When Scott Jazey was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and told he had three to six months to live, he decided spend whatever time he had left to pursue his love of music and share it with anyone who cared to listen.
That was three years ago and although he has been battling the dreadful disease ever since, he’s made good on the commitment he made to himself by continue to perfect his craft and hosting an open mic session every second Thursday night at the Blackburn Arms Pub in Blackburn Hamlet.
Blackburn Arms owner Scott Philip was happy to oblige Jazey. The pub has always been a welcome venue for local musicians.
“Scott knows a lot of local musicians and a lot of local musicians know him, so an open mic sessions seemed like a good idea.And it’s been growing ever since. More and more musicians are coming every week,” says Philip.
For Jazey the sessions are just another form of therapy in his ongoing battle against the disease.
“When I was diagnosed it really changed my perspective on life and made me realize how much I love music and Scott’s been very supportive in letting me use this space. It’s allowed me to really do what I love every couple of weeks with other musicians.”
Not surprisingly, Jazey’s biggest fans are his mother and father, Del and Don Jazey.
His father established a Facebook group called “Scott Jazey: Friends & Family” in April 2024 to keep friends and family up to date on Scott’s treatment and upcoming shows.
The very first event they organized took place at the Rainbow Bistro in the Byward Market. They were hoping for 40 or 50 people to show up. It actual fact, it was a packed house with more than 250 people in attendance.
It was a thrilling evening for Jazey who had been going through treatments for the better part of the previous year.
Three days before the Rainbow Bistro concert, Jazey played a short trial set at the Blackburn Arms which would end up becoming a regular Scott Jazz and Friends gig every second Thursday.
The bi-weekly sessions also double as fundraiser to help pay some of the bills through a 50/50 draw.
“Since this happened three years ago I’m so grateful and happy,” says Jazey. “Even though I know I’m limited, it’s been a weight off my shoulders doing the things I love.”
Blackburn Hamlet resident and retired military piper Hugh MacPherson is another huge fan who has attended almost every session. He recently present Jazey and Philip with identical wall plaques with a bagpipe strathspey composition of his own to honour both men.
The next Scott Jazey and Friends session will take place at the Blackburn Arms on Sept. 18 starting at 6:30 p.m.
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
STATION 71 PANCAKE BREAKFAST from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 71 in Navan with a freewill donation to the CHEO Foundation. Come enjoy pancakes with local maple syrup Erabliere des Wats Sugar Bush, local coffee from Papa Bean coffee roastery, and sausages and bacon from Lavergne Meat. After breakfast check out the Navan Fall Fest at the Navan Fairgrounds.
