Stephen Holowitz moved to London, Ontario in 1983 from his home town of Thunder Bay, Ontario to study pipe organ and piano at the University of Western Ontario. After graduating he dedided to make London his home. He currently teaches at A.B. Lucas Secondary School and is organist at St. James Westminster Anglican Church. In addition to these two occupations, Stephen is busy as a soloist or accompanist in classical, jazz and pop styles.

He was featured in 1999 with the London Encore Concert Band performing works by Duke Ellington and Hoagy Carmichael. He has performed with Orchestra London, the Gerald Fagan Singers, Herencia Latina, and the Hot Latkes Klezmer Band. He is keyboardist and co-composer for the Antler River Project, a London based ensemble that blends jazz, world music, and contemporary compositions into a unique musical experience. They completed a tour of Ireland in July of 2001 with the Guelph Chamber Choir.

Stephen composed music for the Grand Theatre’s world premier of ‘North’ by Greg Nelson (2000) as well as ‘The Wind in the Willows’ (1998) and ‘Anne’ (1999.) On October 17th in addition to Stephen on piano, we will be treated to the talents of Oliver Whitehead on guitar and Sandy MacKay on drums plus a number of special guests.

London vocalist Jessie Ross will be part of the afternoon’s entertainment. At 13 her idols included Ella Fitgerald, Sara Vaughn and Carmen McCrea. Jussie has received the International Young sosoist Award from the Rose Kennedy Foundation. She has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and with a number of Canada’s most respected musicians including Jeff Healey, Guido Basso, Chase Sndborn, et al. Jessie recently returned from Italy where she took part in a festival, made two television appearances on RAI, Italy’s national broadcaster. In June she returned to the Kennedy Center where she participated in an International Festival.

At home in jazz, orchestral or commercial settings, Paul has been described as one of Canada’s most versatile trumpet players.  Paul possesses an outstanding command and understanding of the trumpet.  No matter the style, Paul is able to capture the subtle nuances and brings great energy and excitement to the music being performed. As a performer Paul is in great demand, and has played for such international artists as Michael Bolton, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Diana Krall, Roger Hodgson, Natalie Cole, and many others.

Paul is a freelance trumpet player, and Head of Music at a high school with the Thames Valley District School Board. For the past 20 years, Paul has been principal trumpet of Brassroots, a 10-piece brass and percussion ensemble, and is also principal trumpet with the Jeans and Classics Rock Symphony.

As a regular soloist with Jeans ’n Classics, Paul’s solo shows include Blood Sweat and Tears, Earth Wind and Fire, and Chicago, performed with symphonies to great reviews across North America, from Texas to Florida.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Paul began his trumpet studies with Jim Ford, former principal trumpet of Orchestra London Canada.  Paul graduated from Western University with his BA and MM in performance, and is currently in his second year of the Doctorate of Musical Arts Program at Western University.