November 30, 2022 @ 7:30pm
A Port Theatre Discovery Series Presentation ~ DOUBLE BILL (Two shows… one night)
KENTON WILLEM
Kenton Willem is a saxophonist, pianist, flutist and composer/arranger from here in Nanaimo, British Columbia. He started his musical interests learning the saxophone at the age of 10, and soon after, he began performing and composing through the local Wellington Jazz Academy program.
In his 15+ years of experience playing music and learning from masters, he has been recognized all over North America for his work and talents. Some of his most notable accomplishments include receiving a Downbeat Magazine Composition Award, winning California’s Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival Outstanding Ensemble category and Outstanding Soloist category, and being the first Canadian to receive the full-tuition Jimmy Lyons Scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he completed his degree in Performance and Jazz Composition with a minor in Classical Conducting.
Kenton is thrilled to be presenting many of his original songs which he has written over the course of his music journey. Accompanying him for the Discovery Series show is his newly found friend, Jazz Composer, Pianist, and Organist, Nicholas Peck.
“Nick is an extraordinary pianist whose depth and expertise I feel really complements my sound, and it seems we are both proud music-nerds, so we have a lot in common! Playing this concert with him is an absolute honour and a privilege,” explains Kenton.
Kenton and Nick have been learning about each other’s history and getting to know each other through improvised music which they love and enjoy. They are excited to bring a night of music that is exciting, dynamic, intimate, sometimes meditative, and always improvised, to the Port Theatre’s audience.
DANIELLE LEBEAU-PETERSEN
Miles of Aisles – A Tribute to Joni Mitchell
Some artists’ work is so strong that it echoes through generations, almost gathering momentum as it evolves. One is undoubtedly Joni Mitchell. For years Danielle Lebeau Petersen has been crafting a tribute to Joni’s work, alongside a solid cast of some of Victoria’s finest musicians to re-invoke Mitchell’s songs.
“Miles of Aisles,” Danielle’ group dedicated to Joni’s music, has enjoyed a fruitful first year, including a sold-out show for its inaugural run at Hermann’s Jazz Club, a spot at the first Island Folk Festival since the pandemic, and an appearance for the Oceanside Folk/Roots Club in Qualicum Beach. Bringing “Miles of Aisles” to the renowned Port Theatre, Danielle will be joined by well-known upright and electric bassist Phil Albert.
Danielle was born into a family of music with both parents being lifelong professional musicians. As a youngster, she was steeped in the song writing tradition of the 70s with such artists as Carol King, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, but mostly Joni Mitchell. The confessional song writing of these artists left a lasting impression. To this day Danielle still loves how the song writing of the early 70’s had an earnestness and complexity unique to its time.
Danielle’s career began within the Vic High R&B band program, where she sang classic Motown. Following this she learned that the most efficient way to accompany herself was on acoustic guitar and taught herself. Upon completing a diploma in jazz studies from Camosun College, working and living in Montreal, and spending two years working for a luxury cruise line, Danielle retuned to Victoria to continue her creative explorations, including the labour-of-love project “Miles of Aisles.”
