Trio Arjento

Marcy Hull cast a spell over downtown Orillia with her sultry voice over the weekend.

The lead vocalist of Hamilton-based "indie jazz" group Trio Arjento — one of more than 20 artists that performed during the 21st annual Orillia Jazz and Blues Festival — captivated the crowd at Cosmo's Ristorante in a double-header Friday and Saturday nights.

"Here we are in heaven," sang Hull in hushed tones on Saturday, "For you are mine at last."

And the audience was.

Before the final chords of Etta James's 1960 smash hit even filled the dimly lit room, applause had broken out.

Cosmo Dominelli, who had opened his Mississaga Street restaurant to the festival's talent since Day 1, spent the past few years on the sidelines, hoping for some new acts.

When the opportunity to host Trio Arjento — a new addition to the event that includes Jennifer Lockman on keys, Tom Shea on guitar, Orange McFarland on upright bass, and Orillian Danny Smith on drums and, of course, Hull on vocals — came up, Dominelli, a "bluesy fan" himself, was persuaded to jump back into the swing of things.

"What I hope for is every year they keep bringing in new talent," he said. - Orillia Packet

Friday May 21 at 7 pm, a DINNER PARTY with TRIO ARJENTO at Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne Street. By popular demand (really true!), we’re having another Dinner Party while you listen to Marcy Hull vocals, Jennifer Lockman piano, Tom Shea guitar, playing their own songs plus some jazz and blues. - Artword Artbar