Shirantha Beddage

Here’s a video clip from Suzana da Camara‘s recent show at Hugh’s Room.  I was featured on baritone saxophone and clarinet.

I just finished a wonderful show at Hugh’s Room with the lovely Suzana da Camara Cabaret. The band plays a mix of jazz and Latin music, and Suzana sings in English, French and Portugese. She’s definitely one to watch!

I’m performing with New York bandleader Gary Morgan, when he brings his Panamericana Latin Jazz Big Band to Lula Lounge (Toronto) on December 28th. And speaking of world jazz, I’ll be recording with Bruce Cassidy and his African jazz project in early January. Excited!!

October has been an action-packed month for me!  I had a wonderful two weeks of concerts, the first with the Don Thompson Big Band, and the second with the Humber Faculty Big Band featuring Maria Schneider.  Preparing Maria’s music was a challenge, but the concert came together well.

I recently wrote some new arrangements for an upcoming concert with the JPEC Jazz Tentet at the Toronto Center for the Performing Arts, entitled, “Jazz Goes to The Movies” on October 26th.  See the Events page for more details.

Roots and Branches is in stores now! See the store to  order or download this CD online from Jazz Excursion Records. Roots is also available at Barnes and Noble retail stores, and downloadable on iTunes (Canada), iTunes (US) and Emusic.com.

To find out more about Humber Music, visit the Humber Jazz Website.

Look for me at the Rex in Toronto on Labour Day weekend with my new quartet!  We will also be performing at the Jazz Sudbury Festival the following week.  See the events page for details.

I just went into the studio with Toronto musicians Dave Restivo, Larnell Lewis and Mike Downes, to record some new original music.  Looking forward to sharing it with all of you soon!

I’ll be performing with the great Bob Mintzer and the Humber Faculty Big Band in October.  See the Events page for more details.

Look for me in late June and July, with Afrobeat band Mr. Something Something!  We’ll be touring through Northern Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  Check out my Events page for more details.

I’m excited to be heading to Ottawa in mid-May to adjudicate at Musicfest Canada!  I have many fond memories of high school band trips to Musicfest as a student, and I’m thrilled to be on the other side of the table for a change!  Looking forward to meeting high school bands and directors from across the country.

I will be adjudicating and performing at the Next Generation Jazz Festival in mid-February, and joining Alex Dean’s quintet at the Rex for several dates in March. Hope you can make it!