A new musical series at the Anvil Theater aims to introduce audiences to the rich world of jazz.
Piva Presents: Jazz at the Anvil is a new jazz music series that will feature seven monthly concerts featuring musical talent from New Westminster and beyond.
“The purpose of the series is not only to elevate the appreciation of music and tell the story of jazz,” said Tom Keenlyside, “but also to provide an opportunity to engage, reinforce and amplify the arts in New Westminster.
Jazz at the Anvil is led and financially supported by Italian restaurant Piva Modern in collaboration with New Westminster jazz musician and Juno Award winner Keenlyside. The two came together with a vision to share their love of jazz music with the New Westminster community and pitched the idea to the Anvil Theater team, who embraced the idea.
“With new takes, plus nods to classic artists like Dave Brubeck and Ella Fitzgerald, and arrangements inspired by the hot nights of New Orleans and Havana, these shows will move audiences in new ways and introduce him to the rich world of jazz,” reads a press release.
The series kicks off Tuesday, September 27 with Piva Presents: A Night of Dave Brubeck starring Tom Keenlyside. The concert runs from 7-9 p.m. at the Anvil Theater, 777 Columbia St.
The series continues with: A Night of Ella Fitzgerald, with Jennifer Scott, October 18; An Oscar Peterson Night with Miles Black on November 29; A Jazz Christmas with Karin Plato on December 6; A Night in Rio with Tom Keenlyside on January 24, 2023; A Night in Havana with Jack Duncan on February 14; and A Night in New Orleans with Doc Fingers on March 21.
“The city is thrilled to welcome Jazz at the Anvil to our venue,” said Todd Ayotte, director of community arts and theater for the city. “This cabaret-inspired series is a perfect fit for the Anvil Theater and is a great opportunity to welcome audiences from across the region to experience what New Westminster has to offer. And, for local music lovers, a chance to get out and enjoy live music in their own community.
Tickets for all concerts in the series are on sale now and can be purchased at anviltheatre.ca. They range from $35 to $55, plus service charges.
All proceeds from Piva Presents: Jazz at the Anvil will be used to support music programs at New Westminster High School.
A great addition
The Piva Presents: Jazz at the Anvil series will be one of the first opportunities to showcase the theatre’s latest asset: a brand new grand piano.
The theater was able to purchase a new Yamaha C5X grand piano thanks to the support of Tom Lee Music, Yamaha Canada, Piva Modern Italian and Tom and Nicki-Lea Keenlyside. The city’s capital plan provided funding for the purchase of the new instrument.
“The city is committed to supporting the continued growth and development of the local performing arts and creative economy community, and this new asset will help support that goal for many years to come,” said Mayor Jonathan Côté in a press release.
Ayotte also acknowledged the support of our community partners in helping the town secure a “beautiful new grand piano” for the Anvil Theater.
“This is a tremendous asset that will serve to expand programming opportunities at the theater,” he said.
