The South Coast Jazz Festival returns this weekend to Brantford and Port Dover, showcasing performers from far and wide.
One of those performers is Michael Bell, known for his acclaimed David Bowie tribute show, The Bowie Lives, which has previously toured in Port Dover and Port Colborne. The show will return to Brantford this fall.
Bell says Port Dover is a great town and fondly recalls first visiting it on a motorcycle trip. This weekend, he’ll be trading his glam rock roots for jazz — a genre he has loved for many years.
Bell will be performing Saturday (Aug. 9) at the Sanderson Centre and Sunday (Aug. 10) at Schofield Bistro in Port Dover as part of the festival.
When asked about his set list, he said audiences can expect a more intimate performance featuring jazz, crooner classics, a few Bublé favourites — and likely a surprise or two.
While Sunday’s set won’t feature his full band, Bell sees the solo gig as a chance to connect with festival-goers and showcase a different musical side.
Bell shared that he doesn’t have a preference between the high energy of his Bowie show and the intimacy of his jazz performances — his focus is always on the audience.
For Bell, it’s all about celebrating timeless vocals, big melodies, and connecting with the crowd — no matter the genre.
A full schedule of the South Coast Jazz Festival is available here.
Written by Jeremy Hall