Previous events

Storytelling Around the Fire

Saturday, July 9Sat, Jul 9

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Workshop for Vocalists and Instrumentalists: "A Super Simple Approach to Improvising Using the 'Simple Melody'"

Wednesday, May 25 @ 6:00PMWed, May 25 @ 6:00PM

online

To register and for more info, email groovecanada@gmail.com

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Vocal Jazz Workshop with Rita di Ghent

Saturday, February 19 @ 1:00PM — 4:00PM (EST, UTC-05)Sat, Feb 19 @ 1:00PM — 4:00PM (EST, UTC-05)

online

Instructor: Rita di Ghent (BFA, MA)

Dear Singers: it's time to get back into the swing!

I'm often asked if jazz vocalists have to solo (scat). The short answer is "no". But, jazz vocalists must be able to master paraphrasing. That is a minimum. When Ella Fitzgerald recorded her Songbook Series, she was said of, in the trades, that she was a great singer, but that she "wasn't a jazz singer". The reason was that she stayed true to the published melody in those recordings. Ella wasn't paraphrasing the way she was brilliantly capable of doing.

This workshop will start with a lesson in paraphrasing. I'll share with you some "super simple" rules that all the jazz vocal masters demonstrate when they sing. Following this, 6 singers will work one-on-one with me to take their interpretation of a jazz standard to the next level. There is unlimited room for "general admission" auditors (those able to sit in on the workshop, listen, and take notes). Those working with me need to pass minimum requirements. For more information on the requirements and workshop fees, go to https://www.ritadighent.com/professional-voice-servicesIn this online workshop via Zoom, you'll work one-on-one with Rita to take your interpretation of a jazz standard to the next level. The workshop will begin with a group lesson and then a maximum of 6 vocalists will work one-on-one with Rita while the rest of the group observes. All levels and interested parties are welcome to observe and learn in the class. The 6 featured singers need to pass the following minimum requirements (the rest of the group do not. And don't worry if you don't read music or know theory...I'm going to keep it really juicy and simple!):

(1) Have a proper lead sheet with melody and chords in your key. For an example or to source out a chart, see https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/i-could-write-a-book-digital-sheet-music/19426264

(2) Know the melody perfectly.

(3) Have the iReal Pro App and know how to use it. Alternatively, you can use another backing track that is appropriately in the jazz style. To download the iRealPro App, see https://www.irealpro.com or download from your play store.

(4) Preferred but not necessary: be able to read music and know some theory.

Cost is $65 for featured singers (first come first served) and $35 for observers (prior to February 9) and $80 and $45 after February 9. To register, click on the "buy now" button above and select the appropriate fee from the drop-down menu. Once payment is received, you'll receive confirmation that you're registered. Further instructions will be sent to you prior to the workshop.

Rita di Ghent is a vocalist/instrumentalist who has been teaching Jazz Vocal and Improvisation courses at York University since 2000. di Ghent is a two-time "Jazz Vocalist of the Year" Nominee (National Jazz Awards) and a Montreal Jazz Festival "Prix de Jazz" Finalist. She is author of the book "Vocal Technique for Non-Classical Singers".

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St. John's Storytelling Festival Digital Storytelling Circle

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 @ 6:30PMWed, Dec 9, 2020 @ 6:30PM

online

Rita di Ghent will join other Canadian storytellers, telling original stories about her family and lessons that Nature has taught her.

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Rita di Ghent with Martin Loomer and The Orange Devils

Monday, March 9, 2020 @ 8:00PM — 10:00PMMon, Mar 9, 2020 @ 8:00PM — 10:00PM

Monarch Tavern, Toronto

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Rita's Looking For a Boyfriend Who Doesn't Eat Meat

Thursday, January 2, 2020 @ 7:00PMThu, Jan 2, 2020 @ 7:00PM

Karlo Estates Winery, Prince Edward County

PWYC, $6 minimum

https://www.facebook.com/events/2464498366993811/

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Winter Song Medicine Gathering & The Sisterhood Cafe

Saturday, December 7, 2019Sat, Dec 7, 2019

Centre for Indigenous Theatre, Toronto, ON

https://www.facebook.com/events/519000275606492/

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Rita di Ghent

Saturday, November 2, 2019 @ 6:00PMSat, Nov 2, 2019 @ 6:00PM

Picton Golf and Country Club

https://peptbo.ca/fall-dinner.php

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Private Party

Sunday, August 25, 2019 @ 7:00PMSun, Aug 25, 2019 @ 7:00PM

Rita di Ghent

Saturday, August 10, 2019 @ 8:00PM — 11:00PMSat, Aug 10, 2019 @ 8:00PM — 11:00PM

Stache on Main, Wellington, ON

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Rita di Ghent & Brian Legere

