Don Clark, one of Canada’s leading trumpet and flugelhorn players is the featured guest at the Cariboo Gold Dance Band’s — An Evening of Remembrance concert and dance this Saturday evening.
A player, arranger, and composer on the West Coast since the early 1960s, Clark has been leader of the Donnie Clark Quartet and Quintet and the Don Clark Ragtime Band as well as a member of leading jazz ensembles such as the Bobby Hales Orchestra, the West Coast Jazz Orchestra, and a regular on CBC radio and television.
He was a founding member of the legendary Vancouver all-star jazz sextet Pacific Salt, touring throughout North America and Europe in the 1970s.
Clark has performed and recorded with many popular artists including Dave Robbins, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Lance Harrison, Fraser McPherson, Doug Parker, New Orleans Connection, and the Chicago Six.
His recent CD with the Donnie Clark Quintet, To Swing or not To Swing, features nine original compositions and classic jazz ballads.
Clark plays ballad jazz trumpet with very melodic phrasing that can be suitable for many styles such as jazz, easy listening or country.
His playing is in a traditional style, similar to Chet Baker or Louis Armstrong. He has also performed with Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett.
An Evening of Remembrance concert and dance with Clark and Cariboo Gold takes place Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Gibraltar Room starting at 7:30 p.m.
“The music will follow a Remembrance Day theme and of course, there will be room for dancing,” says Cariboo Gold band member Bill Crook. Swing music will be a big feature of the evening.
Tickets are available from band members, at The Open Book and at the door: $15 for adults: $12 for seniors and children.
Net proceeds will go to the Williams Lake Legion Branch 139, and some legion members will be there to help with the show.
The Cariboo Gold Dance Band is a classic 16 piece Big Band playing swing, jazz, latin, rock, and some country since 1982. The band has won competitions and performed at many venues throughout B.C. and has been credited with being “the most danceable band” in the Cariboo.