When John Gilliat holds his acoustic guitar he holds technique and emotion in melodic balance and holds his audience in the palm of his hand. After several years touring North America with various pop groups playing venues such as Harrah's in Lake Tahoe and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Gilliat immersed himself in Flamenco guitar, inspired by the incredible sounds of Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo, Nino Josele and many others. In 1995, John won "Best Acoustic Guitar Performance" in the Music West Star Frets Competition. He won Vancouver's Unplugged Competition in 1996, in 1997 he became a finalist in Vancouver's Global Star Quest. The 2002 West Coast Music Awards nominated Gilliat's CD Peace as "Best Instrumental Release - Non Classical". In 2009 competed at the Montreal Jazz Festival winning the Grand Prize at the BOSS Loop Station 2009 Championship National Finals. Like all great performers, John feeds off the energy of a live audience. The stage is where his heart soars and his music flows as he shares the peace, joy and excitement he feels when performing for audiences around the globe. John Gilliat continues to offer new direction and contemporary expression to Flamenco, Nouveau Flamenco, Flamenco Rumba and jazz, touring festivals and headlining concerts with his quartet (bass, 2 guitars, and percussion).
Stephanie Pedraza grew up in Latin America and stays true to her roots and culture as she dedicates her life to mastering the art of Flamenco. Pedraza lived in Andalucia, Spain, where she trained intensively both in singing and dancing with some of the most prominent figures in flamenco such as: Milagros Menjibar, Rafael Campallo, Carmen Ledesma, Andres Peña, Sonia Miranda, Javi Navarro and David Hornillo to name a few. Over the past decade, she has performed nationally and internationally in countries such as Spain, Mexico, Colombia and USA, touring and collaborating in several musical projects. Among her many appearances on stage, some include: Concurso Nacional de Flamenco 2010, organized by The National Institute of Flamenco in Albuquerque NM, Vancouver International Flamenco Festival 2009, Vancouver International Film Festival 2008 closing gala ceremony, The Portugese Heritage Month concert series 2008 in Vancouver, BC, Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Theatre productions "Poemas de Alegria" and "Feria de la Costa" under the direction of Vancouver´s acclaimed Oscar Nieto and several performances with Flamenco Rosario, under the direction of Rosario Ancer, founder of Vancouver´s Centro Flamenco.
Tickets on sale now at Kamloops Live Box Office www.kamloopslive.com 250-374-5483
Drummer Ernesto Cervini has quickly become in demand as a sideman and also as a bandleader in North America because of his unique and deep musicality. Ernesto released his debut CD as a leader, Here, in 2006 to critical acclaim: "Here is a wonderful debut that showcases Cervini's monster chops and compositional abilities." Budd Kopman, All About Jazz. In 2009 his sophomore release, Little Black Bird featuring Joel Frahm on Saxophones was released. "Drummer Ernesto Cervini plays with such conviction and fire that it's easy to give him your ears and time" says Glen Hall from Exclaim Magazine. Ernesto has shared the stage with many legendary jazz musicians; Joe Lovano, Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Cleo Laine, Pat LaBarbera, Dick Oatts, Buddy DeFranco, Eddie Daniels, Henry Cuesta, Scott Robinson, Dave Binney, Jim McNeely, Phil Nimmons, Peter Appleyard, Ranee Lee and many others. He has opened for musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove, Dave Holland, Roy Haynes and Poncho Sanchez. Ernesto is currently the drummer for the ACQ, MEM3, Strange Attractors (featuring Brownman) as well as Monday Off, a 4-part vocal group. Ernesto has recorded albums with many of these groups and Code Breaking by the Tara Davidson Quintet was recently nominated for a Juno award. Ernesto's diversity as a musician (he is also an excellent pianist and clarinetist) has allowed him to travel throughout the world, performing in some of the world's greatest concert halls and jazz clubs. Ernesto has been featured as a leader and sideman at the legendary Birdland, Sweet Rhythm, The Jazz Standard, The 55 Bar, The Montreal Bistro, The Top Of the Senator, The Rex Jazz and Blues Club and has also been fortunate enough to perform in concert halls such as Massey Hall, The Glen Gould Theatre, The St. Lawrence Center for the Arts and the Sugita Theatre in Yokohama, Japan. Ernesto received his Bachelors degree from the University of Toronto, and a Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Ernesto is continuing to push musical boundaries with his innovative compositions, as well as his imaginative and explosive drumming. He will be a constant in the global jazz scene for decades to come, through his love for musical performance and education.
Joel Frahm - Saxophones Adrean Farrugia - Piano Dan Loomis - Bass Ernesto Cervini - Drums
This is an intimate room and seating will be limited. We recommend you purchase your tickets in advance.
$20 HST included; no service fees. Get your tickets directly from Entertainment Management: ray.nyuli@EntertainmentManagement.ca 250-851-1180
