The Pollcats perform well-loved jazz standards from the Great American Songbook in a traditional style reminiscent of the swing era's Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. They have been a staple at Rideau Hall, entertaining for the Governor General’s Performing Arts, and Literary Arts Award banquets as well as a state dinner for the Emperor & Empress of Japan and a private gala reception for Prince Charles of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles.
Their countless professional clients include: The National Gallery of Ottawa, The National Arts Centre, The Shenkman Centre, Global Television, Shaw Media, the Byward Market Association, The United Way, Free Balance, Jetform, Honeywell, The Canadian Medical Association, The College of Physicians and Surgeons, Esso Canada, Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, the American, Finnish, French & Mexican Embassies as well as the Carleton University Alumni Association, St. Paul University and the University of Ottawa.
Over the last several years, the public has had opportunities to catch the Pollcats at the Brookstreet Hotel, Zolas, the Empire Grill, 47 York, Vineyards Winebar and Zoe’s Lounge at the Chateau Laurier Hotel. Other highlights in the past include performances for former Prime Ministers Paul Martin, Jean Chrétien and Brian Mulroney, former Opposition Leader Preston Manning and Jack Layton. The group frequently collaborates with local vocalists Peter Liu, Nicole Ratte, Karen Oxorn, and Toronto singer Alex Pangman and has recorded and performed with the Ewashko Singers of Ottawa. The Pollcats debut CD, “Swingin’ In The Capital”, has received airplay on CBC’s “Jazz Beat” as well as “The Sunday Edition”.
The Pollcats provide the finest professional jazz music for any event, including corporate receptions/dinners, cocktail parties, weddings, conferences, dances, and entertainment at restaurants or lounges. Whether playing background music or featured entertainment, they add a classic touch to any venue and occasion. The Pollcats perform in many sized groups, including duos, trios, quartets, quintets, and sextets. Samples of instrumentation include:
Duo: Clarinet / Piano or Guitar
Trio: Clarinet / Piano or Guitar / Upright Bass
Quartet: Clarinet / Piano or Guitar / Bass / Drums or Vocals
Quintet: Clarinet / Vocals/ Piano or Guitar / Bass / Drums
Sextet: Clarinet / Vocals / Trombone / Piano or Guitar / Bass / Drums