The fearless leader of the 51st Eight, Bria picked up the trumpet at age 11, encouraged and inspired by her music loving parents and siblings. She graduated in 2006 from Capilano College's Jazz Studies Program with a degreee in Jazz Performance. She has been described as "the cutest thing since popcorn!" and as having "a re-incarnated soul which is evident in her playing."

Bria has performed at festivals across North America and in Europe and now spends much of her time on the road. Her musical influences include Louis Armstrong, Wild Bill Davison, and Clifford Brown, as well as friend and jazz/life enthusiast Simon Stribling.

Bria is determined to enjoy herself and encourage other young aspiring players to uncover the fine world of hot jazz.

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The 51st Eight's founder and manager is Colin Farquhar. He has finally finished university and is currently working to pay off his student loans before going back to school to receive his BC teaching certificate.

In addition to performing with the 51st Eight, he plays with the Hoppin’ Mad Orchestra, The Moonliters Big Band, and FRX (performing on Hammond organ, guitar and vocals!), as well as many freelance gigs. His influences include Benny Goodman, Edmond Hall, George Lewis, and Anton Stadler.

Colin is the Music Education Centre Manager for Long & McQuade Music in Langley, BC, is an Audio Systems Engineer for Go Audio, is part owner of Broken Teeth Recording, and enjoys restoring antique steam engines.

Evan was raised on traditional jazz. A third generation musician, he was inspired by his grandfather, Lloyd Arntzen, to take up the clarinet when he was seven.

The winner of many awards, Evan has also been a featured soloist with several musical projects such as the Donnie Clark Sextet, Simon Stribling's Society Seven, The Don Stewart Sextet, The Three Generations Jazz Band, Lloyd Arntzen's Red Onion Rhythm Kings, and the Capilano College 'A' Band.

He is a graduate of Capilano College's Jazz Studies Program. Within the traditional jazz context, Evan is influenced by the playing of Lester Young, Don Byas, and Ben Webster.

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This is Lukas' sixth year with the band. He developed his trombone playing in high school, where he received several awards before joining the band. Luke's playing is influenced by Tommy Dorsey and Jack Teagarden - and one can’t forget Led Zepplin.

As the oldest member of the band, the other members often consult his sage wisdom. His long term goals include playing more music, and the leadership of a small country (preferably tropical).

He is currently working as Lease Manager at Mertin Hyundai in Chilliwack, where he lives with his wife Danica.

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Vashti is broadly talented in both the classical and jazz idioms of piano. J.S. Bach and Teddy Wilson figure prominently among her influences.

Performances have taken her across Canada, the United States and into England. She has recieved much recognition for her playing, consistently placing Gold at the Kiwanis Music Festival of Langley and Chilliwack.

Having completed her Diploma in Music at the Kwantlen University College, much of her time is spent performing, teaching, studying, and trying to sort through all the different flavours of syrup at IHOP.

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Josh is the youngest member of the 51st Eight. Quite possibly the only young jazz banjo player in the Vancouver area, he has been playing the instrument for six years and the guitar for nine. Josh is currently in his fourth year of the Jazz Studies program at Capilano College. He is influenced by the playing of Charlie Christian, Freddie Green, Teddy Bunn and Eddie Lang.

Beyond music, Josh enjoys reading, philosophy, politics, and the visual arts. In addition to the 51st Eight, you can catch him with Simon Stribling's New Orleans Ale Stars. Visit his Website.

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Georgia joined the band in 2004 and has kept it swinging ever since. Now a graduate of Capilano College's Jazz Studies Degree, Georgia has been playing the bass--and loving every minute of it--for the past eight years. Her musical influences include Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Gary Peacock.

Along with playing in the 51st Eight, Georgia is a member of Simon Stribling's New Orleans Ale Stars. Georgia enjoys snowboarding in her non-musical spare time.

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Bio Coming Soon.
Email Benji: benjibohannon@mac.com

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