TorontoJazzBuzz brings YOU an upSwing to trump the economic downturn!

TorontoJazzBuzz brings YOU Connick sidemen, Marsalis, Juno winners, FREE downloads, and an upSwing to trump the economic downturn ’Äì for $15!

When: Wed, May 6^th 2009 ’Äì 7:30pm

What: (Harry Connick Jr's bassist) Neal Caine Quintet with Jason Marsalis

Where: Chalkers Pub ’Äì 247 Marlee Ave, North York ’Äì www.ChalkersPub.com

How Much: $15 Limited Advance - $35@door

Tickets: www.TorontoJazzBuzz.com

TorontoJazzBuzz and Chalkers Pub with Groove Factor Drums present this talent-laden Modern Jazz ensemble which features original music by its leader, bassist/tunesmith, Neal Caine, (who will be fresh from his Connecticut performance as guest bassist with the Branford Marsalis Quartet. (Caine is bassist with the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra, and formerly of Diana Krall's group). Jason Marsalis will be on drums ’Äì (there's that iconic surname again), brother of Branford and Wynton Marsalis. The group's tenor saxophonist (Stephen Riley ’Äì formerly of Harry Connick Jr's Orchestra) will still be warm from his concert with Marcus Roberts in the days prior to this May 6^th performance with Caine's Quintet. Ellis Marsalis-trained Juno winning trumpeter, William Sperandei (who has toured with Wynton Marsalis), will provide the fourth leg of this intrepid group, while Juno nominated pianist, Robi Botos (a favourite of the late legend, Oscar Peterson's) will complete this band of thoroughbreds.

Repertoire: Original works from Caine's last release, "Backstabber's Ball", some new unreleased tunes, and a few standards.

Adv. ticket buyers receive FREE downloads of:

¬… A 2008 Jason Marsalis / TorontoJazzBuzz concert

¬… Neal Caine Quartet recordings (2 tunes)

¬… Selected downloadable video links of artists TJB has presented

Keita Hopkinson's accidentally philanthropic hobby company ’Äì TorontoJazzBuzz (www.TorontoJazzBuzz.com) ’Äì developed this event. Though still a novice Jazz Impresario, Hopkinson has presented some of the best Jazz musicians in the business, including Juno winners, Jason Marsalis, and musicians associated with Harry Connick Jr, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Buddy Rich. TJB has presented shows for the 2005 Downtown Toronto Jazz Fest, Luminato, 2008 CBC Canada Reads Awards Gala, the 2008 Toronto Book Awards, and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club.

Hopkinson lost the equivalent of 3/4s of his annual salary when he produced, promoted, booked, managed, and funded his first Jazz concerts in 2005.

He has shouldered the funding of most of these concerts himself on the strength of his abundant energy, a modest part time day-job income, a line-of-credit and a credit card. He is also a Realist oil painter ’Äì having apprenticed in an academy whose lineage strides back over 300 years through some of the best studios in Europe . He has not yet entered the market to sell his works, but aims to do that this year, in part to help fund more Jazz concerts. (www.TheSquareInch.blogspot.com).

He has received accolades and encouragement from accomplished US and Canadian performers, including famed saxophonist and record label founder Branford Marsalis, several Canadian and US Jazz that he champions, and other elite musicians who have expressed an interest in working with him. Even Toronto 's Mayor, David Miller congratulated this ill-equipped impresario when the Mayor co-hosted the 2008 Toronto Book Awards ’Äì (where TorontoJazzBuzz musicians performed, and where the Mayor spoke briefly with Hopkinson about his TJB projects).

Modern Jazz&Groove thrills, built on the pillars of Swing!!!