Yellowknife guitarist Alex Ketchum will play his first major show in the city on June 27.
Ketchum will perform with vocalist Grace Clark, bassist Pat Braden, drummer Norm Glowach and pianist Rob Elo in two 45-minute sets.
Doors open at The Underground at 6:30pm on the night, with the show starting at 7:30pm. The event is 19-plus with a $25 cash cover at the door.
Ketchum has been playing guitar for more than six years and just completed his second year at MacEwan University’s musical performance program.
He was a founding member of Yellowknife metal band Quantum Haze and is a former guitarist for the Ragged Ass Swing Band.
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Ketchum told Cabin Radio one of the most appealing parts about jazz for him is how fun it is to play.
“There’s really an element of being able to say something creatively, expressively, and emotionally, all at the same time on your instrument, that I don’t really find other genres always offer,” he said.
“It’s kind-of essential that you get up there and, once you’re done playing the signature melody of the song, you’re meant to say something new and bring your own voice, add something exciting to it.”
Next Friday night, the group of musicians aim to showcase a “really fun, dynamic and interactive musical experience that combines the traditional repertoire that people know and love” with a new and unique voice.
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Ketchum said he’s looking forward to sharing the music he’s been studying and practising with his home town.
“I’m also really excited to be playing with the band members I’m playing with,” he said.
“They’re really great people. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m also really excited for to everyone come out. We can all just enjoy this music together.”
Elke Sorensen contributed reporting.
