Tickets are on sale now for the 2008 Georgian Sound Festival including Jazzmania, Big Band Saturday, and Gospelfest.

A jazz brunch at the Raven Grill and dance classes at Marsh Street Centre are also on the schedule of events for this years big music weekend, April 25 to 27.

When the late Bob Cringan founded the Georgian Sound Big Band in 1988, his purpose was to "provide opportunities for musicians to share interests and talents and to develop projects to benefit members and their communities with an emphasis on supporting and encouraging youthful musicians."

Evolving from an adjudicated five-band competition on a single day, the festival has grown into a fabulous three-day event that showcases Jazzmania Friday, Big Band Saturday and Gospelfest Sunday.

Jazzmania, Friday, April 25, features 10 great jazz groups at various locations in Thornbury and Clarksburg.

Big Band Saturday, April 26, highlights popular big bands and features youth performances in both dance and band selections.

Sunday's Gospelfest, on April 27, presents top-flight spiritual and inspirational music.

Over the years, the Festival has provided lots of opportunity for musicians to share their interests and talents, encouraging many young musicians in the process.

Meanwhile, since 2002, a total of $24,800 has been contributed from Festival proceeds in donations to local music programs and music scholarships from Stayner to Owen Sound. Contributions have also been made to Beaver Valley Outreach, Meaford Hospital, Marsh Street Centre, the Special Olympics (when they were held locally), and many other important causes.

Yearly contributions have been given to the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club in appreciation for their dedicated community work.

Sponsorship plays a key role in funding the Festival. The contributions received from various local businesses provide the necessary funds to cover many of the expenses incurred to host such a large annual event and they help promote the festival to new musicians and audiences from near and far. 

Each contribution reflects the commitment the sponsors have made to the community and without their help, the Festival would not be possible. In keeping with Bob Cringan's sentiments, the Georgian Sound Big Band ensures a portion of these funds flow back into the community.

Tickets for all events are now available.

Jazzmania tickets are $15 and include entry to all the venues as well as an all-evening shuttle bus service.

Big Band Saturday features the host Georgian Sound Big Band, along with the George Lake Big Band and the Toronto All Stars.  Tickets are $25 (youth, under 18 - $15) for either the matinee (1 p.m.) or evening (8 p.m.) performances.

Tickets for Gospelfest are only $10 (youth, under 18 - $8) at 2 p.m., featuring the Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale and GBSS Jazz Ensemble.

A weekend pass with 1 ticket for each of Jazzmania, Big Band Saturday (matinee or evening) and Gospelfest costs $45.

A special Jazz Brunch is planned at The Raven Grill at Lora Bay featuring delicious food and music by the Bourbon Street Buskers on Sunday,  April 27, 11 a.m., allowing time to get to Gospelfest in town. Tickets are only $35.

Want to polish your dancing skills?  Take a group dance lesson and learn how to dance like the pros on Saturday, April 26 at the Marsh Street Centre.  Classes are available at either 10 or 11 a.m. for $10 per person.

Festival tickets are available now online, or at Riverside Graphics in Clarksburg.  You can also call the Festival Hotline at (519) 599-3223.