Gabriola Island wood sculptor Rick Cranston happened to get into jazz singing a few years ago, and local ears have been taking notice.
Cranston, backed by saxophonist Dick Smith, pianist Steve Smith and bassist Ken Lister, plays the Crofton Hotel Pub on Sunday, April 10 from 2-5 p.m.
Cranston moved to the Island from Ontario in the early ’70s and growing up he was influenced by the Great American Songbook.
“My parents listened to Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and others. I absorbed it by feel,” Cranston said.
The performance is part of the Jazz at Crofton series, which runs at the pub from 2-5 p.m. each Sunday. Musicians are invited join in a jam session during the last hour.
The pub is at 1534 Joan Ave., a stone’s throw from the Saltspring Island ferry terminal. Admission is $10. For information, call 250-324-2245 or visit www.croftonhotel.ca.