Honouring Paul Plimley:
A Celebration Marathon at 8EAST
The NOW Society, Vancouver and international musical communities have lost a bright light with the passing of brilliant, generous Paul Plimley. His kindness, his bright wit and enthusiasm are all deeply missed. He was a major force, profoundly influencing the formation and practice of improvised music and creativity. world wide His presence will continue to be an important part of our community. We love you Paul.
Please join us as we celebrate through music a dear friend, colleague, community member, mentor, elder, and joyful champion.
Entry by donation. Doors at 2:30. All donations from this event will go towards programs that will support the mentorship and creativity of new and emerging musicians. Photo: Diane Smithers. Thank you to Victoria Gibson for helping to plan this event.
3:00 Welcome and Acknowledgements
3:05 Graham Ord saxophone, Ralph Eppel trombone, Lisle Ellis bass, Gregg Simpson drums
3:30 Nikita Carter saxophone, Clyde Reed bass, Gregg Simpson drums
4:00 Kate Hammett Vaughan voice, Carol Sawyer voice, Lisa Cay Miller, piano
5:00 Roisin Adams piano, Victoria Gibson guitar, James Meger, bass
5:30 Db Boyko voice, Bill Clark trumpet, Ron Samworth guitar, Lisle Ellis bass
6:00 Out of town sharings
6:30 Lisa Cay Miller piano, Kenton Loewen drums, James Meger bass
7:00 Bruce Freedman saxophone, Clyde Reed bass, Kenton Loewen drums
7:30 Gentle Group Meditation through sound
8:00 We Celebrate! Light refreshments and food. Cash bar.
We recognize that this will be an emotional event. Let’s take good care of ourselves and others before, during and after the event. If at any moment, you need to step outside, or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out. There will be food provided – don’t forget to stay hydrated and fed during this important occasion. If you see someone struggling, please offer to help.
Paul Horace Plimley (16 March 1953 – 18 May 2022)
Paul Horace Plimley was a free jazz pianist and vibraphonist. He was one of the doyens of the Canadian jazz avant-garde, a co-founder of the New Orchestra Workshop Society and frequent collaborator with the bassist Lisle Ellis. He was well-versed in classical music and in all styles of jazz; he was one of the first and most convincing interpreters of Ornette Coleman’s music on the piano (an instrument usually seen as antithetical to Coleman’s music).
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Plimley studied classical piano under Kum-Sing Lee at the University of British Columbia (1971–73). In 1978–79 he studied with Karl Berger and Cecil Taylor at the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, NY. Plimley was one of the founding members of the New Orchestra Workshop (NOW, founded 1977), and he has been active in many of the ensembles associated with NOW, including the NOW Orchestra.
His work with Lisle Ellis is extensive, and includes the duo CD Both Sides of the Same Mirror (Nine Winds, 1989); When Silence Pulls, with Andrew Cyrille (Music & Arts, 1990); Noir, with Bruce Freedman and Gregg Bendian (Victo, 1992); Density of the Lovestruck Demons with Donald Robinson (Music & Arts, 1994); and Safecrackers with Scott Amendola (Victo, 1999). He made two recordings for Hat Art: the collection of Ornette Coleman interpretations, Kaleidoscopes (1992), and (under Joe McPhee’s leadership), a revisiting of Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite called Sweet Freedom, Now What? (1994) In May 2000, he recorded a live act at the 17th International Festival of New Music in Victoriaville, Quebec with John Oswald, Marilyn Crispell and Cecil Taylor. The album was released at Victo Records He was a regular performer at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
Plimley died in Vancouver at the age of 69 on 18 May 2022 from cancer.
~ 8EAST ACCESS STATEMENT ~
The 8EAST social space for new culture is a project of the NOW Society, located on the Territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh and səlil̓wətaʔɬ Peoples, in Chinatown, in the DTES, in Vancouver.
We are committed to making 8EAST a safe(r), welcoming and more accessible space. We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, gender, neuro a-typicality, disability, place of origin, cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We do not tolerate racism, sexual aggression, assault, or harassment which can include unwanted touch or comments that objectify or sexualize. We adopt and follow the We Have Voice Collective Code of Conduct.
We can accommodate a variety of needs, including assistance dogs, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. To arrange for American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, please contact now@nowsociety.org.
If you are attending an event with food and have specific allergies, please contact now@nowsociety.org. We recognize that access is an ongoing and evolving discussion, and acknowledge that this statement may be insufficient. Concernts or suggestions can be addressed, discussed or expressed anonymously by emailing safety@nowsociety.org.
8EAST ventilation: Open windows and door, 3 HEPA air purifiers and UV lights on return air in the HVAC system. Mask wearing is recommend and masks will be available. Seating, wooden stackable chairs without armrests, is movable. Seating is generally arranged in groups of two or threes with 1 meter between groups for easy mobility. Wheelchair seating is easily accommodated. The 34 inch wide main entrance to 8EAST has a threshold of approximately 0.5 inches high. There is no door automation. During events, the door is open or can be opened by the Front of House person. There are no ramps or stairs to navigate. Internal floors are smooth concrete. Outdoor plaza events are held on concrete pavers, some are uneven. Paths and hallways are kept free of impediments.
8EAST has a wheelchair accessible, non-gendered toilet on site with a door width of 35 inches. Additional public toilets, not wheel chair accessible, are located in the adjacent hallway. The NOW Society emergency evacuation procedures are in place for all individuals. The Front of House person or a staff member onsite is trained in naloxone administration and will be the contact person in case of emergencies.
GETTING THERE AND PARKING:
8EAST is located within 50 meters of buses 004, 007, 019, 022, 209, and N19 on Pender Street. Stops for buses 003, 008, 014, 016, 020, N8, N20, and N35 are located within 250 metres on Hastings Street. Stadium–Chinatown SkyTrain Station is approximately 400 metres away. General metered street parking is available on surrounding streets. A passenger drop-off zone without a curb is located within 50 metres at 531 Carrall Street. To arrange for HandyDART transportation and accompanying assistants, please contact now@nowsociety.org.
There is a bike rack on the SW corner of Pender and Carrall Street, viewable while inside 8EAST and on the Plaza. Covered bike parking is available at the Main Street – Science World Skytrain Station. From there, one can take the #3 bus, then walk West down Pender to 8EAST (c. 5 mins), walk to 8EAST (c. 15 mins) or ride one skytrain stop to Stadium – Chinatown and walk Northwest to 8EAST (c. 5 mins). The closest Bike Locker to 8EAST is located at VCC Clark. From there, one can take trains to Stadium – Chinatown Skytrain Station and walk NorthWest to 8EAST.
