Moved to the historic Medalta Potteries this year, showcasing 3 amazing Alberta bands! Starting with Medicine Hat native The Ciara Hager Fusion Project and her quartet at 3:00pm, followed by The Klave Latin Band at 4:15pm and finishing off with headliners The Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra bringing the energy through to 8:00pm. With great food, irresistible grooves, and plenty of dancing, the Medalta Dance Party is shaping up to be one of the signature events of this year’s festival!
The Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra will headline the Medalta Dance Party. Paying homage to one of the greatest musicians of all time, the Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra is a 9 piece orchestra performing the hits penned by the legend himself.
Formed by Musical Director John Gray, bassist and leader on the Calgary Jazz scene who toured with the Ray Charles Orchestra, an ensemble of Calgary’s finest musicians recreate the one-of-a-kind sound of Ray Charles and perform such hits as ‘Georgia On My Mind’, ‘MaryAnn’, ‘Hit the Road Jack’ and ‘Let the Good Times Roll’, among them. Featuring Award Winning Vocalist, Thomas (The Voice) Alexander on lead vocals, the group includes a solid rhythm section, a killer horn section and 2 Soulful backup singers. Joining John and Thomas will be Jo Marillier and Oaitse Hellard on background vocals, Brian Wally on trombone, Chris Tauchner on piano, Jim Johnston on drums, Jim Brenan on tenor sax and Paul Scholtz on trumpet.
Klave Latin Band: A Tribute to Buena Vista Social Club consists of four members – guitarist and vocalist Jorge Chaviano (Cuba), percussionist and vocalist Raul Gomez Tabera (Cuba), bassist Mario Ochoa (Venezuela) and pianist/keyboardist Tricia Edwards (Canada).A typical performance will find everyone up on the dance floor for a high-energy performance of the traditional favourite Cuarto de Tula, singing along to Guantanamera, participating in a call and response over Oye Como Va with Jorge or cha-cha-ing along to a latin take on the James Brown classic “I Feel Good.”
The The Ciara Hager Fusion Project is made up of the four talented musicians from across the province of Alberta. The quartet creates an iconic harmony of sound performed on string instruments, with innovative lead melodies played on Jazz violin.
While originally studying her Bachelor’s degree in Classical violin from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, Jazz violinist Ciara Hager became influenced by the culture of the Jazz students and mentors around her. She continues to absorb the elements of the style and intends to continue her journey establishing herself as a Jazz artist, pursuing her Master’s degree in Jazz violin performance.
Tickets are available online for $49.50
or $20 for youth under 25
Purchase a festival pass for $160
or $80 for ages 25 and under
