“The Jazz Province: An Evening of Jazz History”

Ken Mitchell

Professor of English (Emeritus)

15 February 2006

The audience enjoyed a performance of jazz and narrative, with author Ken Mitchell and “jazz doctor” Dr. Ed Lewis (trumpet). They were joined by legendary guitarist Jack Semple and three student members of the University of Regina Jazz Ensemble: Carter Powley (sax), Jason Harbor (bass), and Kris Maddigan (drums).

The occasion was a celebration of Mitchell’s just-published book, The Jazz Province: The Story of Jazz in Saskatchewan, which was on sale. The University Club provided a relaxed cabaret setting for this unusual collaboration.

Ken Mitchell is a Professor Emeritus of English who retired in June 2005 from the University of Regina to take up the writing and editing of this handsome book, which was commissioned and published by the Regina Jazz Society for the Saskatchewan Centennial. Designed by award-winning designer Catharine Bradbury, the book is an astonishing compendium of archival photographs and fascinating oral history from the pioneers of jazz, going back to 1914, to the present…and even the future!