Skip to content

Award-winning drummer Karl Schwonik performs in Red Deer

Award-winning drummer Karl Schwonik performs in Red Deer Thursday with his five-piece jazz ensemble, featuring saxophonist Remi Bolduc.

Award-winning drummer Karl Schwonik performs in Red Deer Thursday with his five-piece jazz ensemble, featuring saxophonist Remi Bolduc.

The Gwynne native grew up in a music family that started him on the violin when he was five. But “it wasn’t exciting enough for me,” said Schwonik, who switched to the drums at age 11 and has never looked back.

Schwonik’s debut album, Visions from the Farm, was nominated for a 2010 Western Canadian Music Award and won a DownBeat Magazine composition award. His latest recording, 1+4, was No. 1 on Canadian jazz radio charts for two months and was also nominated for a 2011 Western Canadian Music Award in the Jazz Recording of the Year category.

Schwonik’s music has been featured nationally on CBC Radio.

The legally blind drummer, who runs a music camp in Wetaskiwin, has won numerous awards for his music and his mentorship of young musicians, including the Queen’s Jubilee Award. He was also named one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue magazine.

The Karl Schwonik Jazz Ensemble performs at 7 p.m. at The Hub at 4936 Ross St. Tickets are $12 and are available from the sponsor, the French Canadian Association of Alberta, at 4930 B Ross St. (Members of the association or the CNIB get in for $8.)