LONDON – Ottawa’s Lucas Haneman, CNIB’s 2010 iFactor winner, has been awarded the CNIB scholarship to the Master Class Series, taught by some of the most influential jazz guitarists in the world, and taking place during the inaugural Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler, this Labour Day weekend.

Along with 70 other guitar students, the 24-year-old will fine tune his talent under the tutelage of six Master Class Series faculty members who have 130 combined years of teaching experience. Headed by renowned jazz guitarist Kevin Eubanks, the Master Class Series will take place in the intimate theatre at Maurice Young Millennium Place in Whistler, B.C.

“I have dreamed of studying with players like these for most of my life,” says Haneman.  “I was taken aback, humbled, and blown away when I received the call for this amazing chance to learn from some of the most unique and knowledgeable guitarists in the world.”

The most improved students in the Master Class Series will be invited to perform with their teachers at the Jazz On The Mountain All-Star Jam on September 4, 2011 on the free outdoor concert stage in Village Square, in the heart of Whistler Village.

“We are very pleased that such a talented guitarist as Lucas will be participating in the inaugural Master Class Series,” says Arnold Schwisberg, founder and producer of Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler. “His journey to overcome extraordinary hurdles, develop his talent and share it with the world inspires us. We hope he will in turn, be inspired by the Master Classes. Close-up, Lucas can learn the unique and distinctive instrumental voices of each of the artists, and ask questions about their personal techniques and tips. We hope this will be a true milestone in his career.”

An expressive and soulful guitarist with a sound that reaches beyond genres, Haneman, who has been blind since birth, won over his fellow contestants, judges and the crowd at the 2010 iFactor finale, CNIB’s premier musical competition for people with vision loss. Earlier this year, Haneman released his debut album; This is What’s Up, which he describes as Soul Jazz with flares of funk, rock, blues and a little bit of folk.  (For more information, please visit www.myspace.com/lucashaneman)

As Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler’s charity of choice, CNIB will receive a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to help support local CNIB programs and services for people who are blind or partially sighted. CNIB clients will receive free admission into Whistler Olympic Plaza, the Festival’s main venue.

About CNIB

CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. For more information, visit www.cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.

About The iFactor

The iFactor is a nationwide musical competition for people living with vision loss, where contestants are given the opportunity to further their musical talents under the guidance of renowned entertainment industry professionals.      

About JOMAW

Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler is Canada’s newest jazz festival taking place Labour Day weekend September 2 to 4, 2011 in the lively pedestrian village of Whistler, British Columbia. Combining top international and Canadian jazz artists performing in a picturesque, intimate and highly interactive setting, Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler offers over thirty free and ticketed shows providing entertainment for everyone and perfectly complementing the end-of-summer vibe in Whistler.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Shannon Simpson, Communications Specialist
P: 519-685-8420 ext. 5147 E: shannon.simpson@cnib.ca