Miles Black, piano with Don Stewart, vocals & Walter Martella, trumpet

Songs of Nat King Cole

Sunday, February 12, 2023 | 2:00 PM | James Hall

Admission $25 - Students 18 & under free with student ticket voucher

Tickets are also available:

About the Artists

Based in Vancouver, BC, Miles Black is a highly respected career musician who contributes an enormous wealth of musical experience and expertise to most every facet of the music industry.  Although primarily known as one of Canada's most accomplished jazz pianists, Miles is also highly acclaimed and sought after as an arranger, producer, composer, session musician, guitarist, vocalist, bassist, saxophonist, songwriter, and musical theatre director.  In addition he has worked as a music therapist and collegiate music instructor.

Just some of the artists and acts with whom Miles has worked with include Mark Murphy, Lee Konitz, Slide Hampton, George Coleman, Scott Hamilton, Sheila Jordan, Chuck Israels, Dee Daniels, Paul Horn, Skywalk, Max Roach, Harry “Sweets” Edison, Maynard Ferguson, Lew Tabackin, Claudio Roditi, and Ingrid Jensen. 

Don Stewart brings passion, sensitivity and his own identity to every piece of music he touches. The songs he sings, writes, and arranges are ones to which audiences and musicians all over the world can easily relate. He lays his seductive musical style onto Jazz, Soul, and Pop standards alike. Utilizing a satin-smooth four octave range and impeccable vocals, he has conquered the live concert, released three albums with one more coming, and written and starred in his own production “Unforgettable”, the story of Nat King Cole, to rave reviews.

Don has created hundreds of poetic lyrics but only recently released his creations after synergizing his talents with musician Miles Black. His third CD, “Midnight Hour”, features four original songs written by Don with original music by Miles Black. His fourth CD, “Tender Lies”, is entirely Don’s own original, lyrical creation with the original music of Miles Black.

Walter Martella, conductor, Music Director of the Powell River Academy of Music, and Artistic Director of the International Choral Kathaumixw, is a pianist, trumpeter, and accordionist. Walter has taken the stage with many world class musicians and conductors and has recorded five albums. Performing is a significant part of Walter’s career but just as important to him is his involvement with the Academy of Music. He is a strong believer in the power of music as part of community. Walter is currently the conductor of Chor Musica, Academy Chamber Choir, and the Powell River Chorus and has a full private teaching schedule. He is a graduate of Banff School, Vancouver Island University, UVIC, and the BCCF conducting program. He is a charter member of the Powell River Boys Choir.