Bio
A bit about us
The Grey Jazz Big Band is a 19-piece big band in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, led by musical director, Brian Boggs, and manager, Paul Caron. Comprised of former professional, semi-professional and top quality amateur musicians, we have considerable experience in a variety of genres from concert band to dixieland to symphonic orchestras. As a result, not only do we play the great swing tunes of the 1920s big band era, but we also have a wide variety of other music spanning popular and contemporary hits.
Currently, you may find us regularly around town and at other annual events such as our always-sold out ‘A Concert to Remember’ at the Centrepointe and Shenkman Theatres. Check out our calendar and/or join our mailing list so that you don’t miss any toe-tapping fun!
A bit more about us
The band, originally known as the Grey Jazz Band, was formed as a recreational activity for the Good Companions Centre back in 1987. Over the years, the band has stayed true to its roots by continuing to rehearse at the Centre as well as support dances and other special activities there.
Because of the quality of the band, it grew in popularity and, along the way, attracted retired professional musicians and other players who wanted to continue making music in a top-level band. As a result, the band became known as the Grey Jazz Big Band and is second to none when it comes to providing an entertaining programme ranging from music of the big band era to the popular hits of today.
Grey Jazz is also active in Ottawa’s charitable community. The band provides first-class music for events such as the CHEO Telethon, the annual Mayor’s Breakfast for Seniors and for organizations including the Ottawa Heart Institute, the Kiwanis Club, the Parkinson Society of Ottawa, and the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre.
Over the years the band has also performed at numerous high-profile events including a Royal Visit, the opening of the Canadian War Museum and the Ottawa Jazz Festival.
Like any successful organization, the Grey Jazz Big Band is a team effort. The band is ably led by musical director Brian Bogg and manager Paul Caron. Along with Malcolm Wade and emcee Betty Ann Bryanton providing vocals, the Grey Jazz Big Band continues to delight audiences both young and the young at heart.
A big thanks for stopping by
Thanks for your interest in us! We’d love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us to discuss booking or for more information. Please consider joining our mailing list to keep informed of our upcoming events.
Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing your toes tapping somewhere!