A Socially Distanced Romantic Jazz Night for 2

Some observations:

Looks like COVID is sticking around for a while.

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We have needed to adapt how we live.

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Peoples' lives and plans have changed.

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There are parts of the old way of life to be missed, but there are opportunities to do things in new ways.

Peter and I happened to come across some world renowned musicians that are here in Winnipeg from their posts in New York for a limited period of time because of the pandemic.

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Sooo … because Carmyn LOVES to run events but in a unique way, we thought WHY NOT have a driveway Jazz Evening!  The weather this summer has been incredible - and let’s try and extend that outdoor time just a little longer.

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It’s an easy night when we don’t have much we can go out and do, it’s a fun way to see some familiar faces in an outdoor covid-19 conscious space and …. WHY NOT???

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We are covering the costs of the musicians, full bottles of wine, and appetizers and a cozy set up for each couple.

The event is limited to 10 tables of 2 and tickets will be sold on a first-come-first-serve basis.  A minimum $300 donation secures a table for 2. 

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All proceeds from this evening go to support KIDTHINK Children's Mental Health Centre Inc.  KIDTHINK understands the importance of early intervention and prevention in treating mental illness for kids and the caregivers around them.  Located in Winnipeg, KIDTHINK provides crucial mental health services to children 12 and under through direct clinical treatment and broad-reaching outreach programs.

About the Musicians

Luke Sellick:

Bassist-of-choice for top-tier artists Benny Golson, Russell Malone, Monty Alexander and others, LUKE SELLICK is a compelling creative force on the New York jazz scene. Raised in the rich and eclectic musical climate of Winnipeg, Canada, Luke’s musical journey lead him to NYC where he attended The Juilliard School and was mentored by legendary bassist Ron Carter. He apprenticed musically with pianist Johnny O’Neal, performing weekly in classic NYC jazz clubs Smoke, Smalls, and Mezzrow.​Luke is currently based in Harlem, NYC and has recently appeared in concert with George Coleman, Ron Blake, Jimmy Greene, Alina Engibaryan, Monty Alexander, Benny Golson and many others. In addition to his busy touring schedule, Luke is active as a teacher and clinician, working with students in New York City public and private schools, various colleges, and can be heard regularly at his church in NYC, Redeemer Presbyterian. His debut album ALCHEMIST was released in March 2017 on the Cellar Live label, followed by his gospel-infused CHRISTMAS EP.​Outside of his musical career, Luke’s passions include ice hockey, aerial photography, and disappearing into the Northern Ontario wilderness for extended periods of time. His musical philosophy is epitomized in the words of J.S. Bach, that “the end of all music is none other than glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit”.

Will Bonness:

Will Bonness has been an active member of the Winnipeg, Canadian and international jazz scenes since his teen years. At age 17, Will joined Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau Band for a world tour which included performances at such venues as the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London.After leaving Maynard’s band in 2004, Will completed his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Manitoba and traveled to New York and Boston to continue his studies with Fred Hersch, Taylor Eigsti, and Charlie Banacos. Will has appeared extensively in performance with Derrick Gardner, Quincy Davis, Jon Gordon, and many others. He has performed abroad with Regina Carter, Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Lionel Loueke, and at jazz festivals throughout Canada. He continues to perform regularly throughout Manitoba in small ensembles and in larger groups including the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra.In 2009, Will released his debut recording as a leader, Subtle Fire., featuring internationally acclaimed drummer Terreon Gully. Subtle Fire showcases Will’s “immense technique, excellent compositions, and a creative style of arrangements that strongly engage the listener, while leaving room for much musical exploration.” -Taylor Eigsti, Grammy-winning jazz pianistIn 2016, his second album, Halcyon, was released, featuring a more extensive cast including Quincy Davis (drums), Derrick Gardner (trumpet), and Jon Gordon (saxophone), Will has appeared on over 20 recordings as a sideman including the Oceanic Jazz Orchestra’s All Over the Map, Curtis Nowosad’s Dialectics, and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra’s The Hours, Symphony No. 3.Aside from his active performance and recording career, Will is a dedicated teacher. In addition to his full-time position at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music, he conducts clinics, workshops, and private lessons throughout Manitoba and abroad.

Fabio Ragnelli:

Originally from Toronto, Ontario, drummer Fabio Ragnelli joined the Desautels Faculty of Music in 2019. Ragnelli is a JUNO Award-winning drummer and has been an in-demand sideman performing, recording, and touring with a number of artists since graduating from Humber College in 2008. While in New York City (2013-2018), Ragnelli studied with jazz luminaries such as Kenny Washington, Rogerio Boccato, and Nasheet Waits, and became an active member of Brooklyn’s vibrant jazz scene. Ragnelli has toured nationally and internationally, performing at venues such as Massey Hall, The Owl, Koerner Hall, Place des Arts, The 55 Bar, Cornelia St. Café, The National Arts Centre, The Cotton Club in Tokyo, Maison Symphonique, SF Jazz Center, The Blue Note Jazz Club, The Tranzac, and has also performed at a number of jazz festivals including Haiti, Halmstad, Monterey, and Montreal, among others. As an educator, Ragnelli aims to inspire students and help them realize their full potential as creative musicians.