The Saint John Arts Centre is about is host an evening-long fusion of art, food, and music as McKinley, Morrison & Williams present The Uptown Jazz Ball.
Not only will the event bring a rare night of jazz to Saint John’s uptown, but pairs it with a whole culinary experience. The trio have partnered with Christina Sloan, who has worked for over fifteen years in the culinary industry to master the art of combining food and music.
Josh McKinley says that the idea of putting together an Uptown Jazz Ball has been a goal of McKinley, Morrison & Williams since they began performing as a band.
“We wanted to have a fusion of music and food and it seemed right to include art as well. We were looking to create an event concept that would mash these art forms together in both a sophisticated and inviting way,” says Josh McKinley.
“This is an event where you may get a little dressed up, take in some amazing sounds, gaze at some cool paintings, and let your taste buds dance with the night vibe.”
“I felt that with the fresh booming culture in Uptown Saint John, this would be something different. Almost like a dinner theatre, but instead of a play, the food pairs with our original blend of jazz music. We work hard to put together a musical performance that will be beautiful, exciting, and captivating. Christina and her team work really hard to make absolutely delicious food. We are trying to create not just a show, but an experience for our audience.”
The Saint John Arts Centre say they are very excited to host the even within the building’s Tompkins Studio Hall, or as many in Saint John will remember it, the former home of the ScienceScape.
“When Josh McKinley first came to visit, he thought our Frazee Gallery, where we mainly host classical concerts, would be a good venue, but his eyes really lit up when we took a look at our Tompkins Studio Hall,” says SJAC’s Kelly Cunningham.
“The more live music, jazz of course included, the better! Saint John is lucky to have some excellent live performance venues, and we think our two performing spaces can add something unique to the options. As a performance space, we’re best known as a classical music venue for organizations like Symphony NB and the Saint John Early Music Festival, but we’re very interested in expanding the genres of music we host, and beyond.”
The artwork in hall will consist of the currently featured exhibit from Fredericton-based painter Stephen May and the McGill School of Architecture.
“We’re hoping that there will be a nice crossover of interests – that music fans coming to take in the jazz will take the time to wander the galleries and enjoy the exhibits,” says Cunningham.
Attendees of the event can expect to take in special locally inspired hors d’oeuvres before the show and during intermission, what Christina Sloan describes as, “food that reflects the season as well as the ambience of the night”
“The hors d’oeuvres that Sara Brunett and myself will be serving will pair with the music, fresh and savoury flavours, highlighting some of our favourite local ingredients, all to be enjoyed à la main: crudités with spring veg, antipasto skewers, fiddle-head shots, sweet and savoury crostinis topped with local sprouts, and something sweet to finish.”
This won’t be the first Jazz Ball hosted by McKinley, Morrison & Williams. They’ve held past events at Grimross Brewing in Fredericton and Five & Dime in Saint John.
“We did one in October and it sold out. It is looking like both nights will sell out this time around as well. We don’t want to wear it out but it seems like there is a lot of interest for these events,” says McKinley.
The Uptown Jazz Ball takes place at the Saint John Arts Centre on June 1st and 2nd, 2018. Tickets are $25 and limited to 60 each night. They are available at Backstreet Records on Germain Street.