Saturday, July 20, 2019 @ 8:00PM — 11:00PMSat, Jul 20, 2019 @ 8:00PM — 11:00PM

Stache on Main, Wellington, ON

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Rita di Ghent & Brian Legere

Saturday, June 1, 2019 @ 8:00PM — 11:00PMSat, Jun 1, 2019 @ 8:00PM — 11:00PM

Stache on Main, Wellington, ON

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Private Party

Sunday, May 19, 2019 @ 7:00PMSun, May 19, 2019 @ 7:00PM

Gangsters, Grifters and G-Men: The Orange Devils with Vocalist Rita di Ghent

Saturday, April 27, 2019 @ 8:00PM — Sunday, April 28, 2019 @ 12:00AMSat, Apr 27, 2019 @ 8:00PM — Sun, Apr 28, 2019 @ 12:00AM

121 Hughson St North, Hamilton, ON

https://hamilton.snapd.com/events/view/1201574

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Mediterranean Stars with Rita di Ghent

Sunday, April 21, 2019 @ 4:00PM — 7:00PMSun, Apr 21, 2019 @ 4:00PM — 7:00PM

Castro's, Queen St., Toronto, ON

Rita plays bass and sings with the Mediterranean Stars led by guitarist Sam Sharkawy.

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Orange Devils with Vocalist Rita di Ghent

Sunday, April 7, 2019 @ 7:30PMSun, Apr 7, 2019 @ 7:30PM

Monarch Tavern

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The Art of Paraphrasing Workshop and Concert

Thursday, April 4, 2019 @ 6:00PM — 8:00PMThu, Apr 4, 2019 @ 6:00PM — 8:00PM

120 Diner, 120 Church St, Toronto, ON

Thursday, April 4th, 2019. Location: 120 Diner, 120 Church Street, Toronto

Open to all who are interested in the art of vocal jazz. No experience necessary. Observers welcome! Any needed materials will be supplied.

WORKSHOP: A SIMPLE APPROACH TO THE JAZZ VOCAL ART OF PARAPHRASING 6:00pm-7:00pm

PARAPHRASING IN ACTION 7:00pm-8:00pm Concert: “The Rita di Ghent & Reg Schwager Duo”

Total cost for workshop and concert: $30 Concert only: $10

Registration for workshop is required. Please contact groovecanada@gmail.com

Details: The most important art in jazz singing is the ability to paraphrase (alter the melody and rhythms of a composed jazz standard). Many of the great jazz vocalists attribute their fame to their paraphrasing finesse and not to scat singing. Billie Holiday, Blossom Dearie, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, Connee Boswell never or almost never scatted. Yet, 100% of jazz vocalists paraphrase. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn simple, very practical rules that you can practice to develop your ability to paraphrase and personalize your delivery of jazz standards. I'm so looking forward to seeing you there.

Instructor: Rita di Ghent BFA, MA www.ritadighent.com

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Song Medicine Women's Gathering

Saturday, March 30, 2019 @ 11:30AM — 4:00PMSat, Mar 30, 2019 @ 11:30AM — 4:00PM

Silence, Essex, Guelph, ON

For more information, email: dearsistermoon@gmail.com

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Rita di Ghent

Rita di Ghent

TD Jazz Festival

Previous events

Beaches Jazz Festival

Storytelling Around the Fire

TD Jazz Festival

Workshop for Vocalists and Instrumentalists: "A Super Simple Approach to Improvising Using the 'Simple Melody'"

Vocal Jazz Workshop with Rita di Ghent

St. John's Storytelling Festival Digital Storytelling Circle

Rita di Ghent with Martin Loomer and The Orange Devils

Rita's Looking For a Boyfriend Who Doesn't Eat Meat

Winter Song Medicine Gathering & The Sisterhood Cafe

Rita di Ghent

Private Party

Rita di Ghent

Rita di Ghent & Brian Legere

Rita di Ghent & Brian Legere

Private Party

Gangsters, Grifters and G-Men: The Orange Devils with Vocalist Rita di Ghent

Mediterranean Stars with Rita di Ghent

Orange Devils with Vocalist Rita di Ghent

The Art of Paraphrasing Workshop and Concert

Song Medicine Women's Gathering