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The career of campus’ best-known jazz aficionado will be celebrated next week at a tribute concert headlined by one of the genre’s most acclaimed contemporary voices. Renowned vocalist Claire Martin will perform at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts on Friday, April 26 in recognition of Daniel Woolf, who is leaving his role as principal and vice-chancellor of Queen’s University after 10 years of service.

“We’re very excited to have Claire Martin performing at the Isabel in celebration of Principal Woolf’s outstanding contributions as head of the university,” says Tricia Baldwin, Director of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts. “Widely regarded as one of the planet’s best living jazz vocalists, her music will not only dazzle our audience, it will also serve as a resounding send-off for a Principal whose passion for music – especially jazz – and the arts has been felt across campus throughout his tenure.”

Open to the public, the evening’s events will begin with remarks from Interim Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Tom Harris and Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation) Kanonhsyonne (Janice Hill), followed by a video tribute to Principal Woolf, that looks back on the many milestones Queen’s has reached under his leadership. Fittingly, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts is one of the many iconic buildings conceptualized and constructed during his terms in office.

Multi-instrumentalist Martin Sjöstedt will then join Claire Martin for an intimate performance of legendary jazz standards and inventive re-workings of contemporary favourites. Nicknamed the “First Lady of British Jazz”, Claire Martin has received worldwide acclaim and many awards during her 30-year career, including eight British Jazz Awards. Principal Woolf will interview her on his campus radio show, CFRC's "Dark Glasses" on Monday, April 22, in advance of Friday’s celebrations.

“We’re looking forward to having members of the Queen’s and Kingston communities join us for what will surely be a wonderful celebration,” says Dr. Harris. “Come enjoy world-class music in this beautiful facility, and let’s pay tribute to Principal Woolf, whose contributions will leave an indelible mark on the history of our university.”

Tickets for the concert are open to the campus and Kingston communities, and the show starts Friday, April 26 at 7:30 pm.

Note: This article was originally written by Dave Rideout in the Queen's Gazette.