Port Moody’s Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper aren’t just impresarios responsible for the Inlet Theatre Music Series.
On Nov. 15, they’ll be the series’ featured performers.
Sample and Cooper’s own band, Wild Blue Herons will be bolstered by the tenor sax of Steve Hillman as well as Jim Hopson’s trombone.
Wild Blue Herons (With Horns) will play funkified versions of their own original tunes, along with music from the Jazz Crusaders and even the late Quincy Jones.
Sample and Cooper have worked with such renowned musicians as David Foster, Celine Dion, Ray Charles, Shari Ulrich and Jane Mortifee. Their band, that was formed in 2017, includes Miles Foxx Hill on bass, Tim Porter on guitar and drummer Randall Stoll. Mortifee will also be on hand to provide background vocals.
The group has played with Van Morrison, Colin James and kd lang. They’re also working on a third album, following up their previous two, On the Outside and You and I.
Sample and Cooper launched the series of concerts that occupies Port Moody’s Inlet Theatre in the fall, winter and spring two years ago in an effort to put the City of the Arts on the musical map.
Since then they’ve attracted artists like Canadian folk-rocker Roy Forbes as well as local acts like gypsy jazz ensemble Van Django and touring award winners, Blue Moon Marquee.
Last spring, Port Moody council agreed to extend the city’s arrangement to waive the rental fee for the 200-seat theatre for another two years. The $3,700 saving allows Sample and Cooper to keep ticket prices affordable.
“This is a good return on investment to the city and residents,” said Port Moody’s manager of cultural services, Devin Jain.
He added the musical duo have “brought a consistent and professional music series to the community.”
Advance general admission tickets are available online. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.
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