The Oak Bay Summer Concert in the Park series returns to Willows Beach on Aug. 17 with not one, not two, but three musicians, featuring the Damian Graham Jazz Trio.
The Damian Graham Trio consists of drumming sensation Damian Graham, local legend Joey Smith on bass, and Chad Geekie on piano.
Graham, originally from New Zealand, has been playing drums since 1985 and has been winning over audiences ever since with his deft rhythmical drumming, fluid vocal abilities and infectious love of music for more than 20 years. A staple of the West Coast music scene, his talent have led to stints with Michael Kaeshammer, Louise Rose and Jim Byrnes.
“Seems like a long time on paper but it has flown by. Before that I played some piano and even less clarinet,” said Graham, adding he’s toured with many different bands playing all sorts of different styles of music all over Europe, Canada and the U.S. “I feel very lucky to have worked with so many talented people and that my love of making music has grown as the years roll by.”
In addition to playing live both solo and with his trio, Graham also teaches music privately at his home studio and the Victoria Conservatory of Music as part of the music diploma program (Business of Music, Combo Classes, Jazz Percussion).
Bassist Joey Smith originates from Chattanooga, Tennessee. While touring as bassist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Smith discovered Victoria and has since become one of the Garden City’s favourite musicians. He plays in every musical venue there is and in just as many styles.
Pianist Chad Geekie earned his Degree in Music from McGill University. One of the West Coasts hidden talents he has played with some of jazz’s finest musicians including Phil Dwyer, Benny Golson and Jamie Abersold.
Graham and his team is one of the finest examples of honest, joyfully-improvised music, which was seen in Oak Bay before when the Trio performed in Willows Park in 2014.
To catch the Damian Graham Trio in action, come on down to Willows Beach Park at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 where they will perform until 8 p.m.
In addition to the concert, there will also be a Children’s Art and Puppet area.