LIVE MUSIC Brunch! Ben Tizzard and Stefano Valdo

Stefano Valdo and Ben Tizzard are bringing a duo performance to the Asylum for Arts.Stefano Valdo is a formidable force within Calgary’s music scene from performing and recording for television and radio commercials, to performing with various independent artists. Ben is currently studying with Aaron Young and developing a hybrid guitar style that incorporates Texas picking with Jazz. These two musicians, together for the first time, will combine their talents and perform through a collection of jazz standards ranging from ballads, to up-tempo, to bossa nova.

Ben Tizzard is a Calgary based musician with a Bachelor of Music Degree at Ambrose University in Jazz Guitar. He has had the honour of studying with leading Calgary musicians such as Ralf Bushmeyer, Neil McVey, Stefano Valdo, Pat Belliveau and Aaron Young. Ben fills his time professionally through teaching privately, teaching at local studios such as Cornerstone Café, Long and McQuade and Chinook School of Music, engaging in select clinics, and performing at Calgary venues such as the Ironwood Stage and Grill, Café Koi, SAIT Jubilee Auditorium, Mount Royal University, University of Calgary, Asylum for Arts, Hyatt Hotel, Ambrose University and many more.

Stefano Valdo is an experienced Performer, Studio Musician and Music Educator.  Born in Northern Italy, he studied classical guitar and double bass at the local Conservatory.

In 1988 he moved to Los Angeles to study jazz arranging and composition at the Grove School of Music.  After completion of the two-year program, Stefano immersed himself into the L.A. music scene and as a freelance musician for live performances and studio sessions.  It was at this time that he joined the Grove School of Music Faculty, assisting noted music educator Mark Harrison in the General Musicianship and Small Group Arranging classes.

In 1999, Stefano earned his Master of Music degree from California State University at Long Beach.  While at CSULB, he taught theory and ear training classes for the Undergraduate Program and continued to produce, record and perform for numerous independent projects.  Among them he produced and arranged a twelve-piece jazz band album entitled, “L.A. Supper Club”, and two CD’s for noted flamenco group, Sarkis Quatro, for which he also served as Music Director.  Among top jazz artists Stefano has performed with are: Ed Shaughnessy, Greg Bissonette, Justo Almario, Bobby Shew, Buddy Collette, and Jimmy Smith.  

Stefano and his family moved to Calgary in 2006 where he keeps a busy schedule performing and recording for television and radio commercials and various independent artists.  Since 2008 he has been educating aspiring young jazz musicians at Ambrose University teaching jazz ensembles and jazz theory classes where he is also director of jazz studies.  In addition to Ambrose University commitment he is working as clinician for many Junior High and High Schools both in the CBE district and surrounding areas.

Stefano has been fortunate to be part of the Vic Lewis band festival faculty for the last six years.