OPINION ON CITY RIVALRY

by BILL BROWNSTEIN

It wasn't a fear of SARS that compelled Edmonton native Vanessa Rodrigues to leapfrog Toronto and decide to settle in Montreal instead. The 24-year-old musician is part of a new wave of migrants who are flocking to what they perceive to be one of the most vibrant clutural hubs on the continent.

Tough enough to make it in the world of jazz. Tougher still to make it in a city where you're not entirely familiar with the language and customs of the locals, Rodrigues is undaunted.

She is also determined. She plays organ in the Vanessa Rodrigues Trio. In a more classical vein, she is assistant organist at St. Mathias Church. When time permits, she also plays with local funk, salsa and meringue bands. And to ensure she never has a moment's rest, she sells discs at the downtown HMV outlet.

And she is about to add another gig to her résumé: impresario. Rodrigues had a dream about playing with one of her idols, New York City jazzbo Ronnie Cuber. But the only way she could accomplish this feat was to bring the veteran baritone saxophonist into town herself.

So, at considerable cost, effort and time, she has. Cuber will be playing with the Vanessa Rodrigues Trio today and tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. at L'Alizé, 900 Ontario St. E. Tickets are $25 at the door, and be rest assured that Rodrigues will emerge only spiritually richer.

bbrownst@thegazette.canwest.com

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