Catch the sultry and sassy Joanna (Pussy) Finch and her band, the Stellar Jays, at Joe’s Garage on Saturday, Sept. 19 when they come home to play their final show of their 2009 tour Loves Come and Gone.

Backed by a band of stellar jazz musicians, including Sean Mooney on keyboard, Alan Jossul on guitars and James McRae on drums, Finch takes the audience on a journey of the century with her provocative love songs.

Their show is a tender and tempestuous cabaret of the original blues and jazz songs of Joanna Finch, spanning styles from the '30s to the present.

With several compilation CDs, an internationally acclaimed solo CD and regular CBC and international radio plays, Finch‘s voice has pleased audiences for almost 20 years with her “sweet, sometimes breathy, crooning voice (which) wouldn't be out of place on a 1940s bandstand…” says Monday Magazine’s John Threlfall. “Finch is absolutely a local talent to watch” Frequently played on CHLY on Songwriters Circle and on the Jazz programmes, Finch was nominated in 2006 for best female vocalist, and for best album of the year with her debut solo album In The Arms of Morpheus at the Vancouver Island songwriters’ showcase. Coda magazine’s Joseph Blake describes her debut album as “an impressive collection of wise well-crafted songs (with) expressive vocals.”

Pussy Finch and the Stellar Jays have enjoyed a busy year playing at some fine establishments including: Hermanns Jazz Club in Victoria, The Red Martini Grill in Nanaimo, The Waverley Hotel in Cumberland and The Heriot Bay Inn on Quadra Island where they will play their final show on September 20 from 6 to 9.

Wherever they go, their fans are delighted by the diversity and musicianship of the band. Finch’s amazing, realistic sounding nose cornet and her gentle flute solos, add an interesting touch to the great musicianship of her band that features some of the islands best.

Sean Mooney, (piano) is well known as a piano teacher and for his astonishing talent as an accompanist for all the Just In Time Jazz choirs, Nova Voce Choirs and Celebration Singers. His interpretations of both original compositions and jazz standards has made him a much sought after studio musician with several recordings to his credit, including Norbury & Finch "Tease For Two" (2000), "Rhythm and Green" The Valley Christmas Album (co-authourship for Cumberland Snow). His facial gestures are a scream.

Alan Jossul (guitars) has been teaching, working & playing guitar for most of his life having realized early that that music was his life's calling. Alan has played in several bands including Big Red Truck and as a sideman for Jazz Noir, Joanna Finch Trio and several other jazz combos. A Malaspina University College Jazz Performance grad, Alan is regularly is sought for private solo gigs and his recordings are extensive. Visit Alan’s website at www.alanjossul.ca.

James McRae (drums) has been involved in music performance professionally for around 30 years. Keeping time with a sensitive and expressive style, James is much sought after for live performances and recordings. He has accompanied diverse musicians including Scott White, Dan Lapp, Marc Atkinson, Miles Black, Monik Nordine, Joanna Finch, Sean Mooney and many more. James enjoys Joanna’s theatrical personas and sees a future with more involvement in musical theatre. A Nanaimo musician, James teaches drums and leads several musical projects including The Message, a Horace Silver tribute band that wowed the GSJS audience at the Elks Nov. 7 2008. Visit James’ website at www.theiconoclast.ca.

Pussy Finch is keen to get the audience purring, so come early to get a good seat and have a meal from the new Joe’s Garage menu. A special guest, “Luscious” Leslie Eaton, who was a hit at Madame Jojo’s Cabaret — and responsible for the catchy poster — will add her sassy vocals in an opening set. Listen to some of Joanna’s music here at www.joannafinch.com. Doors 8 p.m., $12 at the door at Joe's Garage at 117 Fifth street in Courtenay.

For reservations, call 250-702-MILO.