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Montreal’s Sud-Ouest borough honours local jazz pianist Oliver Jones

Jazz pianist Oliver Jones tickled the ivory of a public piano in a small park in Little Burgundy, the Montreal neighbourhood where he grew up. David Sedell/Global News

One of Montreal’s musical greats, Oliver Jones is being honoured with a concert event held in his name.

Sud-Ouest borough Mayor Benoit Dorais announced Tuesday that the borough will celebrate the accomplishments of the successful jazz artist with a community event.

The event is being put together with Youth in Motion, a community organization in Little Burgundy, in partnership with the Sud-Ouest borough.

READ MORE: Jazz musician Oliver Jones quietly gives back to community

The show will feature performances by a slew of artist including the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, Canadian jazz vocalist Rannee Lee, child pianist prodigy Daniel Clarke Bouchard and many others.

The borough will also honour the jazz icon by renaming the Sainte-Cunégonde Social Centre in Little Burgundy, the Oliver Jones Centre.

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The man of the hour was at the announcement Tuesday and was humbly surprised and grateful by the gracious gesture:

“I am truly honoured, this is a wonderful surprise; something that I didn’t think would ever happen,” Jones said. “But all of the wonderful things that have happened in my life, this here is the most important because it comes right back to the roots.”

The successful jazz pianist grew up in Little Burgundy. Jones was the pupil of late great piano teacher, Daisy Peterson Sweeney — jazz legend Oscar Peterson’s sister.

READ MORE: Montreal to honour Daisy Sweeney, late piano teacher who taught greats Jones, Peterson

The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. at the corner of Workman Street and Dominion in Little Burgundy.

Dominion street will be completely closed off to circulation for the event.

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