AST

AST is back at Stayner's Wharf (map) for JazzEast's weekly Thursday night jazz night this week. For the second time, our group will feature special guest vocalist Liz Chapman. We'll also be performing an excellent composition by Canadian singer/songwriter Hawksley Workman called No Beginning, No End which we've never played in public before.

AST will be back once more at SoHo Kitchen at 1667 Argyle Street (map) to play its polished jazz versions of certain Canadian pop tunes and other unique repertoire. On this night, we're also featuring a guest vocalist named Liz Chapman to sing some Feist tunes and a selection from Amy Winehouse. Expect to see more of her with us in the future.

Admission is free, and the show starts at 9 PM.

One half of AST -- pianist Chris Elson and saxophonist Dustin LindenSmith -- will perform at the re-opening of the newly renovated Just Us! coffee house on Spring Garden Road at Carlton Street (map). This new location, which previously held the Unicef offices, is sporting a complete facelift and a number of cozy and private rooms for coffee and snacks.

Of the numerous great shows at this year's jazz festival, this double-bill should not be missed. It features our regular quartet AST and the late-90s combo called Quatrain.

Quatrain was originally conceived by Halifax bassist and composer Pete Johnston, who has since been studying composition in Toronto and the UK. The group is reuniting with the great local drummer Mike Catano for a new interpretation of Pete's compositions and a night of serious improvisation.

AST’s second performance at the new Armview takes place this Saturday night from 8 until 11. At least one new repertoire selection you’ll hear that night includes Wade Marcus’s funky rearrangement of the Blood, Sweat & Tears hit, Spinning Wheel. We’re also planning to resurrect the theme to William Shatner’s classic TV cop show, T.J. Hooker. Clearly not to be missed.

AST will be returning to one of its oldest haunts this Friday night to perform at SoHo Kitchen, at 1667 Argyle Street in Halifax (phone 423-3049 or see this map). Downbeat at 9 PM. Recent additions to our repertoire include new selections from Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Blood, Sweat & Tears.

AST will resume its annual performance at the Dalhousie University Art Gallery's exclusive Art@Home fundraiser on Sunday, March 25th. This unique event includes tours of private homes opened up for viewing of original art and architecture.

Listening to Halifax jazz and funk quartet AST performing at the new Armview Restaurant: the non-Irish thing to do on St. Paddy’s day!

At this show, talented guest vocalist Becky Siamon will join us. Our latest repertoire includes new Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and more. The band is comprised of Dustin LindenSmith, Chris Elson, Adam Fine, and Bob Gaudreau.

The new Armview is now owned by former manager of the upscale downtown restaurant Seven, George Kapetenakis. He has completely transformed the joint into a hip, late-night restaurant and lounge hangout located right at the Armdale Rotary in Halifax (see this map). We’ll start playing by 8 PM.

AST will also be playing at Dalhousie’s Art @ Home show on Sun Mar 25th and at SoHo Kitchen on Fri Apr 20th.

A derivation of this group with two guitars and without drums or keyboards will be performing at Keshen Goodman Library on Tue Apr 17th for April’s Jazz Month at the Library.

Show timings can be found in our calendar.