The namesake of Pat’s House of Jazz is leaving, but the popular event at the Crofton Hotel’s Osborne Bay Pub will live on.
Pat Selman is moving to Midway, B.C. and a fond farewell was bid to her at Sunday’s gathering after a show by the Milk Crate Bandits.
Preston Davies will now be at the helm of Pat’s House of Jazz working under the umbrella of the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society. Davies, his volunteers and CVCAS will work towards the same goal of bringing great live jazz performances to Chemainus, Ladysmith and Crofton as well as outlying areas of the Island.
“I will certainly miss the excitement of live jazz at Crofton on Sundays, but I know Pat’s House of Jazz will continue to flourish,” noted Selman.
“As I reflect on the past six years of promoting jazz at the Crofton Hotel and the Osborne Bay Pub, I see a rainbow of memories. We didn’t always fill the pub with an audience but, Tony Mortel, owner of the Osborne Bay Pub, had faith in what we were about so we all hung in there. Preston Davies, Ron Joiner, Gloria Collins, George Gaudette, Jeff Smiley worked side-by-side keeping the momentum going.
“Promoting up-and-coming jazz musicians has always been so important to me. Seeing these young people develop as they return home each summer after studying their instruments and honing their talent is extremely gratifying. There is an exciting mix of seasoned musicians that grace our stage who act as a conduit for their youthful counterparts, the next generation if you will.”
Selman also issued a special thank you to all the faithful fans, who have been there from the beginning.