Ottawa based Odyssey Showcase presents “The Gift of Jazz”, a tribute to Black History Month showcasing music from Africa to New Orleans to Canada. The concert takes place in the National Gallery of Canada auditorium (380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, K1N 9N4) on Thursday, February 14 at 8 pm.
This one-time performance celebrates the profound impact of Black history and culture on music with host Canadian Olympic hurdler Sekou Kaba and features Deborah Davis & Segue to Jazz.
This event celebrates the courage, determination, grace and unrelenting spirit of men and women who overcame incredible challenges and reflects the history, impact and contributions of these performers on the world of Jazz.
Some of the iconic works you’ll hear include Night in Tunisia, Joint is Jumping, Jump Jive and Wail, Miss Otis Regrets, Hymn To Freedom from jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Waller, Louis Prima, Cole Porter, Oscar Peterson as well as a medley tribute to Motown and Aretha Franklin included in the evening’s stellar repertoire.
As an added treat for concert goers, Odyssey Showcase is pleased to present an interactive, exciting and bilingual pre-show living art event: Canada Speaks in the context of Black History Month featuring actors portraying historic figures from Black History, including Richard Pierpont, Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Viola Desmond, Ignatius Sancho, Booker T. Washington, Harriet Tubman and others.
This art spectacle begins at 7 pm at the same location as the concert at 8 pm.
Tickets for “Gift of Jazz” are available through Eventbrite or by contacting Odyssey Showcase at (613) 321-2066 or at info@odysseyshowcase.org.
Visit www.odysseyshowcase.org for more information.