JAYMZ BEE SEZ: Before I get to the recommendations for November, let me remind you of a monster dance party at Dovercourt House tomorrow (Friday) that should be a scream. You can come in costume (themes being zombies, monsters and aliens) or don normal nightclub-wear and have your face painted up (for a small fee) by the girls from Monster Makeup Factory who are on site. It's just ten bucks if you whisper to the doorman "ROMERO SENT ME". (This refers to cult-zombie-filmmaker George Romero!)
~ Jaymz

ZOMBIE DANCE PARTY

DOVERCOURT HOUSE
805 Dovercourt Road
(One block north of Bloor St. W.)

9:00pm
$15 at the door ($10 before 10pm)

CONCERT SERIES AT MCMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION

10365 Islington Avenue
Kleinburg
905.893.1121

w - mcmichael.com

This gallery is like home sweet home for me. I have visited it several times a year for decades! I think it's a perfect way to recover from a Halloween weekend:- I hope to see you there this Sunday. I suggest that you arrive early so you can tour the grounds (statues and gorgeous nature, fall colours!) and then tour the gallery before the 3pm concert. They have some fine dining in the lobby (wine available too) and a gift shop I can never refuse! Inuit art, Maple Leaf Tartan scarves, so many cool things for Christmas gifts!

Sunday November 1 - Genevieve Marentette sings with Mark Kieswetter on piano George Koller on bass and Mark Kelso on drums. Genevieve will have copies of her CD "Gigi" available. She's one of my favourite singers (and people) on the planet and makes legions of fans with every appearance! Best to get your tix in advance but you can always walk up and get them at the door.

Sunday November 29 - Tony Quarrington & Friends. This concert series idea started when Tony did a show for my birthday a few years ago. He's been back and packs the house every year since. Get advance tickets!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 10

MIRKO SIGNORILE

JAZZ BISTRO
251 Victoria Street Toronto
416.363.5299

w - jazzbistro.ca | tickets - jazz.fm

Mirko Signorile is coming in from Italy to play on the gorgeous Steinway grand piano that lives at Jazz Bistro. His version of Sakamoto's composition "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" has been played a lot on JAZZ.FM91 lately and his early show has already sold out. There are still tickets left for his 9:30 show - so contact Jazz FM quickly if you want to enjoy an hour plus of beautiful solo piano!

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13

The 8th Anuual New Orleans Stomp

HUGH'S ROOM
2261 Dundas St W

w - hughsroom.com

This even always sells out and with the inclusion of Detroit Brooks and Canada's Sweetheart of Swing, Alex Pangman - I expect they'll sell out even quicker. Locals such as Reide Kaiser and Colin Bray are in the house band, and as always it is recommended you contact the venue directly to make dinner reservations. Tickets are $30 at the door.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17

Dione Taylor "Born Free" CD Release

HUGH'S ROOM
2261 Dundas St W

tickets -ticketbreak.com
w - hughsroom.com | dionetaylor.com

I've known Dione Taylor for over a decade and saw her go from a Humber music student to singing at the White House.

She's releasing a CD of roots/ blues/ gospel music called "Born Free" and I've no doubt Hugh's Room will be sold out soon for this celebration. Everybody loves Dione!

The JAZZ.FM91 Sound Of Jazz Concert Series

The Old Mill Inn
21 Old Mill Road

Show @ 8:00pm

w - hughsroom.com

John MacLeod - Monday November 16
Some people just get better with age. I've never seen John MacLeod busier... or happier than these past few years. He picked up a Juno for his Rex Hotel Orchestra big band recording "Our First Set" and has been packing venues ever since. On this occasion, his last show of the year - his big band presents "The Toronto Sound", original charts that pay homage to the legacy of local big band arrangers like Phil Nimmons and Rob McConnell. An 18-piece band with singers Bonnie Brett and Melissa Stylianou? I'm in!

Guido Basso - Monday November 30
Also, at the end of the month legendary flugelhorn master Guido Basso will perform with The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band. He's the most witty and loveable guy... I look forward to what jokes he shares and what stories he tells as much as his playing! The Youth Band make me so happy - the future of jazz looks mighty bright when you see high school students from across the GTA playing such complicated charts with ease!

WORLD/JAZZ FRIDAYS

LULA LOUNGE
1585 Dundas West (West of Dufferin)

doors @ 6:30pm | show @ 7:30pm
FREE ADMISSION before 8:00pm
Dinner reservations guarantee seating - call 416.588.0307 for reservations

w - lula.ca

With a new, raised ceiling and decorative influences from South America, Asia and Morocco, Lula's concert hall has been restored to the original classic theatre proportions that have been hidden for almost forty years. A new lighting and enhanced sound system will help Lula to showcase the incredible talent that is thriving here in Toronto and to welcome international artists as they tour through Canada.

Launch your weekend with Lula's Friday Jazz Series! Each week, Lula Music and Arts Centre presents top Latin and world jazz trios and quartets to enhance your after work cocktail or dining hour.

Come for just the show or book a table for the night. The $39 dinner special includes a dance lesson and show package including an introductory salsa lesson followed by a live salsa orchestra. What a deal!

• Friday October 30 - Tlacuatzin from Mexico celebrating the Day of the Dead
• Friday November 6 - Chris Butcher Quartet
• Friday November 13 - Roland Hunter Group
• Friday November 27 - Max Senitt Trio