Jazz Concert in Stratford, ON

Last fall, when I first started blogging, I wrote about The Wandering Minstrel, a CD shop in Stratford where, from time-to-time, the proprietor hosts small concerts [maximum seating capacity is about 50 - 60].

Mark Rowsome, who runs The Wandering Minstrel, is a former world champion figure skater who has turned his energies to music and the promotion of small chamber music groups and soloists.

He also hosts jazz concerts. In fact one of the best concerts we attended there last season was an evening of jazz by Don Thompson on bass and Roy Patterson on guitar. Mark is opening this season with two concerts by them, on Friday, May 13th and Saturday, May 14th. If you live anywhere near Stratford, you should attend at least one of these concerts. The musicians are first-class, and environment at the Wandering Minstrel is cozy and inviting. Here is a portion of the e-mail that Mark sent me on Friday about the concerts:

Don Thompson (double bass and piano) and Roy Patterson (guitar) will start the season with two concerts, May 13 and 14 which will be recorded for a new CD. 8pm, $20.00.

I highly recommend the concerts. But if you don't go, that'll be fine with me, too, since I'd hate for the place to get too crowded. 8-)

For reservations, it is probably easiest just to e-mail Mark: wanderingminstrel@bellnet.ca. Or you can call him at 1-519-273-2790.

Please note that I am simply recommending these concerts. I get no kickbacks or commissions or anything if you go. I just think they're a great experience.