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About Us

The U-JAM Society is a not-for-profit society that advocates, mentors, educates, and acts as a resource for the community of jazz listeners and musicians in the Greater Victoria area. It began in 2004 to build and strengthen the south island jazz community.​​​ It has grown and evolved over the last two decades, now organizing multiple educationally impactful programs each year.

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The UJAM Young All-Stars program meets on a weekly basis during the school year, and builds young, motivated musicians to learn and play together with the help of UJAM's own Ashley Wey and Louis Rudner, along with a slew of additional guest musicians.

History

The UJAM Society was formally incorporated January 11, 2005, by the founding directors Dave Paulson, Maria Manna, Ivan Elieff, Gordon McAllister, and Michael de Turberville. Brian North was added as the 6th director shortly thereafter. UJAM wanted to complement the work of the Victoria Jazz Society, not present a competing alternative to it. UJAM wanted to foster interest and education among new jazz fans and promote local musicians. 

Programs

Emily Braden and Ashley Wey, 2024

Guest educator Patrick Boyle, 2024

UJAM  Current Faculty & Friends

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Piano, Artistic Director - Ashley Wey

Bass, Artistic Director - Louis Rudner

Piano, Camp Director - Mark Fraser

Trumpet, Festival Director - David Flello

Saxophone, Volunteer Coordinator - Rhys Batstone

Piano, Registration/Finance - Dave Paulson​​​​

Guitar - Liam Arthurs​

Piano - Doug Farr

Guitar - Rob Cheramy​

Voice - Emily Braden

Voice - Jennifer Scott

Saxophone - Joe Hatherill​

Multi-Instrument - John Lee

Drums - Damian Graham

Guitar - Wes Carroll

Drums - Hans Verhoeven​

Singer/Songwriter - Claire Coupland​

Piano - Brent Jarvis

Trombone - Nick La Riviere

Voice - Angela Verbrugge

Trumpet - Patrick Boyle

Saxophone - Ryan Oliver

Piano - Linda Gould​​

UJAM Board and Staff

 

President  - Karen Lindsay

Vice President - Mark Fraser

Treasurer - Dave Paulson

Secretary - Rhys Batstone

Past President - Dave Flello

Fundraising - Paul Baracos, Susan Smitten

Social Media - Liam Arthurs, Susan Smitten

Communications - Liam Arthurs

Directors at Large - Paul Baracos, Michael Heaney​

Office Staff - Alex Andersen

UJAM  Former Mentors and

Jazz Instructors​

Barbara Blair, Anita Bonkowski, Gail Caryn, Gordon Clements, David Enns, Kim Greenwood, Bruce Hern, Matthew Howe, Cathy Lylock, Ian MacDougall, Kelby MacNayr, Monique Nordine, Karl Roessingh, Louise Rose, Joey Smith, Roy Styffe, Tom Vickery, Jeff Weaver, James Young, Audrey Bailey, Miles Black, Dale Rasmussen, Bob Brown, Toni Blodgett, Josh Dixon, Sean Drabbit, Phil Dwyer, Jill Galt, Dave Keen, Chris Millington, Maureen Washington, Bill Mulley, Alex Olsen, Ben Beaudet, Al Pease, Jill Galt, Roy Reynolds, Anne Schaefer, Phil Dwyer, Flora Scott, Tom Vickery, Jonnie Bridgman, Paul Wainwright, John Miller, Lou Williamson, Tom Ackerman, Kal Wood, Phil Newns

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