MONICA SIU Shades Of Jazz SINGLES Release Show with Special Duo Pre-Show
About this Event
MONICA SIU Shades of Jazz is thrilled to present a one-night-only spectacular! A 3 Act Show. Come celebrate multiple upcoming SINGLES releasing for downloads and streaming, 2 CD releases, and a Two Tenor Saxophone madness finale!
And.. this unique 3 Act Show is $45 only! LIMITED ENDS: SUN Jul 5th, 10am
- EARLY BIRD $5 off - ENDS SUN Jul 12, 10am
- EARLY BIRD "code": Buy6-Get1 (INPUT 7) ENDS SUN Jul 12, 10am
- EARLY BIRD "code": Buy12-Get2 (INPUT 14) ENDS SUN Jul 12, 10am
AS SEEN AT PYATT HALL SHOW - YOUTUBE:
The Octet (8-piece band) led by Siu, includes Pianist Miles Black and Vibraphonist Nick Apivor, and several of the original recording instrumentalists (summer schedules prohibiting) from her soon to be released "Steppin' Ahead" CD. Performing Siu's arrangements this evening are: Pianist Miles Black, Vibraphonist /Percussionist Nick Apivor, Saxophonist Adam Kyle, Saxophonist Connor Lum, Guitarist Matt Franceschini, Bassist Bradley Pearson and Drummer Chris Haas.
3 ACTS PROGRAM:
I. PRE-SHOW DUO: Miles Black and Nick Apivor
A unique first listen to originals from these renowned Canadian artists' new CD "Many Hats," mainly Piano and Vibraphone and other instruments that the multi-instrumental duo can play. Come hear what these veteran highly esteemed Duo has created.
II. MAIN SHOW: MONICA SIU Shades of Jazz “Steppin' Ahead" SINGLES Release Show.
A versatile Bandleader, Pianist, former College Music Teacher, and 12 year tenure as principal Pianist and Singer in a local Big Band Pianist, Siu is celebrated for unexpected twists and turns in her Jazz arrangements - beautifully reinventing the great jazz standards through rich harmonies, interactive rhythms, and unexpected twists.
This CD sneak peak is Part 1 of a 2-part Show series - featuring some of the freshly recorded tracks from her “Steppin’ Ahead album (releasing this fall). Siu’s project pairs together so many of Vancouver’s most established Jazz veterans with the city's brightest stars of many ages, , this is a rare opportunity to witness this lineup of celebrated musicians!
III. POST SHOW DUAL: Saxophone Feature “The Two Tenors”
Tenor titans Conner Lum and Adam Kyle will close the event with a thrilling Tenor Sax face- off. You never know what they will play, but you will be left invigorated and enthralled!
ABOUT THE MAIN SHOW:
FEATURING CD SINGLES: Look out for Siu's soon to be dropped Single, “Fever,” and other Singles!
Siu's arrangements emphasize dense Quartal Harmony, sophisticated grooves, beautiful harmonic, melodic and chordal choices, and dynamic interplay. The arrangements weave touches of Cool Jazz, Post Bop, light Fusion Jazz, through to Souful Jazz Ballads and soft Bossa Novas. Your reimagined favourite Jazz tunes promise to elevate, energize and inspire
Spoiler Alert!
Other highlights include Siu’s imaginative interpretation of “Four” , “On Green Dolphin St” , and the high energy fusion songs Steps Ahead’s “Self Portrait” and Mike Stern’s “Chromazone”.
ABOUT THE FALL RELEASE CD MONICA SIU Shades of Jazz “Steppin’ Ahead” AND BIO:
Pianist-Singer Monica Siu’s “Steppin’ Ahead “ CD arrangements are the culmination of years listening, exploring and performing.
Siu’s brief stint as pianist for the VCC Big Band, under the direction of renowned Jazz educator Alan Matheson, combined with her 12-year tenure as principal pianist and singer for a local Big Band ( requiring extensive sight reading and performing large volumes of large scale arrangements spanning decades of repertoire and groove), sharpened her ears and arranging skills.
Drawing on Big Band tradition, Cool Jazz, post Bop and Jazz Fusion ensembles and artists of the 1980s were influential to her. Namely the 1980’s group Steps Ahead (Mike Manieri, brothers Michael & Randy Brecker, with rotating members Mike Stern, Eliane Elias and more) was significant. Siu’s arrangements also feature vibraphone, offer contrast between high energy grooves and laid back flow, while providing ample canvas for soloing, call and response and improvisation.
Vocally, Siu pays homage to the ladies of Jazz evolution of standards over time – to legends such as Betty Carter, Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae, and contemporary favourite Veronica Swift.
Finally, under the mentorship of one of Canada’s top Jazz Pianists, Producers and Arrangers Miles Black, Siu’s arranging and performance skills flourished in the last couple of years.
According to Black, “Monica’s creative and heartfelt passion for the music she loves really shines through her unique and dynamic instrumental arrangements, as well as her vocal performances. As Producer for her own CD, she has good studio production skills, knowing instinctually what instruments need to be added, precisely where to be placed, and how long effects last. She offers the listener a multi-layered and fascinating take on songs in a way that is unexpected. From Jazz Swing to Latin feels, Funk fusion to rich orchestral detailing on her upcoming Bonus Tracks to be released in the Fall, Monica is blazing a new trail for arrangers, vocalists, and performers in Vancouver”.
After almost 7 months exclusively in the recording studio with award-winning engineer Sheldon Zaharko and Miles Black, a short time away singing in European Jazz clubs in April 2026, and recent carefully chosen venue performances, Siu is excited to return to the larger audiences to celebrate this CD completion milestone in her career.
July 19th at the Revue Stage on Granville Island, MONICA SIU Shades of Jazz Part 1 of two-part concert series. Part 2 arrives this fall, debuting the CD’s track’s remaining selections, alongside Bonus tracks Siu wrote - her incorporating string parts and orchestral instruments, as already recorded by some Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra members.
CATCH THE ”FEVER”!! (Single) Don't miss these Part 1 MONICA SIU Shades of Jazz “Steppin’ Ahead” tracks, rare lineup and 3 Acts programming.
HURRY! PROMOTIONS are time and quantity limited. No refunds
Thank you sincerely for supporting Artist self-funded productions.
Agenda
BIO
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 44.06 to CAD 49.40
