Old Mill Toronto's Jazz Series Presents Brenda Lewis

Originally from The 1000 Islands and Ottawa, versatile Guelph/Toronto-based jazz vocalist Brenda Lewis' http://www.brendalewis.ca versatility originates from R&B, country blues and folk music.

In the The Home Smith Bar's jazz series at the Old Mill, she will be joined by acclaimed Toronto jazz musicians and longtime bandmate Margaret Stowe http://www.margaretstowe.com/ on guitar, and, Neil Swainson on upright bass, performing an eclectic mix of standards including soulful and even quirky repertoire.

Thursday April 19, 7:30 - 10:30pm In The Home Smith Bar at the Old Mill Toronto21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario, M8X 1G5. Local: 416.236.2641 Toll-Free: 1.866.653.6455Concert Info: https://www.oldmilltoronto.com/event/brenda-lewis-trio * Minimum Food & Beverage $20 per person; axes & Gratuities AdditionalLimited Seating Available / No Reservations

For 25 years, Lewis has been captivating audiences - in Toronto most recently in concert series also at The Jazz Bistro, 120 Diner, Musideum and Flying Beaver Pubaret - as well as across Ontario at the The Jazz Room (Waterloo), McMichael Gallery's Jazz Series, Merrickville's Jazz Fest, Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival, 1000 Islands Jazz Festival,, Guelph Jazz Festival and the Midland Cultural Centre, to name a few.

Among her 2017 accomplishments, she was a featured guest vocalist in a sold-out two night run of concerts celebrating the music of The Breithaupt Brothers in the Jazz at the Registry Theatre series (Kitchener) - a songwriting tour de force often referred to as the Canadian Gershwins. As well, she was featured in Niagara Jazz Festival's Twilight Jazz Series. What's next? Lewis aims to embark on a series of jazz concert tours across Canada and other countries - in between her busy schedule as an arts and entertainment publicist working regionally and across North America, Ireland and the UK.

"Rich and sonorous vocalist Brenda Lewis has presented an exceptional and intriguing recording ... Her adept jazz sensibility (as well as her variegated alto voice) is beautifully displayed. She has created a compellingly stripped-down performance and recording unit ... Very few vocalists would have the courage to present themselves in such an exposing, bare-bones way, but Lewis is refreshingly fearless, committed and transparent in her approach and taste; her consummate vocal skill shines throughout." ( Lesley Mitchell-Clarke, The WholeNote - Complete review at:
http://www.thewholenote.com/index.php/booksrecords2/jazzaimprovised/26006-far-near-brenda-lewis)

"Between Lewis' always strong singing, expert choice of material, and a small group that delivers big, the thrill in this case comes entirely from the music."(Mark Rheaume, CBC featured the CD in his NEW MUSIC PICKS on CBC Fresh Air's 1st show of 2016)

"Brimming with exquisite covers of songs from Gil Scott-Heron, Jesse Winchester, Sarah McLachlan, Gayle Ackroyd and more, Brenda's melodic journey will take you into jazz, folk and country territories. Her wonderful voice will guide you through magical, rhythmic landscapes."(Hamilton Blues Lovers)

Also a concert promoter and music reviewer of note, in 2017 Lewis was selected to host an "In Conversation" author event with celebrated music industry author Nicholas Jennings regarding his recent biography of Gordon Lightfoot . The previous year, she was a celebrity panelist in Guelph Reads (Guelph's version of Canada Reads) and won with her defense of Charlotte Gray's biography of Canadian Mohawk Poet and performer Pauline Johnson.

That same year, she was also asked to join forces with respected arts impresario Robert Missen to co-present and perform in a very well-received "5000 Miles For Syria" Concert in the Elora and Guelph communities. Missen organized a number of these wonderful concerts, beginning with a flagship concert in Toronto. She also sits on the advisory board for Big Beautiful Wellness (Body Acceptance for Women), an award-winning international organization which was founded in Toronto.

More here: http://www.cjnews.com/culture/arts/jazz-singers-songs-take-listeners-journey.

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