While New Orleans is often seen as the birthplace of jazz, where European, Caribbean, African, and southern gospel music fused, by the early 1910s, Chicago had emerged as a hotspot for jazz musicians.
To this day, Chicago remains home to some of the best jazz clubs in North America.
Sault-based performer and guitar instructor Matt Warnock spent years teaching in Illinois, where he and his wife frequented many of these legendary clubs.
“Holly and I spent a lot of time in Chicago jazz clubs,” says Warnock. “We decided we wanted to bring the atmosphere of two legendary Chicago clubs to the Sault for a weekend of great jazz guitar.”
Planning such an event was no small task.
“I’ve been thinking and slowly planning this type of event for about 10 years now but never reached the final planning stages for various reasons,” Warnock admits.
Holly Holmes played a crucial role in making this idea a reality.
“My wife Holly started a new grant-writing business this year and asked if I would be her first client,” he explains.
“She put together a plan for the Jazz Guitar Summit and applied for an Arts and Culture Assistance Program Grant from the City of Sault Ste. Marie. Once we heard we got the grant, there was no turning back - we were in full planning mode.”
After months of preparation, the Summit will take place from September 20-22.
“This is part of my Matt Warnock Guitar online school,” says Warnock, noting that many performers at the Summit are his online students, coming from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and India.
“This is our first in-person event, so it’s a very exciting time for both the students and me. I’ve run two International Guitar Festivals while I was a professor at Western Illinois University, and they were some of my favourite memories. Holding a similar event in the Sault and showcasing my hometown to guitarists from around the globe is truly special.”
The first public event will be held on Friday, September 20, at Algoma’s Water Tower Inn.
“At the Water Tower Inn, we’ll be emulating a pub atmosphere, similar to the Green Mill, a favourite spot for Chicago jazz musicians to experiment and showcase their talents,” says Warnock.
Then, on Saturday, September 21, there will be a special show at The Loft.
“On Saturday, we’ll pay tribute to the Jazz Showcase, the oldest historic jazz club in Chicago, at The Loft. The bar will be open during the performance, so people can listen, grab a drink, and mingle with the players between songs and sets.”
Each show will feature a different atmosphere and musical style, with the guitarists being backed by a local band featuring Martin Virta (bass), David Peredun (drums), Josh Norling (sax), and Frank Deresti (bass) in various configurations.
“The Sault has always punched above its weight in the local music scene, and I’m excited to bring guitarists from around the world to share in the strong creative vibe we have here,” says Warnock.
Each show will feature a unique set list and two guitarists on stage at a time, including Warnock himself.
The guitarists performing come from a variety of musical backgrounds.
“Some will be playing their first public jazz gigs, while others regularly perform in jazz, church, and rock bands,” Warnock explains.
“It’s a nice variety of players and styles showcased during the events. I’ve known some of them for over a decade, while others I’ve met in the last few years online, but I’ve never met any of them in person. I’m excited to meet everyone offline and play with them live. We have a lot of fun jamming together online, but making music with these talented students in person will be a career highlight for me as an educator.”
In addition to the live performances, Warnock will hold private workshops for the students.
“During the day, students will attend jazz guitar workshops with me,” says Warnock.
“We’ll also have a workshop with Holly Holmes on playing guitar with a jazz vocalist. Additionally, we’ll give a teaching demonstration on learning and teaching improvisation for Algoma University music students, followed by a guitar-making workshop with Jubilee Original Guitars from the Sault.”
Alongside the Summit, Warnock has recently begun teaching two courses at Algoma University.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do since high school, and I’m honoured to be teaching at Algoma U and working with their talented students,” says Warnock, who notes he recently moved back to Sault Ste. Marie.
“I’ve spent 25 years travelling the world, studying, and performing guitar. I’m excited to share those experiences and the knowledge I have gained along the way with the students at Algoma U.”
The Jazz Summit Jam Session at the Water Tower Inn (Green Mill style) takes place on Friday, Sept 20th from 7 to 10 p.m. This is a free event.
The Jazz Guitar Summit at The Loft (Jazz Showcase style) takes place on Saturday, Sept 21st from 7 to 10 p.m. Note: Tickets for The Loft show are available here or at the door.
For more information on the Jazz Guitar Summit 2024, click here.
The Jazz Guitar Summit 2024 is made possible through financial assistance from a City of Sault Ste. Marie Arts and Culture Assistance Program Grant.