Shirantha Beddage

I’m thrilled to announce that Identity has been nominated for Traditional Jazz Album of the Year at the 2013 Juno Awards!! I’m shocked, amazed and thrilled by the announcement.  Thanks to all the fine folks involved in making this album a reality.

In a related story, in 2002, my last year as a student at Humber College, I was the recipient of an award given by CARAS (the organization that puts on the Junos).  The award included scholarship money that helped me afford to buy my first flute and clarinet.  The award also included free tickets to the following year’s Junos in Ottawa, including all the associated festivities.  In the fall, I moved to New Jersey to begin my Master’s degree, and I flew back to Ottawa in April of 2003 for the Junos.  It was a thrill to be part of the festivities as a spectator.  And here we are, 10 years later… Wow.

P.S. If you’d like to purchase a physical copy of the album, please use the PayPal link on my Store page, and I will sign it and mail it to you myself!!

Also, my April 20th trio gig at the Old Mill Inn is now on May 25th!  See the Events page for more info.

On Saturday, February 16th, I was honoured to be a guest on CBC’s “Fresh Air” radio program, in an interview with host Mary Ito.  Here’s a link to the recording of the interview.

It’s been a busy holiday season, and I’m excited for upcoming events in February, March and April.  Look for me with Christian Overton, Nancy Walker and Mike Downes’ “In the Current” ensemble (plus a CD recording with Mike’s group).  Also, I’ll be at the Homesmith Bar (Toronto) with my trio in April, and I’ll be debuting some compositions on piano and baritone saxophone.

“Identity” has been turning some heads in Canada and the U.S.  Check out this recent review on modernbarisax.com.  Look for updates on summer performances, coming soon.

Hi, friends, my new album, “Identity” is finally available!  Click here to find out more about the album, and click here to order a physical or digital copy.

I’m thrilled to announce that my new CD “Identity” will be available for purchase in November of 2012. The official Toronto CD release concert will take place on Thursday, November 1st at Gallery 345, and will feature my quartet with Dave Restivo (piano), Mark Kelso (drums) and Mike Downes (bass). Look for more details on my Events page.

I’m back home after a great night at the Rochester Jazz Fest!  Thanks to all who attended.  Special thanks to festival organizers John Nugent and Marc Iacona for putting on such a great festival year after year.  Watch a video/interview from the show here.

After an exciting weekend of music in Toronto and Gananoque, it’s almost time to head to Rochester New York for the Rochester International Jazz Fest.  I’m exciting to be performing on Wednesday, June 27, with Toronto musicians Dave Restivo, Mike Downes and Mark Kelso.  This will be my third time performing at the festival, and it’s great to be back!

I’ve just finished recording my new album with musicians Dave Restivo, Mark Kelso, Mike Downes and special guest Nathan Eklund.  We spent the weekend in the studio and the results were very exciting indeed!  Stay tuned to this website for updates.

Photo by Nathan Eklund

After an intense week of great music with Mike Downes and Nancy Walker, I’m gearing up for my forthcoming studio recording, “Identity”.  I’ll be recording in June with Toronto musicians Dave Restivo, Mike Downes and Mark Kelso.  This recording will be featuring a number of new compositions for quartet and quintet.  Keep watching for updates!

I have three exciting performances coming up in May!  On May 9th, I’ll be performing with Mike Downes’ “In the Current” ensemble at Gallery 345 (Toronto).  He’s written some fantastic new music for this occasion, and the ensemble is stellar!  Plus, I’ll be playing many, many, many instruments.  (I may need a roadie for the gig… any takers?)

Next, on May 12th, I’ll be playing with the Nancy Walker quintet at Chalkers Pub (Toronto).  We just went into the studio to record her music, and it is truly beautiful.

In mid May, I’ll be heading to Ottawa to adjudicate at Musicfest Canada, the nation’s largest band festival.  I’ll also be performing there with the Humber Faculty Band, featuring David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat and Tears), Ranee Lee, Oliver Jones and Horacio Hernandez.