Issue 43 - March 2026
Hi Jazzers,
Begorra, it’s that time again when we celebrate an early St. Patricks Day, (Mar. 15/26 event with Swing Patrol). The Leprechauns who live in my garden’s shamrock patch told me that I have to go all out to advertise this event, so here goes:
(Sung to the tune of Galway Bay after a Guinness or two.)
“If you ever go to Surrey on a Sunday
And you feel like having fun is out of reach
Just make your way down to the Crescent Legion
And hear the jazz go down at Crescent Beach”
“You don’t have to “River Dance” to grace our dance floor
You can jive and swing and maybe tipple on some Screech
But on Paddy’s Day put on your best green glad rags
Then you can dance to “Swing Patrol” at Crescent Beach”
Our entertainment committee inform me that we will raffle off some donated prizes using special raffle tickets distributed to only those who dress in theme for this event. Swing Patrol will probably have a jig or two in their song list, so slip on your best green gu’na, sashay onto the dance floor and become part of the shenanigans.
Also, mischievous Leprechauns with their shillelaghs will be at the door to help tardy members renew their club memberships. So get into the spirit when we all become Irish for a day with “the wearing o’er the green”.
Bill’s Bios:
Al Guraliuk - trumpet
Since receiving his Bachelor of Music degree from UBC, Al has been actively involved in Vancouver’s music community and has played in countries throughout the world. For over 30 years he was leader of “Champagne” one of Vancouver’s top corporate party bands, besides booking talent and producing shows for corporate events, Al has been the featured trumpet player for many local bands including the Gastown Strutters Jazz Band and the Al Guraliuk Jazz Trio. No stranger to the WRTJS, Al has performed many times at our club with the White Rock Rhythm Kings.
Ben Lockwood - saxophone, clarinet, flute
Formerly from Bedford UK, Ben resides with his family in the Vancouver area. He is an in-demand freelance musician and also leads his own band, the Ben Lockwood Quartet, playing a mixture of jazz standards and his own compositions. Ben has performed for over 20 years in the Vancouver area at over 150 live shows and has played with the White Rock Rhythm Kings at our club on numerous occasions.
Our band schedule for the rest of Spring 2026 is as follows:
Mar. 15/26 - Swing Patrol (St.Patrick’s Day event)
Mar. 22/26 - White Rock Rhythm Kings with Ben MacRae and Jocelyn Waugh
Mar. 29/26 - Bonnie Northgraves Quintet
Apr. 5/26 - NO JAZZ (EASTER)
Apr. 12/26 - White Rock Rhythm Kings with Al Matheson and Geoff Claridge
Apr. 19/26 - NO JAZZ (LEGION PRIVATE EVENT)
Apr. 26/26 - Ragtime Ramblers
May 3/26 - Fraser Valley Stompers
May 10/26 - NO JAZZ (MOTHERS DAY)
May 17/26 - NO JAZZ (VICTORIA DAY)
May 24/26 - Gastown Strutters
May 31/26 - Swing Patrol ———— (END OF SPRING SEASON)
The Bellingham Jazz Club feature the Little Jazz Friends on March 14/26.
Erin go Bragh
Bill Maddox, Presiden
Begorra, it’s that time again when we celebrate an early St. Patricks Day, (Mar. 15/26 event with Swing Patrol). The Leprechauns who live in my garden’s shamrock patch told me that I have to go all out to advertise this event, so here goes:
(Sung to the tune of Galway Bay after a Guinness or two.)
“If you ever go to Surrey on a Sunday
And you feel like having fun is out of reach
Just make your way down to the Crescent Legion
And hear the jazz go down at Crescent Beach”
“You don’t have to “River Dance” to grace our dance floor
You can jive and swing and maybe tipple on some Screech
But on Paddy’s Day put on your best green glad rags
Then you can dance to “Swing Patrol” at Crescent Beach”
Our entertainment committee inform me that we will raffle off some donated prizes using special raffle tickets distributed to only those who dress in theme for this event. Swing Patrol will probably have a jig or two in their song list, so slip on your best green gu’na, sashay onto the dance floor and become part of the shenanigans.
Also, mischievous Leprechauns with their shillelaghs will be at the door to help tardy members renew their club memberships. So get into the spirit when we all become Irish for a day with “the wearing o’er the green”.
Bill’s Bios:
Al Guraliuk - trumpet
Since receiving his Bachelor of Music degree from UBC, Al has been actively involved in Vancouver’s music community and has played in countries throughout the world. For over 30 years he was leader of “Champagne” one of Vancouver’s top corporate party bands, besides booking talent and producing shows for corporate events, Al has been the featured trumpet player for many local bands including the Gastown Strutters Jazz Band and the Al Guraliuk Jazz Trio. No stranger to the WRTJS, Al has performed many times at our club with the White Rock Rhythm Kings.
Ben Lockwood - saxophone, clarinet, flute
Formerly from Bedford UK, Ben resides with his family in the Vancouver area. He is an in-demand freelance musician and also leads his own band, the Ben Lockwood Quartet, playing a mixture of jazz standards and his own compositions. Ben has performed for over 20 years in the Vancouver area at over 150 live shows and has played with the White Rock Rhythm Kings at our club on numerous occasions.
Our band schedule for the rest of Spring 2026 is as follows:
Mar. 15/26 - Swing Patrol (St.Patrick’s Day event)
Mar. 22/26 - White Rock Rhythm Kings with Ben MacRae and Jocelyn Waugh
Mar. 29/26 - Bonnie Northgraves Quintet
Apr. 5/26 - NO JAZZ (EASTER)
Apr. 12/26 - White Rock Rhythm Kings with Al Matheson and Geoff Claridge
Apr. 19/26 - NO JAZZ (LEGION PRIVATE EVENT)
Apr. 26/26 - Ragtime Ramblers
May 3/26 - Fraser Valley Stompers
May 10/26 - NO JAZZ (MOTHERS DAY)
May 17/26 - NO JAZZ (VICTORIA DAY)
May 24/26 - Gastown Strutters
May 31/26 - Swing Patrol ———— (END OF SPRING SEASON)
The Bellingham Jazz Club feature the Little Jazz Friends on March 14/26.
Erin go Bragh
Bill Maddox, Presiden