Sixteen people will soon be lucky enough to experience a lifelong memorable performance, says the artistic and general director of the Guelph Jazz Festival.
“This project takes public health policies and physical distancing into account and creates a hyper intimate live music experience,” says Scott Thomson about the One-on-One concert series, which is taking place on March 20 and March 21.
Each performance for this event will consist of one musician and one individual. During the performance, both participants are required to wear a mask and sit at least two metres or more apart depending on who wishes for greater distance.
The idea for this ‘hyper intimate’ live music experience was created by Thomson and Karen Ng, an assistant to the artistic and general director.
With multiple performances like this taking place between 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 20, each show will feature a different musician and instrument performing original music, so no listener will have the same experience.
“We present live music and we think there is something special about the live music experience,” says Thomson, “It won’t reach a large audience the way an internet broadcast might ... but it can obviously live in the memory of the musician and of the listener.”
“Those that are on board are pretty excited by it.”
While Thomson admits performing for a smaller crowd isn’t ideal, it is a response to the current situation with the pandemic. Currently, GJF is planning more events throughout the year, including two events at the Guelph Arboretum in May and June, and more accessible events in September.
In the meantime, he says the improvisation and originality of jazz music makes the One-on-One concerts an exciting project, especially for the audience.
“I think in a very real sense, they contribute to that process with their attention and their energy and their in the room,” comments Thomson about interactions that can develop in this type of setting between the musician and the audience.
“It’s solo music, but from a different point of view, you could call it duo music, a duet between the musician and an active listener.”
After each performance, Thomson mentions they will be collecting written reflections from the audience, or interviewing those who would like to contribute, but are not able to write down their thoughts.
“I think it’s going to be a special bit of documentation of a special time in our lives,” says Thomson, mentioning the GJF is interested in seeing what happens with this, “Not necessarily pleasant, but unique.”
Tickets go on sale Friday for $20 on a sliding scale and can be reserved on a first-come-first-served basis at [email protected] or by calling 519-763-4952.
