Tiny Islands Want to Introduce Your Kids to Classic Jazz Standards

Wiggle and waggle along with irresistible tunes by Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller on February 1

There’s no more exciting way to introduce kids to a variety of musical instruments than through the upbeat, can’t-sit-still jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Hailing from a musical family, Tim Sars, veteran leader of Vancouver’s popular Carnival Band, has over a decade of experience entertaining and engaging children and their families with fun spirited music. When Tim teams up with his brother Nathan on multiple brass instruments, a double bass player, and a drummer the quartet becomes Tiny Islands. Together they’re aiming to get everyone up and dancing at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m.

 

Tiny Islands engages young people, and the young at heart, with irresistible tunes by jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller. Every song has an audience participation aspect, from knocking on the door to swimming in the deep blue sea. From classics like “When the Saints Go Marching In”, to a family-friendly version of Clarence Williams’ “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It” that changes beer to lemonade, the music they play will make you want to wiggle, waggle, and sing along and that’s encouraged. Residents of Spruce Grove and surrounding area may remember when Tiny Islands entertained crowds at the City’s 2017 Canada Day Celebration. Horizon Stage staff loved them so much that they jumped at the opportunity to invite them back to perform as part of this 2019-2020 Family Programming series.

A natural musician in every respect, both of Tim Sars’ parents were professional musicians so it was inevitable that he would follow in their footsteps.  When not performing with Tiny Islands he also works with a trio, a quartet, and a carnival band! Tim's fluent and deeply melodic saxophone style draws on a spectrum of inspirations - from Afrobeat, New Orleans, Ellingtonian jazz, Balkan Brass, Funk, and Latin jazz. He also plays, piano, clarinet, and flute. In his recent self-produced album you can hear his skill as a composer and arranger of various styles of jazz, pop, and funk.

Start February 2020 off on a happy note - literally. Bring your kids, grandkids, or nieces and nephews to enjoy Tiny Islands in concert at Horizon Stage on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are just $12 for all ages and may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Ticketpro.ca. Free preshow activities will run in the lobby from 1 - 1:45 p.m.