Please join us on Saturday, February 15th at 7:30 pm at the Desautels Concert Hall for an enchanting evening with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra's presentation of Cherry Blossom Dreams. The WJO celebrates the joy of love through song at this post-Valentine's Day concert. They are also proud to introduce Winnipeg audiences to the international multi-award winning Filipina jazz vocalist Charito. Her highly personal and expressive vocal style, incorporating everything from straight-ahead soulful ballads to hard-swinging grooves and improvisational adventures, is the perfect musical medley to fall in love to.

Charito is recognized by critics, musicians and audiences as a powerful and creative jazz vocalist. She has definitely notched a place for herself in Japan's exclusive music world and is now gaining note abroad. She has received Swing Journal's Gold Disc Award and Best Vocal Award 2004 for "Non-Stop to Brazil" with world-famous Brazilian musician Ivan Lins. She has released a total of nine albums - most recorded in the U.S., Canada or Brazil. Her artistry continues to establish its global presence with her recent and forthcoming tours in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America. Her approach is fresh and invigorating, paying tribute to the jazz tradition while interacting and exploring, always seeking to express herself in the moment.

With Charito's elegant style and the WJO's big band bravado, this dream team will lull you into love with beautiful renditions of S'Wonderful (George Gershwin), I Only Have Eyes for You (The Flamingos), My Funny Valentine (Frank Sinatra), You Are the Sunshine of my Life (Stevie Wonder), and so much more!

Along with the WJO and Charito's dreamy display, we have even more special guests this evening! If you're excited to see some up-and-coming musicians in the Winnipeg Jazz scene, the Sisler High School Band will be sharing a pre-concert performance at 7:00 pm that evening. And, during our intermission, Rondalla, a traditional Filipino string ensemble, will be taking to the stage to share their exquisite sound as you relax between the sets. So be sure to bring a date so you can both discover your love of amazing arrangements, bold brass sound, and Charito's one-of-a-kind, dynamite voice!