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It's an International Affair - The Smooth Jazz World To Reunite At Canadian Awards
February 13, 2008 - The biggest night in Smooth Jazz is just a few weeks away. Each year the top names in the genre join together for the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. Again the star-studded evening will be at Hammerson Hall at The Living Arts Centre in Mississauga on March 7/2008. For the musicians who are coming it's a perfect spot to network, for fans it's simply the best show on the planet. Awards Co-chair and Smooth Jazz Now President John Beaudin says, " This is as big as it gets in Smooth Jazz and that's why anyone who has come to the awards always comes back and word of mouth is crazy-good " He adds, " My co-chair Mary Kirk of Wave 94.7FM in Toronto is responsible for putting this world class show on, Mary does more than juggle cats in putting this show together, it's a huge amount of work but she loves it! She is one of the biggest fans of the music I've ever met and I know she feels this great responsibility on representing the music with true class."

This year the Awards night will be a real international affair. Expect to hear Les Sabler who's nominated for two awards this year, he'll perform a brand new tune " Foodchain " from his hit album " Smooth Drive. " Sabler is originally from Montreal but now makes his home in Tampa. Canada's west coast will be well represented with two-time nominee Allistair Elliott who is originally from Belfast but now lives in Calgary. Keyboardist Kristian Alexandrov also adds an international flavor to the ceremony; he's from Bulgaria but makes his home in Vancouver. Edmonton's Alfie Zappacosta, a long time nominee at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards will perform his hit "Dreams Will Come True." Brian Hughes is so busy with his own career plus recording and touring with Loreena McKennitt that the LA based guitarist rarely has time to fly home to Toronto so his annual visit to the Awards is also a chance to see his family. Hughes is nominated for 'Guitarist of the Year.'

Also appearing on stage on March 7 are Saxophonist Darren Rahn who's nominated for album and Wind Instrumentalist. Smooth Jazz guitarist Peter White another transplanted superstar(he's originally from England) will present and perform. Finland Native Janita will treat fans with a tune from her latest " Seasons of Life " CD. She, like White is nominated for an " International " award. Also expect sets from Warren Hill, Carol Welsman, Dave Sereny and host Alexander Zonjic.

Also someone at the showwill win an all-inclusive Smooth Music Cruise that launches from Miami on January 31, 2009. The lucky winners will have a luxurious cabin on the Celebrity cruise ship Century. To qualify for this draw, you must purchase an Awards show ticket by the end of the day Feb 29th. This exclusive package is offered by Wave 94.7FM in Toronto/Hamilton. - by Shannon Edwards


canadiansmoothjazzawards.com.

Check out the complete list of nominees