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Round of concerts coming up

Jazz Society hosts Conner Newton Quintet
Ross Ulmer
Ross Ulmer, together with the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra, will appear at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts Feb. 22 as part of the Friends Remembered Tour. Photo submitted

There is no shortage of musical entertainment coming up, including some locally produced professional talent – this ain't no amateur night.

Coming up in March, according to Laird Brittin of the Battlefords Jazz Society, is a show that's "going to groove!"

The Connor Newton Quintet, with special guests, will be performing live at the Sloan Auditorium, (lower level of the Legion in North Battleford) Saturday, March 14 at 8 p.m.

"Connor is a Battlefords boy who took off to the big city (Toronto) to study saxophone," says Brittin. "He is back in town for a bit and has put together a band with the who’s who of the Battlefords."

Joining Newton will be Don Tatchell on drums, Jack Tatchell on trumpet, Ross Nykiforuk on keys and Tom Kroczinski on bass. 

"Connor says that he’s got some great funky stuff that he will be playing, along with some Cuban and Samba tunes," says Brittin. "So don’t expect to sit and sip your red wine all night. This music is going to have some get up and go!"

Tickets are $25 and available at NuFloors and Bee-J’s.

The Jazz Society will be switching up venues in April, presenting Elizabeth Shepherd in concert on Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m. at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts.

Shepherd is a well-known musician to the Battlefords having played here a number of times in the past five years.

"She has a brand new album out and it is getting unbelievably rave reviews," says Brittin.

The album has ended up on the best of 2014 lists all across North America. It has also been nominated for a Juno this year.

"We are extremely excited to be presenting this amazing performer here in the Battlefords."

Tickets are $25 and available at the Dekker Centre Box Office as well as NuFloors and Bee-J’s.

But before these concerts hit the stage, there is yet another jazz experience on offering.

Brittin says, "You will not want to miss the Friends Remembered show at the Dekker Centre on Feb. 20 featuring the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra and Ross Ulmer … this will be a fantastic jazz show with some of the top players in western Canada."

Tickets for Friends Remembered are available at the Dekker Centre Box Office. Student tickets are half price at $15, seniors are $25 and adults are $30, plus applicable taxes and fees.