To whom it may concern:
I am honoured to provide this letter of reference for Hermann’s Jazz Club, for Nichola Walkden, and for the Jazz on View Society.
I have been producing live flamenco events in Victoria since 2013, and at Hermann’s Jazz Club since January 2014.
Hermann’s Jazz Club has played a large role in the growth of flamenco and the Victoria flamenco community. The Victoria Flamenco Festival began in 2013 and as it grew in reputation and audience, we moved our evening performances over to Hermann’s. We have never looked back! Our audience now looks to Hermann’s calendar to find the upcoming flamenco shows on the roster.
Hermann’s can support a live show with dinner and drinks for a mid-size audience. The staff at Hermann’s, led by Nichola Walkden, is outstanding. The sound system is good and the stage solid. All of the systems are in place and running efficiently from my perspective as a producer.
There are precious few venues in Victoria that can offer what Hermann’s has to offer. There is a feeling of history and greatness in the walls that cannot be found anywhere else in this town. Hermann’s truly is “an institution” that demands respect while it simultaneously welcomes all Victorians into its midst.
I have deep respect for Nichola Walkden and her ability to lead the Jazz on View Society to a successful resolution for Hermann’s. Nichola inspires respect from all who know her, and from many music benefactors, and I know that she will bring forward the finances needed to ensure that Hermann’s Jazz Club remains in the live music circuit of British Columbia.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jan Bate
Bandita Productions
juanitabate@gmail.com