Five-time Juno winner coming to town for International Jazz Day
Jane Bunnett and band Maqueque will play Cobourg concert April 30
In celebration of International Jazz Day, Cobourg’s LOFT Productions is bringing internationally acclaimed jazz artist Jane Bunnett and her band Maqueque for a Victoria Hall concert on Tuesday, April 30 at 7 p.m.
“Jane Bunnett is an international star,” said LOFT Productions producer Ken Prue. “Her notoriety is well-deserved and she, with her band Maqueque, brings an exuberance to the stage that is infectious.”
Bunnett is a distinguished Canadian flautist, saxophone player, and band leader who is best known for her Afro-Cuban jazz style.
She has had two Grammy nominations and has won five Juno Awards in total — four on her own and one with her band Maqueque. In 2004, Bunnett was appointed an officer of the Order of Canada — the highest civilian honour given in this country.
“The music that we will be performing will be our repertoire from our four Maqueque recordings. Our first recording — ‘Maqueque’ — established our name and won a Juno in 2015,” stated Bunnett.
“Our second CD ‘Oddara’ received a Grammy nomination in 2018. We will also be playing from our new CD, ‘Playing With Fire’, which has been on the top of many critics choice as one of the best CDs of 2024.”
Bunnett leads the all-female ensemble called Maqueque which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary of collaboration. For the April 30 performance, Bunnett will be joined by Dánae Olano (keyboard) Marta Elena (vocals), Celia Jimenez (bass), MaryPaz Fernández (percussion), and Amhed Mitchel (drums).
“What got me interested in Cuban music was the many trips to Cuba ... travelling the whole country and realizing that there were so many genres and styles to the Cuban sound that changed from province to province,” stated Bunnett.
Inspired by many trips to Cuba with husband, Larry Cramer, the couple wrote much of the music for “Playing With Fire” during the pandemic while living in their secluded home just outside Algonquin Park.
“I have always spent a good six months each year of my life near Algonquin Park where my grandfather built two log cabins in the ’20s and ’30s,” said Bunnett. “They are summer cabins but shortly before COVID hit, we started to build a small, winterized building. It saved our sanity at this time.”
Tickets may be purchased online at experiencecobourg.ca/ concert-hall-victoria-hall/, and by phone at 855-372-2210 or direct from producer (no fees) though email at kenprue@gmail.com.
“We are really excited to be performing in Peterborough and Cobourg. I feel so connected to both cities. l played the inaugural event of the opening of Peterborough Regional Health Care, never knowing that l would become a frequent user of its terrific services,” said Bunnett.
“Cobourg was at the very beginning of my jazz development. l regularly played at the Town Hall series, curated by the great string maker, Peter Elias. The Friendly Giant, Bob Homme, was often in attendance. This will be my first time back since then.”