Master Classes
Saturday, August 13th 2016
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August 13th 10:00AM“Our lives are marked by special moments in time, Moments that define us as individuals, Moments we have all shared and experienced with friends and loved ones. As a musician, I give myself to those Moments through my life energy which is embodied in my melodies, lyrics and chords to stir the audience’s soul.
So STOP, take a deep breath in, and simply enjoy the Moment!”
Rob Tardik is multi-award winning “eclectic” guitarist and contemporary pop/jazz/world/fusion instrumental music artist. He has performed at venues all across North America including the prestigious Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Oakville Centre and Glenn Gould Theatre in Toronto. His last 4 CD’s have spawned 5 U.S Billboard charting singles two of which went to the Top 10. His 5th album Moments came out mid November 2015 and his first radio singles, “Sip and Salsa” and “Rite of Passage” debuted as Billboards most added tracks in the fall of 2015 and the first months of 2016. His current summer single “Hang Time” is out now and was one of the most added new songs on the U.S Billboard chart for June.
His awards include the prestigious 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Guitarist of the Year; the #1 spot on the U.S.-based, Music Choice Contemporary Jazz charts for 4 weeks and being named Mississauga’s “Established Performer of the Year” in 2007 for his musical contributions, an award won previously by Oscar Peterson and Rik Emmett.
August 13th 11:00AMMary McKay is now rapidly emerging as a bright new star on the Canadian scene. The complete package, she is a vocal powerhouse equally at home singing jazz or r ‘n b, a charismatic performer and an accomplished songwriter.
Always obviously having a great time on stage, she quickly establishes a comfortable rapport with her audience, regardless of the setting. She has shone in performance at such festivals as the Brantford Jazz Festival, Toronto TD Jazz Festival, Port Credit’s famed Southside Shuffle, Jazz on the Mountain at Blue Festival in Collingwood opening the mainstage show for Holly Cole.
McKay is now a popular regular on the Toronto club circuit, frequently performing at such venues as The Reservoir Lounge, Shangri-La and The Rex.
August 13th 12:00PMBorn and raised in Nova Scotia, Pat has been playing professionally for over 30 years, touring extensively in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. Now living in Toronto, he has played on countless sessions in a variety of styles, including jingles, t.v. and soundtrack work and over 200 albums, several of which have received Juno nominations.
Some highlights of his performing and recording career include work with: Michael Brecker, Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, David Foster, Josh Groban, Sarah Mclachlan, Rodger Hodgson of “Supertramp”, The Canadian Tenors, Rufus Wainwright, David Byrne, Boy George, Dan Hill, Shirley Jones, Holly Cole, Sandi Patty, Chantal Kreviazuk, Jim Brickman, Dutch Mason, Brigham Phillips Big Band, Glenn Lewis, Guido Basso, Phil Dwyer, Bruce Cassidy, Terry Clarke, Rik Emmett, Sass Jordan, Melissa Manchester, American Idol Taylor Hicks, Ron Sexsmith, John Mcdermott, Colm Wilkinson, Zappacosta, Guthrie Govan, Brent Mason, Melanie Doane, Five after Four, The Code, Hockey Night In Canada.
August 13th 1:00PMYou can sometimes judge a musician by the company they keep. In the case of Vito Rezza, that’s one highly impressive grouping. Artists who have called upon Rezza’s virtuosic skill as a percussionist include Joni Mitchell, Gino Vannelli, John Lee Hooker, Michael Brecker, Rick James, Ray Charles, Oscar Peterson, Big Mama Thornton, Tony Monaco, and Joey DeFrancesco, with whom Rezza regularly records and performs. The diverse nature of this star-studded list speaks volumes about Vito’s mastery of a wide range of musical genres.
August 13th 2:00PMLarry Carlton’s own musical story began in Southern California. He picked up his first guitar when he was only six years old. He was introduced to jazz in junior high school after hearing The Gerald Wilson Big Band album, Moment of Truth, with guitarist Joe Pass. Larry then became interested in Barney Kessel, Wes Montgornery and the legendary blues guitarist B.B. King. Saxophonist John Coltrane was also a major influence on Carlton, beginning with Coltrane’s 1962 classic Ballads.
In 1968 he recorded his first LP, With A Little Help From My Friends (Uni). The enthusiastic industry response garnered him a place among jingle singers The Going Thing, recording on camera and radio commercials for Ford. Mid-season in his second year, he segued to Musical Director for Mrs. Alphabet, an Emmy-nominated children’s show on the same network. It was here that Carlton showcased his acting skills, performing as the show’s co-star, “Larry Guitar.”