The Sidney Friday Night Jazz Series brings together the finest in West Coast Jazz talent in an intimate concert setting every Friday evening in Sidney BC. Jazz Night was started by myself and my son Myles English on the premise that there is a dormant jazz audience as well as a wealth of stellar national-level jazz musicians right here on Vancouver Island.

This led us to St. Paul’s United Church that has a beautiful 6-foot grand, excellent acoustics and a warm inviting atmosphere. Each week we bring in some of the finest island talent like Monik Nordine, Cold Cut Combo, Tom Vickery and our own duo 13 Strings. Our current series runs for 17 weeks and we plan to continue through the summer and fall.

We jokingly call it a Jazz Rave because we arrive to set up only an hour before and within that time a church miraculously transforms into a concert venue and jazz sanctuary. As we frantically finish setup, fans are already filing in at the front door; the photographer arrives and musicians are working through their sets in the dressing room, the Sunday school classroom. We’ve recently noticed that these fans are becoming a jazz congregation, many now recognize one another and exchange greetings as they take their seats … you can feel the buzz!

The night now feels like a Jazz event should: interactive, conversational and a bit on the edge, with the crowd fully engaged and responding to the intense creative energy being produced by career performers only feet away. When the lights go up and the bows are taken, we hear; “Incredible”, “that was amazing”, “I was blown away” and “I will see you next week”.

As we break down, it is the sense that something good just happened that compels us to perform yet another series.

By Lloyd English
Professional Performer, Teacher, Songwriter and Producer

Photo Credit: Sue Ferguson Photography

More Information
The Sidney Friday Night Jazz Series
Video: Compilation Video
The Performers: Monik Nordine, Cold Cut Combo, Tom Vickery and 13 Strings
Event Location: St. Paul’s United Church, 2410 Malaview Avenue, Sidney, BC V8L 2G3
Event Day and Times: Fridays at 7:00pm

Seagulls Loft is truly a home away from home on Vancouver Island. With stunning views of the ocean and mountains, and BC Gulf Islands, this authentic Tudor-styled house has a warmth about it that will make you feel at home as soon as you step through the front door. Unique features such as a central circular fireplace, furnishings made from original African Rhodesian teak railway ties, and a spacious and bright master suite located in the loft add to the character of the home.

On a sunny lot, Seagulls Loft boasts a garden with indigenous shrubbery that attracts an abundance of wonderful bird life. The living room is bright and cozy, with views of the ocean, and boasts a bar and a wood burning circular fireplace. The sundeck off the living room is an excellent spot to view the gardens, the ocean and the mountains. Through the formal dining room, you will find a large and spacious kitchen with a breakfast nook that provides you with ample views of the garden and a great spot to watch the birds come and go.

Living Room at Seagulls Loft oceanfront vacation home in Sidney, Greater Victoria, British Columbia

A bedroom with a double size bed and a powder room finish off the main level. The lower level of the home has a newly renovated bedroom with ensuite and laundry facilities. Continuing upstairs to the very top floor, you are met with the open, bright and cheery master suite with views of the ocean and mountains that can be viewed when lying in bed or sitting in the private sun room. The ensuite is both relaxing and spacious with a separate shower and tub.

The large lot is surrounded by gardens and towering trees. A flat sunny yard is a great spot to play in or just relax and enjoy your surroundings. There is a beach access located at the rear of the yard, however, it is incredibly steep and should only be used by older children and adults. The beach located at the bottom of the ladder is rocky but could serve as a kayak launch. The nearest public beach access is just 2 kms away via a secluded sandy beach.

Beach Access at Seagulls Loft oceanfront vacation home in Sidney, Greater Victoria, British Columbia

You can also sit and enjoy the sailing boats and yachts as they head out for a day on the water from one of many marinas close by. On the way back you can call in to Canoe Cove Cafe or Stonehouse Restaurant, both of which come highly recommended by the locals. Sidney is only 5 minutes drive away, or you can head in the opposite direction from Sidney, along Lands End road, towards Deep Cove, and enjoy a most beautiful drive as the road twists and turns through a forested area, passing beautiful homes and catching glimpses of the ocean and islands along the way. Deep Cove market is not to be missed in the summer months, where the locals gather to sell their produce.

Seagulls Loft is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and treat yourself to a memorable getaway in comfort and style. Make Seagulls Loft your next stay when visiting Victoria!

More Information:
Rental details and more photos of Seagulls Loft
For more Vacation Home rentals, contact EMR Vacation Rentals

Photo Credit:
All photos by EMR Vacation Rentals
Feature Photo: View from the lofted master bedroom at Seagulls Loft

Seagulls Loft oceanfront vacation home in Sidney, Greater Victoria, British Columbia