ssion to bring music to blues and jazz lovers, the Sooke Harbour House will be the venue for an evening with Maureen Washington and pianist Karel Roessingh.
On Friday, April 8 songstress Maureen Washington will entertain in the lounge, bringing her sassy playfulness to those who want an evening of music in a comfortable setting.
With a vocal style that encompasses the soul of Etta James and Carmen McRae, the modernity of Holly Cole and the playfulness of Jann Arden, Maureen Washington evokes comparison to some of the great female jazz singers of our time yet remains one-of-a-kind.
Maureen Washington songstress for a variety of different ensembles, began her music career in Prince George where she sang in a funk, blues, swing band named BOP.
Now based in Victoria, Maureen performs with many different configurations: from duos to sextets at several high end venues around Vancouver Island. Maureen has worked extensively in the music industry, as a singer/songwriter, vocal instructor, performer, and has hosted and performed main stage for four years (2004 - 2007) at the Prince George International Folk Fest, sharing the stage with Bruce Cockburn, Janis Ian, Martyn Joseph and twice hosted festival clinics, one with Florida’s Lee Boys and Ruthie Foster, and a second with Amy Millan on female songwriters.
Early in her career Maureen also hosted a musicians’ showcase, providing an opportunity for local talent to be seen by the public.
Pianist Karel Roessingh is a rare musician.
He doesn’t have anything to grumble about.Being versatile is what has made the difference between Roessingh and so many other talented Victoria musicians who have been unable to earn a reasonable living just playing music. He appears to have played in every imaginable situation, and the breadth of that experience shows through at a place like the Herald Street Cafe, where he’s free to play whatever comes to mind.
Characteristically, his playing has nice walking basslines and the chord voicings of a player out of the Berklee School of Music in Boston.
“Here is a man who has clearly paid his dues, and the success he’s now enjoying in Victoria is well-deserved.”
Terry Douglas, Monday Magazine
Tickets are available on the website (www.sookeharbourhouse.com click on “new” or call 250-642-3421. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., concert at 7:30.