Xerox Rochester International Jazz Fest: Kent Sangster Obsessions Octet

Pictured: Kent Sangster

Credit: WXXI

Enjoy the distinct sound of this group– an elegant blend of classical, latin and jazz elements.

The 2016 edition of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival series brings viewers the Jazz Fest's "Oh, Canada!" series shot at The Rochester Club featuring bands and performers from across Canada. In this episode of Season 8 of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival series, premiering Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 4 p.m. on WXXI-TV enjoy a performance by the Kent Sangster Obsessions Octet. The "Oh Canada!" series was presented by The Canada Council for the Arts. 

The Obsessions Octet was founded in 2005 by Kent Sangster a jazz saxophonist, and his wife Joanna Ciapka-Sangster, a classically trained violinist, out of their long- held desire to make music together. This group is the most innovative, ambitious, crazy and satisfying project that they have undertaken to date.  The distinct sound of this group is an elegant blend of classical, latin and jazz elements, performing works by Astor Piazzolla, Chucho Valdes, Cole Porter and a collection of Kent Sangster's original compositions.

The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, held in Rochester, New York – home of the Eastman School of Music, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Garth Fagan Dance and the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film– is a nine-day event that hosts more than 300 concerts at 19 venues. Now in its 13th year, the festival is the brainchild of John Nugent and Marc Iacona and draws more than 190,000 people from 30-plus states and 15 countries. From legendary performers and familiar favorites – to rising stars and new discoveries – this festival navigates all genres of creative improvised music from all corners of the world.

The Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival Series is produced by WXXI Public Broadcasting and distributed nationally by American Public Television. The series is underwritten by The Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Foundation.