I am writing this letter of support of Hermann’s Jazz Club. To say that it was instrumental to me becoming a professional jazz musician is not an exaggeration. When I was getting started in Victoria in the 1990’s, I would go to Hermann’s for the high school jam (hosted by Esquimalt High School) as well as Tom Vickery’s jam and to see my teachers, mentors and inspirations perform. By the end of high school I was performing there as well. I had so many formative musical experiences there, both as an audience member and as a performer. In the past 20 years since I have lived in Toronto, I have returned to Hermann’s to play with my own and other people’s bands, as well to visit as a way to stay in touch with the Victoria jazz community. Hermann’s is a very important place to foster jazz, and the next generation of jazz from Victoria. People in Toronto are often amazed at how many jazz musicians come from Victoria, and having played at Hermann’s cuts across generation lines, as well as schooling, as a common denominator that all of us have. I sincerely hope that this legacy is able to continue.
Sincerely,
Michael Herring