Sixteen groups of musicians, two professional dance troops, 12 different venues; it all adds up to three day of music and fun in Thornbury-Clarksburg this weekend.

The Georgian Sound Festival opens with Jazzmania, Friday, continues through Saturday with dance classes and the two performances of the Big Band Saturday shows, and moves on to Sunday for a Jazz Brunch and Gospelfest.

The time to order your Georgian Sound Festival tickets is now as it is happening this weekend. Tickets to all events are still available and can be purchased via the Festival Hotline at 519-599-3223, online, at a link provided, Riverside Graphics in Clarksburg, Jessica's Book Nook in Thornbury and Stuff to Read in Meaford.  Only a few Jazz Brunch tickets remain

Jazzmania

Starting this Friday April 25, at 7:30 p.m., you and your friends can make an evening out of taking in as many of the 10 great jazz groups playing in town as you care to, and all of them are included in the one low $15 ticket price (ticket prices increase to $18 April 25). 

You may want to return to any venue that seems a little crowded because everyone is on the move and space will become available.  All of the restaurants will be serving a pre-set Jazzmania menu and reservations are required to attend the first set.  Be sure to reserve today!

Don't forget to stop at the Clarksburg venues to see the Charlie Bell Trio at the Loft Gallery and the Dixieland sounds of the Regal Jazz Band at the Marsh Street Centre.

While in Thornbury, visit Largo's with Louis Lefaive and his Kings of Swing - both are a must-see.  Tapas will be served all night.  North Bay's popular Dr. Jazz North will appear at the Mill Cafe, a local favourite, Shelaugh Hart, will hold court at Bridge's Tavern, Shawn Mei will perform at Sisi on Main with his trio, the Figs, will try to blow the doors off at Piper's, while the Lisa Hutchison Trio will soothe at Sterio's.

Heart and Soul are appearing at the Dam Pub, and Parsons and Brown and their special guest Syl McIntosh are playing at BVO's Java Jazz in the L.E. Shore Library.  All in all, a wonderful evening of jazz!

Big Band Saturday

What more could you ask for than three great big bands; the Toronto All Stars (remember last year's show stopping Sing, Sing, Sing?), the George Lake Big Band who are appearing for the first time this year and the popular host band, the Georgian Sound Big Band, all for just $25 for either the 1 p.m. matinee or the 8 p.m. evening performance (ticket prices increase to $30 at the door).

Professional ballroom dancers Dieter and Colleen from The Dance Cafe will be back. This year they plan to showcase their specialty of Latin dances like rumba, the cha cha and the sultry tango! If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars you will know how exciting that can be!  And the Swing & Tap Academy of Toronto will be sending 10 members of their academy - students and teachers - to wow you with their high-energy dance style!

There will be food and refreshments available for sale and sponsored prizes for a Trivia Quiz.

As an option, check out a group dance lesson with Dieter and Colleen at the Marsh Street Centre at 10 or 11 a.m. on Saturday for only $10.

Sunday's Jazz Brunch

The Raven Grill at Lora Bay is offering a special jazz brunch menu for $35, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are only a handful of tickets left. Sample a variety of Southern-inspired dishes while listening to the exciting sounds of the Bourbon Street Buskers.

Gospelfest Sunday

Opening the show at 2 p.m. at the Beaver Valley Community Centre will be the Georgian Bay Secondary School Jazz Ensemble led by conductor Patrick Delaney. You will be impressed by their musical quality and professionalism.

Headlining the show and appearing for the first time will be Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale. These 23 fabulous singers and musicians will ignite the stage.  Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale were among the list of prominent musicians paying tribute to Oscar Peterson in January at Roy Thomson Hall and in early March they performed Oscar Peterson's Hymn To Freedom with Oliver Jones and Dione Taylor at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame gala event.

This group's firm grounding in the tradition of gospel music is strongly evident, as is their commitment to giving this tradition a contemporary flavour. Thick choral harmonies, rich instrumental backgrounds including organ and brass, and a funky driving rhythm section of drums, bass and keyboards make this a soul-stirring experience.

Gospelfest tickets are still available for only $10 (ticket prices increase to $12 at the door)

For more information about any of the Festival events, call Steph McLarty via the Festival Hotline at 519-599-3223.