Climax Story Since 1971 by Chris Daniels 

NOTES FOR TORONTO MUSICIANS’ ASSOCATION MEETING OCTOBER 21, 2022

It’s an honour to receive TMA’s Fifty Years Membership badge — one which I’d like to share with all the guys who’ve performed with the Co-op Climax Jazz Band since May 1971, when we began at Albert’s Hall in Toronto’s Ye Olde Brunswick House.

Climax joined the association in 1972, persuading owners Albert and Morris Nightingale to sign up (after a two-week strike by the band and our fans). We played six nights a week until moving on in 1974. 

Over the years we’ve performed at Canadian festivals, sporting, company, political and fund-raising events, hosted jazz stars at DJ’s Tavern in the Hydro Building, made many recordings, T.V. appearances and annual Moonlight Jazz cruises on the Trillium Ferry Boat. The Chick’N’Deli (now SmokeShow) has been our home base since 1983.

Toronto City Council helped put us on the world map by granting $5,000 towards sending Climax, Downchild, Cliff Bastien’s and Jim Galloway’s band to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1972. 

Climax chartered DC9s to perform and take fans to the festival from 1974 to 1984, leading to invitations to festivals in the U.S., Europe, the U.K., Japan and 20-plus jazz cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and up the Amazon to Manaus.

Thanks to TMA and federation staff for navigating our way through U.S. Homeland Security regulations to play multiple times at festivals in 28 U.S. states. 

We’ve made lots of friends representing Canada in our travels: OVER A MILLION MILES, 1.6 million kilometres. That’s why we like to call ourselves ‘Canada’s Jazz Ambassadors.’

Chris Daniels

Climax Jazz Band at SmokeShow Schedule Saturdays 5, 19 November 2022

Climax Jazz Band at SmokeShow Jazz Club

744 Mt. Pleasant Road: 416-901-7469

Every Month: First and Third Saturdays 3-6pm

Six-Piece Climax features Toronto's finest traditional jazz musicians playing familiar tunes sprinkled with lusty vocals and lots of laughs. Free parking is available under Shoppers' Drugs off Soudan Avenue W. north side (supposedly for customers -- you might do a bit of shopping).

     Dakota from Nova Scotia is your convivial host. Phone John for reservations 416-901-7469.

We play three sets each afternoon with two 15-minute breaks. The band relies on contributions ($10 suggested) to the music appreciation bucket circulated during the breaks.

We look forward to entertaining and chatting with you the first and third Saturdays every month.

Climax are also available for private parties: weddings, birthdays, receptions, retirements etc. (with four or more musicians). Call Chris Daniels (416) 483-6345.

Farewell to Dorothy Rose 

Died October 28, 2022

At age 100 Dorothy finally succumbed to dementia and died at Sunnybrook Veterans' Wing Friday October 28. A funeral mass was held at St. Monica's Church Monday November 14th. Her ashes will be sent to her sons in Holland. 

Dorothy put smiles on a multitude of faces, singing for troops across Canada 1940-42 and with many Toronto and U.S. bands.

You can see her on YouTube -- '97-year old sings for her neighbours on Canada Day'. Dorothy describes her early life, overcoming cancer and other health issues in later life and the faith that sustained her. The two-and-a-half minute video features clips of Dorothy in fine fettle, singing with the Climax at the Leaside Pub. A delightful memory of a lovely person.