CRAWFORD CROSSLEY QUARTET with Yanti

Crawford Crossley Quartet to Jazz It Up at the Centre Coming to the Summerland Community Centre and already creating excitement are the rich and dynamic jazz sounds of the Crawford Crossley Quartet. The Quartet has played at many well-known venues in the Valley and beyond. Further, all four musicians – Larry Crawford, Allan Crossley, Stefan Bienz, and Yanti – have performed at the SCC before with each other, and with other musicians as well. Yanti has developed a long resume of singing with high profile local groups, like the Justin Glibbery Quintet (JGQ). She has captivated audiences with her compelling musical delivery and vibrant stage presence as she delivers either soft ballads, or upbeat tunes with lightning-fast lyrics. An accomplished bassist, Stefan Bienz has accompanied many high profile Okanagan entertainers, such as the JGQ and jazz-oriented Anna Jacyszyn. But he loves diversity and also plays with Layer Cake Mountain, a group that explores a “rural roots” sound. In addition, Stefan has been called upon by many traveling and international groups (such as Ben Waters from the UK) when they have needed a “local-hire” bassist. Our well-loved Summerland musical legend, Larry Crawford, plays saxophones, flutes, and clarinet. He spent 25 years as a featured soloist in armed forces bands and has extensive radio, television and studio experience. Larry has been a primary woodwind player in orchestras with some of the old greats, like Harry Belafonte and Liberace. He has composed and arranged hundreds of tunes, a selection of which will be featured in this evening’s entertainment. Allan Crossley, piano player, arranger and leader, spent his career as a music educator, leading an award-winning high school jazz program. Retired now, he has the time to build on and enhance his own music. Besides being a skilled keyboardist, Al is also a gifted poet and writer, actively collaborating with Larry to bring words to his music. Much of the show will be original tunes, some of which are “world premieres” and will be performed this evening for the first time anywhere. Being a week after Valentine’s Day, you can expect to hear many tunes with regard to relationships. Join us Friday, February 21 at 7PM for a high calibre and memorable evening at the Summerland Community Centre. Tickets are $20 cash ($15 for SCC members), available at Artisans of the Okanagan, or by e-transferring to summerlandcommunitycentre@gmail.com. Seating will be cafe-style, and there will be a cash bar for wine and beer.