Dozens of low brass musicians from across the Northwest will showcase their favorite instrument at the University of Victoria from July 12-14 in the Northwest Big Brass Bash. Tuba and euphonium students, amateur players and professional musicians alike will gather in a non-competitive atmosphere for a fun weekend of masterclasses, rehearsals and public concerts.

Program director Sam Blumenthal is especially excited that the 32nd annual Bash is going to be held at UVic. “Our friend, the late Eugene Dowling, was an early participant and strong supporter of the Bash,” says Blumenthal. “He always wanted to bring the Bash to Canada when he was alive and his protegees at UVic— Scott MacInnes and Paul Beauchesne—took up the cause this year to make Gene’s dream come true.” Dowling was principle tuba of the Victoria Symphony, professor at UVic for nearly 30 years, and founder of Victoria’s TubaChristmas.

Continuing in the tradition of the Bash are public concerts on Saturday, July 13 at 4:30pm (Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, UVic) and on Sunday, July 14 at 2pm in Market Square in downtown Victoria. There is no charge for either event.

The Northwest Big Brass Bash is a non-profit entity that began as a one-day event in 1987 in Spokane, Washington. A Bash is held annually in different communities throughout the Northwest every July.