CANTON – The Unitarian Universalist Church has received an arts grant from SLC Arts to host a Fall and Winter Jazz and Coffee Night series. 

The performances are Friday evenings 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 8 and 29, and a holiday performance Friday, Dec. 13. 

The series will feature musicians from Northern New York and beyond.

The Jazz and Coffee Nights project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.

When asked about jazz as an essential part of the church’s ministry efforts, bassist of the 5 Dots and the Church’s Minister Rev. James Galasinski said, “Jazz is a unique art that puts us in the present moment and teaches us that while we may not be able to go back and fix things, if we listen to each other, our mistakes become opportunities.”

Jazz and Coffee Nights begin Friday, Oct. 11 with guest musicians the Paul Meyers and Matt Dunne Duo. 

Potsdam native Paul Meyers has played around the world, and while living in New York City has made a name for himself as one of the best jazz guitarists in the country.

Alicia Murphy, Grant Coordinator for SLC Arts, said the grant review panel selected the organization for funding because “the UU Jazz & Coffee Nights performance series demonstrates a high level of artistic merit, and features a great deal of musical interpretation...the musicians make it their own.  The project is open and inclusive, encouraging community members and students to attend and join in. There are very few places in the North Country where someone can listen to a live jazz performance; this fills that need beautifully!”

Sam Bailey and Friends will be featured as guest jazz musicians Friday, Oct. 25. 

Sam was born and raised in Canton. In high school, Sam studied clarinet with Dr. Alan Woy and jazz saxophone with Tim Savage. 

In 2012, he graduated with bachelor’s degrees in music education and jazz performance and in 2018 he was awarded a Master’s in jazz performance from SUNY Purchase. Sam currently teaches the 7-12th grade band at Canton Central School.

In November, the group, 5 Dots, with local musicians John Danis on an electric wind instrument and vocals, the Rev. James Galasinski on bass, Steve Manders on drums, Tim Savage on piano, and Hailey Hodge on vocals will play Friday, Nov. 8. 

The quintet will play two sets of favorite jazz standards and originals and include music by Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Stan Getz, and other legendary jazz artists. 

On Friday, Nov. 29, Wisconsin jazz great Ryan Meisel, a multi-saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator will wow the North Country community with an accessible, spirit-filled and joyful performance.

Closing out the year, Friday, Dec. 13, 5 Dots will jazz up the holidays and play favorite holiday tunes for all generations.

Performances are staged in a jazz cafe lounge set up, are family-friendly, and hosted in a supportive and alcohol-free environment. 

The coffee bar will include coffee, various teas and herbals, and hot chocolate. All jazz and coffee bar nights are free and open to the public and welcoming to all. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the Church and Community Program.