MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
What a Year!
Saskatoon’s Mark DeJong Caps off Tour with Hometown Show
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Winnipeg, MB, October 31, 2009) After a whirlwind four months, well-known Canadian tenor sax player Mark DeJong is returning to his hometown roots for a show at The Backstage Stage at the Frank & Ellen Remai Arts Centre (100 Spadina Cres. E.) on Saturday, November 14, 2009. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
DeJong will perform with his New Jersey-based band, the Outer Bridge Ensemble. Fans can expect a soul-thrilling evening of experimental and electrifying jazz – complete with both free form jazz and well-loved standards.
It’s a welcome homecoming for DeJong, whose star has been rising steadily since earning a Western Canadian Music Award nomination in July. That led to more than two dozen Canadian tour dates, including BC’s Pender Harbour Jazz Festival, Edmonton’s Yardbird Suite Jazz Series, Canmore’s Vic Lewis Jazz Festival, and a show at Vancouver’s legendary jazz club, The Cellar.
Of special interest to Saskatoon jazz fans: CBC Radio will do a taping of its “Canada Live” show at Mark’s Remai Arts Centre gig, giving fans a chance to participate in a radio live recording.
Tickets are $20 for adults / $15 for students/seniors, and available at the Persephone Box Office, or by calling 306.384.7727.
The Mark DeJong and the Outer Bridge Ensemble tour is partially funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, and sponsored by St. Johns Music.
Bring your ears and an open mind.
ATTN Editors: High res photos are at the bottom of this web page:
http://www.soundstrategymusic.ca/Mark_DeJong.html
Hear Mark DeJong’s music here:
www.myspace.com/jazzmarkdejong
For more information or to book an interview, please contact:
Lisa Saunders, publicist, Sound Strategy Music, 204.799.4641,
lisa@soundstrategy.ca
www.soundstrategymusic.ca
Quotes from Mark DeJong:
1. What are the highlights so far of your most recent tour?
“The way newcomer, bassist Simon Fisk, fit right away into the musical environment. The reactions we have received from our audiences have been fantastic. Particularly at the festivals, where we played to packed audiences; like The Old Fire Hall Jazz Festival in Rossland, B.C. - their first ever festival - and Pender Harbour Jazz Festival on the Sunshine Coast. It has also been very gratifying to play in a musically sophisticated major centre like Vancouver and have so much positive feedback.
2. How far did your recent tour take you? What were some of the most memorable experiences of this tour?
“We were lucky to visit beautiful locations, like the west coast, Vancouver Island, and the B.C. Interior. Some of the drives have been nothing short of spectacular. We hit some very cool clubs along the way, too. Lorenzos in Enderby, B.C. had a really earthy vibe, and was very esoteric. Our audiences have been quite diverse as well, and it was really cool to play for the high school music students in Winfield, B.C.”
3. Are you looking forward to your homecoming show in Saskatoon? Why?
“Absolutely! The last few times the band has played in Saskatoon have been during the jazz festival, and a lot of folks are either out of town or taking in some of the headliners. It will be a good chance for them to hear the band during the year when jazz is a little more sparse. Also, we are thrilled to be playing in a brand new venue. I toured the building when it was still under construction, and I was immediately intrigued by The Backstage Stage. I think it will be a very intimate environment to hear some great music. I also think its cool that CBC is going to record the show, so it will give the audience a chance to be a part of a live recording!”
