Winterjazz returns, raising money for future musicians

Glen Strickeyand Winterjazz are back at it again, bringing soul-hummingsax tunes to Charlottetownfor the11th year.

The new seasonof Winterjazz begins Saturday night at its annual stomping grounds the Pourhouse in Charlottetown and will feature Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Charlie A'court.

The annualjazz concert series is always a joy to play for Stickey, the founder of Winterjazz, but it's also afundraiser withall the proceeds from each monthly concert going towardIsland students interested in pursuingjazz in theirpost-secondary education.

In his youth, Strickeyreceived a scholarship to study music, and that's what inspired him to offer the proceeds of his concert series to aspiring jazz musicians.

"It wasn't about the money, it was just about the fact that it was validating the fact that I was going to study the arts," Strickey said onMainstreet P.E.I.

"That always stuck in my head."

'Everyone is being supported'

Strickey said every year he puts out a call to high schools across the Island, searching for students that are interested in pursing a career in jazz after high school.

It's open to all students, he added.

"Any students who apply, we just divvy the money up evenly to all of them," Strickey said.

"I think it's more important to give a little bit of money to four people than everything to one, than everyone is being supported."

The Winterjazzconcert series showcasestop blues and jazz talent from the region and runs from October to May including guests like:

• Charlie A'Court October 21
• Ian Sherwood November 4
• Amanda Jackson January 13
• Dylan Menzie February 3
• NickDoneff March 10
• IanJanes April 7
• CocoLoveAlcorn May 5

The first show isat the Pourhouseon Saturday,at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

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