah can be found playing with her own band all around NYC. She also tours regularly across the country and internationally, both with her own band as well as with groups like the Mingus Big Band, Joe Farnsworth, Peter Martin, and more.
All are welcome!
Admission by donation (suggested donation $5-10 for the audience and $20-40 for participants) – but ALL are welcome!