Live Jazz Featured in Knowlton

One of Knowlton’s best kept secrets, and a real treat for visitor’s, is the Saturday night Jazz performances at the Relais Restaurant in the Auberge Knowlton.

The live performances take place from 6:30 to 9:30 on Saturday eveningand is a great occasion to enjoy an evening of dining in the historical Inn while listening to some great jazz from the classics of the 1940’s to easy listening Jazz.

Visitors are often asking where to go in Knowlton on weekends to enjoy dinner and live music, or just to hear live music while enjoying a glass of red wine with friends!

The cozy Relais Restaurant, with it's antique decor and decorations featuring local history, is the ideal spot to get comfy in the rich wooden tones of the restaurant and listen to fine Jazz music.

The Saturday Evening Jazz features John Barr on piano with Nicholas Barr on clarinet and Christopher Barr on trumpet. Amazingly, the accomplished musical group consist of two members who are comfortable doing a Benny Goodman Stomp but aren’t yet old enough to drive!

Nicholas, on clarinet, is 14 years old and won first prize in the Victoriaville music competition last year. He is currently studying with Marianne Croteau of the McGill Chamber Orchestra. Christopher,11, on trumpet, is studying under Manon Lafrance of the renowned Canadian Brass. The mother of Nicholas and Christopher is also an accomplished musicial and vocalist; Laura Barr has a Bachelor of Music, McGill. This is one family with a progressive musical gene!!

Piano, clarinet and muted trumpet create some sweet sounds and songs like “I got Rhythm” a Gershwin jazz standard, and “It’s all Right with Me” one of Frank Sinatra’s classic tunes. The 1940’s were an incredible time for Jazz music with artists like Lennie Tristano, Duke Ellington, Lee Konitz, Coleman Hawkins and Mary Lou Williams making some of the most memorable music of our time!

Knowlton visitors and residents are indeed lucky to have a chance to enjoy a glass of wine, or a hot French Onion soup or a full dinner at the Auberge Knowlton and be treated to live performances by such young rising musical talents.

On alternating Saturday nights the Jazz is performed by Yaakov Ludmir playing piano. Yaakov is currently studying music at CEGEP Vanier and is another young man who is showing a deep talent and appreciation for the genre. There is nothing more beautiful and intensely personal as listening to live Jazz and solo piano and both The Barr Family and Yaakov Ludmir create dramatic yet peaceful sounds so soothing in these stormy times.

Sitting down with friends and dinner or a drink while listening to musicians deliver Jazz music also ensures you get your weekly recommended allowance of hip coolness which has been proven to promote well-being!

As Frank Sinatra said : “I'm not one of those complicated, mixed-up cats. I'm not looking for the secret to life.... I just go on from day to day, taking what comes.” And of course in the words of Duke Ellington ““It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing”!

Jazz every Saturday night at Le Relais 6:30 to 9:30. The Relais is located in Downtown Knowltons prestigious Auberge Knowlton at 286 Knowlton. Road, across from the Knowlton Gallery at the four-way stop. Info: 450-242-6886