August 16 to August 21, 2011
www.pecjazz.org

It’s a truism that art forms maintain vitality from the contributions of the young. The ‘Rising Young Star’ program is the Prince Edward Jazz festival’s way of demonstrating concrete support for younger musicians who bring fresh ideas and energy to the jazz form. This year’s Rising Young Star selection is drummer Ian Wright, eighteen years old and a native of Bellville.

Creative Director and County resident Brian Barlow thinks the award went to the right candidate. “Ian Wright is a very talented drummer who most certainly deserves this recognition.  He has been a part of the PEC Jazz family for several years now though our TD Jazz Education Program.  The first year he participated in the program he ended up sitting in with my big band at the Regent Theatre in Picton, and brought the house down. He has a great future ahead of him.”

Ian will be featured as a guest musician with the headline musicians Peter Appleyard, Guido Basso, Ranee lee, Mike Murley, and the Brian Barlow big Band during this year’s Jazz Festival from August 16-21. He’ll also lead his own band in concert at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Friday August 19 from 5 pm. to 7 pm. This concert is sponsored by TD  Canada Trust Music as part of its youth education program.

Ian has been playing drums since age nine, and has been focused on jazz for the past five years. He’s shared the stage with some of Canada’s finest jazz musicians, including Kirk MacDonald, Mike Downes, Chase Sanborn, Brian O’Kane, Guido Basso and the Brian Barlow Big Band.  In May 2010, Ian was selected for the prestigious Yamaha All Star Band, and received the Zildjian Outstanding Drum Set Player Award.  He’s now enrolled in the Humber College Bachelor of Music degree program.

The PEC Jazz Festival welcomes Ian’s involvement in this year’s program, and wishes to thank the Ken Page Memorial Trust for its support.  The Trust is the sponsor of the Rising Young Star Award, which also includes a grant of $1,000 to the winner. Jazz lovers are encouraged not to miss this exciting look into the future!

For more information about this and other Jazz Festival events, visit  www.pecjazz.org, or get in touch with the Regent Theatre: 613 476 8416; LiveEvents@TheRegentTheatre.org.

Tags: Arts Council, Jazz, Prince Edward County, Young Artists