The Ajna jazz trio, led by Keremeos-born saxophonist Jonnie Bridgman, will be embarking on their second annual tour of the Okanagan with a brand new album of innovative original music.
Bridgman, who taught music at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School from 2010-2012, is making a name for himself as a saxophonist in the Victoria’s vibrant music scene.
The tour kicks off on July 10 in Naramata at the Cobblestone Wine Bar at the Naramata Heritage Inn. July 12 they will provide entertainment at the Similkameen BBQ King in Keremeos at the Historic Grist Mill. They also will play at the Okanagan Crush Pad as part of their summer concert series on July 17 and will wrap up the tour in Penticton in Gyro Park for the Sunshine Cabaret on July 18, which will also feature a number of guest musicians.
Ajna will also feature Naramata-based jazz guitar guru, Shpengla, and the bass role will be shared by two of B.C.’s finest: Tim Croft from Victoria and Bernie Addington of Kelowna.
The group of highly skilled musicians will be performing their own unique arrangements of a wide variety of traditional and modern jazz standards as well as original compositions from their debut album The Day After, which is due to be released at the beginning of the tour and will be available at each performance. The music features excellent musicianship blending elements of swing, hard bop, tango, funk and drum and bass. The album also features cover artwork by Okanagan artist Barb Hofer.