The North Coast Performers Society is presenting Toronto-based jazz band The Cookers, who will have audiences dancing in their seats during their April 3 performance at the Tom Rooney Playhouse.
According to Peter Witherly from the North Coast Performers Society, the Cookers are a group that even non-jazz lovers can enjoy. The Cookers incorporate swinging and down-the middle jazz music rooted from the traditions of the 1950’s and 1960’s, and will be showcasing it by playing tracks from their self-titled debut.
The Cookers are lead by trumpet player Tim Hamel, who is a 20-plus year veteran of the Toronto jazz scene and has been performed at most major jazz clubs and festivals in Canada. Other members include tenor saxophone player Ryan Oliver, who has traveled all around the country and world playing as both a leader and a sideman, as well as being a clinician at universities and high schools throughout the United States and Canada, Richard Whiteman who plays the piano for the quintet and has played with orchestras, for musical theatre, as well as being an educator for jazz piano. Alex Coleman plays the bass in the quintet. Coleman maintains a busy recording and performance schedule in Toronto. Drummer Morgan Childs has built an international performing career, has been a recipient for many awards, and is an educator in schools in the United States and Canada.
The Cookers formed in March of 2010, and this Sunday’s performance will be the group’s first-ever in Prince Rupert.
Anyone interesting in purchasing tickets for the Cookers first-ever Prince Rupert performance are asked to do so in advance. Tickets can be purchased at Teddy’s.