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| The Cellar Nightclub 5th Anniversary Celebrations The Cellar Restaurant / Jazz Club in Vancouver’s downtown core has earned a reputation with jazz aficionado’s the world over as one of the top jazz venues in North America. After three weeks of closure to complete a major renovation and redesign, The Cellar has flung open it’s doors to music lovers once again – just in time to celebrate the venues fifth anniversary. Under the leadership of Cory Weeds - who some refer as a “jazz renaissance man” being the club’s owner, booker and promoter as well as a radio DJ - The Cellar has attracted world class jazz musicians. By playing host to the international pedigree of tenor sax innovator Benny Golson, Hammond B3 legend Dr. Lonnie Smith, and alto/soprano sax force Kenny Garrett, to name only a few, it’s no wonder that The Cellar has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Jazz Clubs Worldwide” by Downbeat Magazine. But it’s not just all about the recognized and established musicians for Weeds. The Cellar steadily showcases some of the best jazz acts that Vancouver has to offer, making it an integral role in assisting the BC jazz community. “We don’t normally get the big American names that some other jazz venues get regularly but that’s not really what The Cellar is about, ” muses Weeds. “We're about having Canada's best musicians playing their hearts out every night, alongside other incredible but maybe lesser-known international names, and serving it all up in a cool environment that takes its music seriously.” Like most success stories, the story of The Cellar is one built upon passion, something that Weeds has plenty of. By continuing to provide optimum space for all jazz musicians, Weeds has also managed to launch a record label, Cellar Live, and proudly released 17 full-length albums all recorded live at the venue. “As a musician, record label founder and producer, I take a personal pride in the Canadian jazz community, ” says Weeds. “And with The Cellar, I like to think that I make a strong contribution to making our jazz scene flourish.” And after five incredible jazz filled years, The Cellar is ready to really show us what it can do. As part of a two-month long celebration of The Cellars fifth anniversary - and a great excuse for Weeds to show off the top-notch renovations - The Cellar will be holding a series of stellar performances that pulls out all of the stops. It all kicks off with The BC Saxophone Summit on August 5th and 6th. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |