Starlight Jazz is a swinging mainstream group coming out of the tradition of Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, and Benny Carter. Featuring Brian Chipney on soprano saxophone and Damon Rondeau on acoustic bass, along with new additions Derek Ullenboom on guitar and Jim "Sticks" McEwen on drums, the group has been working in town steadily for more than four years. In that time it has appeared at many Winnipeg venues, including Mardi Jazz, The Current, the Hotel Fort Garry, the Noir wine bar, La Vieille Gare, and In Ferno's Bistro. Starlight Jazz made its Jazz Festival debut last season and is eagerly looking forward to returning in 2008, as they bring their blend of timeless standards from composers like Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, and the Gershwins; jazz classics from Ellington, Fats Waller, Charlie Parker, and others; a healthy dose of blues; and an ever-expanding number of original compositions to this year's festival.

www.starlightjazz.com