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Quincy Jones Among Those At Free Oscar Peterson Tribute And Concert This Weekend

2008/01/08 | CityNews.ca Staff

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Music Greats React To Loss Of Oscar Peterson

It's an amazing concert for an amazing man - and it's free if you can get in to see it. When Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson passed away just before Christmas, the entire music world mourned a tremendous talent.

But now those who lamented his loss have decided to pay him the kind of tribute he would have loved, with a free concert involving some of the jazz world's biggest names.

Grammy Award winner Nancy Wilson will perform and legendary record producer Quincy Jones and Juno winner Phil Nimmons will reminisce about the fallen icon at a special once-in-a-lifetime show at Roy Thomson Hall this weekend.

The event will also feature big names like Quebec pianist and composer Gregory Charles, along with a performance of Peterson's most famous work "Hymn To Freedom."

Governor General Michaelle Jean and Peterson buddy and ex-Premier Bob Rae will also speak about the music mogul.

But hearing the tunes won't be the problem - getting in may be. The show is free and there are no advance tickets. It's first come first served at the Hall, which holds just over 2,600 people. The show starts at 4pm Saturday and the crowds will be let in an hour before that.

Organizers are suggesting you get there early if you want to get a seat.