Jazz Bistro is excited to present legendary vocalist Don Francks as part of a new series taking place Sunday evening in the Jazz Cellar, our beautiful 3rd floor lounge.

When Don Francks opens his mouth to sing, he takes his audience on a journey. This celebrated singer and actor is widely regarded as one of the finest and most authentic jazz voices in Canada, having released several recordings including Jackie Gleason Says: No One in This World is Like Don Francks with guitar legend Lenny Breau , Lost and Alone featuring orchestra arrangements by conductor Patrick Williams and the original motion-picture soundtrack to Finians Rainbow; among others.

Francks has starred in many CBC television specials with jazz compatriots Jimmy Dale, Guido Basso, pianist Maury Kaye and the late, great Ron Collier. Then, in the sixties he moved to New York City where he performed on The Jackie Gleason Show, sang at The Blue Angel, and recorded a live album at the Village Vanguard. He also made several appearances on the Johnny Carson, Mike Douglas, Dick Cavett and Merv Griffin shows. Next stop: Hollywood, where he guest-starred in shows like The Wild Wild West, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mannix, and Mission: Impossible. La Femme Nikita, The Listener, My Bloody Valentine and Im Not There. His list of work as a voice-over artist for ads and cartoons is simply too vast to even begin mentioning!

At 82 years young, Francks has just released 21st Century Francks, a live recording captured in 2002 at The Top O the Senator. He will be performing songs from the CD, with many surprises in store along the way.

About Steve Hunter:

Steve Hunter has been making music with Don Francks for over three decades and has also played with Etta James, Jackie Richardson, Chet Atkins, Liona Boyd and even Donny Osmond! A native of Los Angelds, Steve began his theatrical career playing piano and conducting in productions of Cats, The Phantom, Tommy, Rent, Spamalot, Hair, Forever Plaid and is about to begin working with The Lion King once again. He has a solo CD called Muskoka Solace and is featured on Dons new disc, 21st Century Francks.

Don Francks - vocals

Steve Hunter - piano

Sundays: April 6, 13 and 27 at 8pm doors at 7pm

"Pay-What-You-Feel!"