Open Jam brings new jazz players to Haven Social Club stage

By Elizabeth Walters

EDMONTON — On most Wednesday nights at the Haven Social Club, a trio of jazz players welcomes new talent to jam on stage.

Johnny McCormack on the saxophone, Keith Rempel on guitar and Thom Bennett on drums started playing together two and a half years ago with another guitar player.

Every Wednesday at the club at 15120 A Stony Plain Road, they welcome new players, ranging from experienced professional jazz musicians to students who are nervously playing their first notes in front of a live audience.

Have a listen to McCormack’s music as it was heard by the Haven for the first time on Dec. 7, 2011, and take a look at some accompanying images: